Cappadocia : Magical Land of Fairy Chimneys and Hot Air Balloons
Cappadocia is a region in Central Turkey and famous for hot air balloons, valleys, cave churches, underground cities and Volcanic Rock formations such as fairy chimnies. In this paragraph, i will try to give you usefull informations about the area and places to visit.
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Getting to Cappadocia
Firstly, Easiest way to get to Cappadocia is by Flight. For instance, there are two nearby Airports, Cappadocia Airport – In Nevsehir and Erkilet Airport – In Kayseri. Both aiports are about 1 hour away to Urgup Town. Also, Urgup Town is considered as the heart of Cappadocia. Secondly, You can rent a car from Airport or go there by using the shuttle buses.
Also, Driving can be another option. From Istanbul to Cappadocia is about 800km, approx 10-11 Hours driving via Ankara.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
There are plenty of options in Cappadocia interms of accommadation types. For instance, There are small family run pansions, well designed – cave hotels, boutique hotels and luxury hotels. Staying in a Cave Hotel is one of the must do’s in Cappadocia as they are unique to the region. Majority of the cave hotels are mainly in Cavusin Village, Goreme Village, Ortahisar Village and in Urgup.
Dere Suites – Cave Hotel
Cappadocia is famous for traditional cave hotels.
Check Booking.Com for Cappadocia Hotels
Places to see/visit in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a natural and historical region where largely in the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri and Aksaray. From one end to the other end of the Cappadocia Region is about 100miles apart from each other. Therefore, we highly recommend you to have a private guided tour or join a group tour. So, please be aware that places and sites are not walking distance away.
Dervent Valley
Dervent Valley is located on the way between Cavusin Village and Urgup. This valley is famous with its camel looking shaped rock. Therefore somepeople also call it Camel Valley
It is on the way to Urgup from Avanos. Also, you can visit it after Pasabag Valley. If you will do trekking please be aware of slipperly surfaces.
Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle is one of the tallest volcanic rock formation in the region. Especially back in the Roman era, it was carved like an ant nest and used as watch tower. On the way from Uchisar to Goreme, you will see the car parking area and view point.
Uchisar Castle view point is on the way from Uchisar to Goreme Village. Parking facilites are available.
Love Valley
Love Valley offers one of the most beautiful views of Cappadocia. Located between Avanos and Goreme road. There are huge, long mushroom looking fairy chimney formations in the valley and some of them are up 15 meters high. Also, The soil of the region is very rich in minerals, which makes it an ideal place for growing fruits and vegetables.
It is about 10 minutes away from Goreme, 15 minutes away from Uchisar or Avanos and 25 minutes away from Urgup by car.
Underground Cities
Probably the region is the richest region in the world interms of Underground Cities. As a result, There are more than 20 underground cities in the region. The most famous underground cities are Kaymakli Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City and Ozkonak Underground City.
Underground cities were for security concerns back in the ancient times. Eearly Christian used them also. Also, Whenever people feel themself in danger, Underground Cities were the place where they hided.
Some of them goes 9 floors down from surface. Each floors are connected to each other with the small tunnels. Generally first two floors were Stables and Kitchens.
Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme Open Air Museum has been a member of UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. It was a monastery complex and contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness.
Entrance fee is about 20,00Euro pp)
Majority of the churches belong to 10th – 13th Centuries. It is obviously the number one place for any traveler in Cappadocia. Also, It is like the center of the region with easy access from all directions. For instance, There are many churches and chapels in Goreme Open Air Museum but the most important ones are Apple Church, Snake Church, Dark Church, Sandal Church and Buckle Church.
Dark Church contains the less faded frescos. For instance, they are like just made yesterday. On the other hand, There is an additional entrance fee to visit the dark church and it is approx 6,00 EURO pp
Pasabag Valley
Pasabag is just 5 minutes away from Cavusin Village on the way to Urgup. It is the area where you can observe the existence of fairy chimnies.
Paşabağ has the highest concentration of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. These unusual rock formations were formed by millions of years of wind and rain eroding away at soft volcanic tuff. This left much harder rock behind and created the mushroom-shaped caps on top.
It is in the list of UNESCO World Heriatge Sites since 1985.
Many of the fairy chimneys were used by monks or hermits as homes. This is why Paşabağ is also known as Monk’s Valley or Hermit’s Valley. Today, one of them is even used as a gendarmerie station.
Entrance fee is approx 12,00 EURO pp
Need an Expert Travel Advisor in Cappadocia
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