Cappadocia Itinerary: How to Spend 2 to 5 Days in Cappadocia

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Uçhisar and its rock castle at sunrise with hot air balloons in a pink sky
Colourful hot air balloons rising into a blue sky over Cappadocia
Two travellers in hats looking out over Cappadocia's valleys as hot air balloons rise at sunrise

Thinking of heading to Turkey and looking for a magical Cappadocia itinerary for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days? Then look no further! In this itinerary, I cover some of the best things to do, extraordinary places to eat and some dreamy places to stay.

Whether you’ve only got 2 days in Cappadocia or you can stay for 3, 4, 5 or even longer, this guide should make it simple. So you can hop on a plane and start your magical adventures in Cappadocia.

I spent almost two weeks in Cappadocia in autumn, staying at The Dorm Cave by Travellers in Göreme. And my favourite moment wasn’t a tour at all. It was getting up before sunrise and watching hundreds of hot air balloons rise over the valleys. The thing that surprised me most was how often the balloon flights were cancelled because of the weather. So build spare mornings into your plans.

Cappadocia At A Glance

Best baseGöreme (cave hotels like Sultan Cave Suites, restaurants and the best balloon views)
Getting thereFly into Kayseri or Nevşehir, usually via Istanbul, or take the night bus
How longAt least 3 days, and 5 if you can
Best time to visitApril to May and September to October
Balloon flightsBalloon rides from around €80 in low season to €400 in peak months, weather permitting
Getting aroundOn foot in Göreme, then tours (like the Red and Green tours), taxis or a hire car

Map Of This Cappadocia Itinerary

Every stop in the 5-day itinerary is pinned below, from the valleys around Göreme to Ihlara Valley on the Green Tour. Just tap a pin for a quick tip.

Where Is Cappadocia?

Hot air balloons floating over the Göreme valley in golden morning light

The region of Cappadocia is in the centre of Turkey, roughly three and a half hours south of the capital city, Ankara.

The largest city in Cappadocia is Nevşehir. But by far the most popular town to visit is Göreme, because this is where the famous hot air balloons fill the skies most mornings.

How Many Days To Spend In Cappadocia

Hot air balloons over Cappadocia's rocky valleys at sunrise

How many days you need depends on what you want to include on your Cappadocia itinerary. Most people come here for the once-in-a-lifetime balloon trip over this stunning region. So technically, you only need two days in Cappadocia.

But there’s SO much more to Cappadocia than the hot air balloons, and you could easily spend much longer here. In fact, I spent almost two weeks in Cappadocia lol.

Most people spend three days in Cappadocia, but I’d recommend spending at least five.

How To Do This Itinerary In 2, 3 Or 4 Days

This guide is laid out as a 5-day itinerary, but it’s easy to cut down. The one rule is to book your balloon flight for your first morning, so you have spare mornings if it’s cancelled because of the weather.

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TimeWhat to do
2 daysFollow days 1 and 2: the Red and Rose Valley, Lovers Hill at sunset, a balloon flight, Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley and a sunset ATV tour
3 daysAdd day 3 for the Green Tour, including Derinkuyu Underground City and the Ihlara Valley
4 daysAdd day 4 for watching the balloons from Lovers Hill, Göreme Open Air Museum and a sunset horse ride
5 daysDo the whole itinerary, with a retro car drive and a hammam on your last day

My 5-Day Cappadocia Itinerary

Day 1: Red And Rose Valley And Sunset At Lovers Hill

Arrive And Check In

Stone cave hotel buildings and terraces in Göreme

Like I mentioned earlier, you’ll almost certainly be coming to Cappadocia from somewhere else in Turkey.

Loads of people fly into Cappadocia from Istanbul. There are heaps of flights a day, but I’d recommend getting into Cappadocia as early as you can to make the most of your time here.

Traditional Turkish Ice Cream

Turkish ice cream seller in traditional costume serving ice cream
Hand holding a pink Turkish ice cream cone

Whether or not you’ve already done this somewhere else in Turkey, it’s time to try some of the local ice creams.

There isn’t usually loads of variety. But the whole ordering process is an experience in itself!

To become an ice cream man in Turkey, you need a LOT of character and energy. It’s a real performance.

These stalls are dotted everywhere in Cappadocia. And if you’re staying in Göreme (the most popular town in Cappadocia), you’ll find one on the main high street close to the mosque.

Red And Rose Valley

Pink and cream rock ridges of the Rose Valley in Cappadocia
Bench at the Red and Rose Valley viewpoint overlooking the rock ridges
Trail through the Red Valley with trees and rock walls

The Red Valley and Rose Valley have some incredible landscapes. As their names suggest, the rock is red and pink, and at times it looks like you’ve just stepped onto Mars.

You’ve got two options for these valleys: hiking, or driving to the viewpoint.

Personally, I hiked. There’s a well-trodden trail from the centre of Göreme, and it’s roughly 10 kilometres. It also goes past Haçlı Church, a cave-style church that loads of people want to see. And there’s a sweet restaurant just outside the church, which is a great place to stop for lunch if you haven’t eaten in Göreme already.

Or you can take a taxi to the viewpoint. It’s just a 15 minute drive, and once you arrive there are plenty of gift stalls and restaurants. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy the unbelievable view over the Red and Rose Valleys.

Fancy a hike, but not 10 kilometres? Take a taxi to the viewpoint and walk back to Göreme. It’s almost half the distance and mostly downhill. And if you take the trail to the right of the viewpoint, you’ll pass Haçlı Church too.

Read more: Cappadocia Red Valley hike

Turkish Carpets

Colourful Turkish carpets and vintage radios inside a carpet shop
Turkish carpets hanging outside a carpet shop in Cappadocia

Once you’ve had a rest after the Red and Rose Valley, it’s time to see what all the fuss is about with Turkish carpet shops.

The best-known shop, the one plastered all over social media, is called Galerie Ikman. But Sultan Carpets is popular too.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll need to pay a small fee if you want to take any photos. Granted, the photo areas are set up to look absolutely incredible, and you’ll even get some drone shots taken for you.

I checked out both shops, and there’s no denying they’re beautiful. But tbh, the whole photo thing wasn’t really for me, so I didn’t take many great pictures. If you want to see the kind of photos you can get, check out Galerie Ikman on Instagram.

Sunset At Lovers Hill

Couple watching the sunset over Göreme from Lovers Hill
A dog resting on Lovers Hill with Göreme behind it at sunset

Watching the sunset at Lovers Hill is one of the nicest ways to round off the day. The viewpoint is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Göreme, and there’s usually a small entry fee at the top, so bring a little cash.

At the viewpoint there are a couple of stalls selling food and drink. But mostly it’s just tonnes of people chilling and admiring the view. Oh, and a few dogs doing the same thing!

Dinner At The Wooden Spoon Cave

Entrance to a cave restaurant in Göreme at night
A pottery kebab clay pot being cracked open at the table
Cave restaurant in Göreme with floor cushions and low tables

The Wooden Spoon Cave restaurant is one of the most charming places to eat in Cappadocia. It’s tucked away down one of the many cute side alleys off the centre of Göreme, and it’s a real, authentic cave-dining experience.

When you arrive, you can sit on some gorgeous Turkish cushions on the floor or at a table. It’s up to you. But the floor feels like a more immersive experience.

The menu is pretty varied, but I highly recommend the pottery kebabs. It’s the traditional Anatolian dish where the meat and/or vegetables are cooked inside a clay pot. Then when it’s ready, the waiter or waitress smashes the pot and everything pours out onto your plate!

📝 Note: restaurants in Cappadocia change hands quickly, so check recent reviews before you go.

Day 2: Hot Air Balloons, Uçhisar Castle And Love Valley

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot air balloons inflating on the launch field at sunrise in Cappadocia
A red hot air balloon being inflated with its burner lit before dawn
Hot air balloons drifting over fairy chimneys at sunrise in Cappadocia

For most people, this is the main reason they’re visiting Cappadocia. It’s a bucket list thing to do, and it’ll almost certainly be on your Cappadocia itinerary.

But there are some REALLY important things to think about before your trip if you want to do it.

The main one? Book in advance, and book it for your first morning in Cappadocia. If the weather doesn’t let the balloons fly that day, you’ll be bumped to the next available day. And sometimes, after a string of bad weather days in Cappadocia, there’s a backlog of people waiting to fly, so you might have to wait a few days.

On the day of your balloon ride, you’ll need to be up super early. It varies by tour company, but you’ll most likely need to be ready to leave at 4:30 am. You’ll meet your tour provider and they’ll transfer you and the group to the launch site.

When you arrive, you’ll usually get tea, coffee and some light snacks while the balloons are inflated.

Once you’re up, you’ll float around among the other balloons as the sun rises, for roughly 60 minutes, before coming back down to land. Wherever that is, your tour company will be there to pick you up and take you back to your hotel.

Most companies celebrate the landing with a glass of champagne or juice before driving you back.

You’ll usually be back around 7 am, and you’ll probably want to head back to bed for a few hours!

📝 Honest note: I didn’t fly on my trip. I watched the balloons from the ground instead (see day 4), and while I was there, flights were cancelled on some mornings because of the weather. Everything below is what you need to know if you’re booking one.

Check prices: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar village and Uçhisar Castle above Cappadocia's valleys

Once you’ve recovered from the early start, it’s time to head to Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. If you’re staying in Göreme and you’ve got the energy, you can walk 5 kilometres through Pigeon Valley all the way to Uçhisar. It’s gradually uphill most of the way and very idyllic. Or if you’d rather not walk, hop in a taxi and you’ll be there in roughly 10 minutes.

Either way, you’ll need to buy a ticket at the gate. It was around 400 TL in 2026, and the Museum Pass isn’t valid here.

Just so you know, Uçhisar Castle is NOT your typical castle. Like the rest of the region, it’s a huge natural rock outcrop that was hollowed out into rooms and tunnels. And it was used as a fortress and place of refuge for centuries.

You can wander in and out of the different parts of Uçhisar Castle. But the best part, in my opinion, is the view from the top. You’ll need to climb roughly 100 stairs to get there, which takes around 10 minutes. And the view from up there is incredible, with panoramic views over all of Cappadocia.

Love Valley

Close-up of the rock pillars in Love Valley
Tall rock pillars in Love Valley, Cappadocia

Love Valley is a REALLY unique area of Cappadocia. Its phallic rock formations make for some interesting pictures, to say the least lol. But it’s definitely worth including on your itinerary to see this unusual sight.

You can drive here and park pretty much anywhere. Or you could walk from Uçhisar Castle, through the White Valley and on to Love Valley. In fact, there’s a great trail through a number of valleys to Uçhisar Castle if you can find half a day to do it.

Read more: Love Valley hike

Sunset ATV Tour

Red quad bike parked beside fairy chimneys in Cappadocia
Quad bikes parked at a viewpoint for sunset on an ATV tour in Cappadocia

A sunset ATV tour is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia, and it was one of my favourite experiences while I was there. It’s fairly cheap, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Once you’ve booked, the provider will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the starting point. It doesn’t really matter which tour provider you choose, because they all follow the same route.

Once you’re kitted out and you’ve learnt the basics of driving an ATV, you’ll set off through a number of the valleys in Cappadocia. You’ll stop at different viewpoints, then arrive at a spot where you can leave your quad bike and climb a small hill to watch the sunset. And you’ll be joined by hundreds of others on an ATV tour, plus some locals trying to sell you snacks for the sunset.

Check prices: ATV Tour Cappadocia

Dinner At Dibek

Entrance to Dibek restaurant in Göreme lit by lanterns

To finish off the day, head to Dibek, a traditional cave restaurant that’s over 475 years old. It’s in Göreme, and it’s super cute, with little cave-like areas to eat in. It’s known for its authentic dining experience and excellent food, but also for its wine.

I’d recommend booking ahead for this one, as it’s quite popular.

Day 3: The Green Tour And Ihlara Valley

Green Tour

Covered riverside platform at a restaurant in the Ihlara Valley
A footbridge over the river in the Ihlara Valley seen from above
Trees along the river in the Ihlara Valley canyon

The two main tours in Cappadocia are the Red Tour and the Green Tour. But most of what’s on the Red Tour is fairly easy to reach by yourself, and most of those sites are already in this Cappadocia itinerary.

The Green Tour, on the other hand, is a full day out, and you’ll get to explore loads more of the surrounding area. Most notably, the Ihlara Valley.

The day starts with a pick-up from your hotel or hostel at roughly 9 am. Then you’ll head to your first stop, a viewpoint with fantastic views of Uçhisar Castle in the distance.

Next up is Derinkuyu Underground City. You’ll wander through the tiny tunnels and into different chambers that were built to protect people during the war. Be warned, if you’re very claustrophobic, you might want to skip this bit.

Then you’ll head to the Ihlara Valley for a short, easy hike before stopping for lunch by the river. It’s a truly idyllic part of the tour, and arguably the best bit.

Before heading back to Göreme, you’ll visit the Selime Monastery, the Onyx Jewellery Factory and Pigeon Valley.

Check prices: Green Tour

Dinner At Legarto Restaurant

Legarto Restaurant is in Ürgüp, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in Cappadocia.

There’s a beautiful terrace overlooking the authentic town of Ürgüp, plus indoor seating in the cave, which has been decorated with chandeliers.

It’s not the cheapest, but the food here is outstanding. Especially the mezze!

📝 Note: restaurants in Cappadocia change hands quickly, so check recent reviews before you go.

Day 4: Sunrise Balloons, Göreme Open Air Museum And Horse Riding

Watch The Balloons At Sunrise

Dozens of hot air balloons over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia at dawn
A hot air balloon with its burner lit over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys
Hot air balloons glowing over Cappadocia's valleys before sunrise

If you can’t justify the hefty price of a balloon trip in Cappadocia (or even if you can), one of the best things to do is get up early and head to Lovers Hill to see all the balloons flying.

To see the balloons, you’ll need to arrive at Lovers Hill around 6:15 am. Just like at sunset, you’ll pay the same small entry fee to get onto the viewpoint. And you can watch the balloons flying over for over an hour, which really is one of the most magical sights!

This was my favourite thing I did in Cappadocia. So if you’ve got the energy, I recommend doing it as many mornings as you can. The view never gets old, and the sunrise is never exactly the same.

Göreme Open Air Museum

Rock-cut cave churches and dwellings at Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Cappadocia. It’s part of the popular Red Tour. But it’s within walking distance of the centre of Göreme (where most people stay), so it’s easy to visit by yourself.

Entry costs €20 (2026), and the Museum Pass Türkiye is valid here. The Dark Church, which has some of the best-preserved frescoes, needs a separate €6 ticket. You can also add an audioguide or pre-book a guided tour.

Once you’re in, you can wander in and out of the different caves and churches, which have loads of different artwork on display. If you’re exploring on your own, there are plaques that explain the history of the region. But with an audio guide or tour guide, you’ll get a more in-depth insight.

It’s easy to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring Göreme Open Air Museum. And for most people, it’s an important thing to do to understand more about the history of Cappadocia.

Zelve Open Air Museum And Paşabağ (Monks Valley)

If you’ve got time, these two are worth adding. I visited both on a Red Tour. Zelve is an abandoned cave village spread across three valleys, and Paşabağ (also called Monks Valley) is known for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. If you’d rather not join a tour, both are a short taxi ride from Göreme.

Horse Riding

Horse riding guide sitting with the horses at sunset in Cappadocia
Close-up of a white horse at sunset on a horse riding tour in Cappadocia
Riding a horse through a narrow rock canyon in Cappadocia

A horse riding trip is one of the best experiences to include on your Cappadocia itinerary. And whatever the time of year, it’s quite magical. In summer, you’ll usually head out across the valleys for sunset, because during the day it’s far too hot for the horses. In winter you’re less restricted on time, but you’ll be riding through the snow. I didn’t visit in winter, but it looks unbelievable!

Like loads of the other tours here, your tour provider will pick you up and take you to the horse ranch. You’ll get a helmet and a horse that’s the right size for you. Then you’ll get some basic training on how to control the horse before you set off through the valley.

Just before the sun sets, you’ll reach a viewpoint. You’ll get off your horse, give them a well-deserved snack and watch the sun go down before heading back to the ranch.

Check prices: Horse Riding in Cappadocia

Dinner At Quick China

For your final dinner in Cappadocia, I’d recommend Quick China. Okay, it’s not traditional Turkish food. It’s Chinese! But by day 4 in Cappadocia you’ll almost certainly be ready to switch things up a bit, and there’s no better place to do it than Quick China.

As you can tell from the pictures, it’s super modern and looks pretty fancy. The presentation of the food is absolutely excellent, and the quality and taste are even better.

This luxurious-feeling restaurant is a great way to end your last night in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Retro Car Drive And A Turkish Hammam

Retro Car Trip

Woman in a red dress sitting on a red vintage convertible in Cappadocia
A red vintage car parked on a ridge in Cappadocia with hot air balloons overhead

One thing you’ll notice about Cappadocia is the number of retro cars dotted around the streets, especially in Göreme. These authentic-looking cars are popular to rent so you can explore the region on your own.

It’s perfectly safe to drive around Cappadocia. And to be honest, you’re unlikely to bump into that many people unless you’re heading to the popular viewpoints. As well as spending the morning gallivanting around the valleys, these cars make for some great pictures. Especially if you’ve got the energy to start your drive at sunrise while the balloons are flying overhead!

Check prices: Retro Car Tour

Hammam Spa

No Cappadocia itinerary would be complete without a trip to a Hammam Spa. And if you’re in Göreme, there’s one place that trumps the rest: Kelebek Hamam Spa. It’s part of Sultan Cave Suites, and it’s well known for its excellent range of treatments as well as the traditional Turkish Hamam experience.

Never had a Hamam? It usually goes something like this. You go into a steam room, wash away all the sweat, get a soapy scrub that takes off at least a couple of layers of skin, and then get washed down again.

It isn’t the most relaxing treatment. But you’ll feel SUPER clean when you leave! You can also pair it with something more relaxing, like a massage.

Check prices: Kelebek Hamam Spa

Cappadocia Without A Balloon Ride

I didn’t fly on my trip, and honestly, I don’t feel I missed out. Watching the balloons from the ground every morning was my favourite part of almost two weeks in Cappadocia, and it costs next to nothing. So whether a flight is out of your budget or yours gets cancelled, here’s how to see them.

Lovers Hill

This is where I went. It’s a short walk up from the centre of Göreme, and I’d arrive around 6:15 am (sunrise changes through the year, so check the night before). There’s usually a small entry fee if you go up the road.

Göreme Panorama And Sunset Point

Both are right by Göreme. Göreme Panorama is on the road to Uçhisar, and Sunset Point is up the hill above town. They’re the classic views, so expect crowds.

The Red, Rose And Love Valleys

For a quieter morning, head out to the valleys. Far fewer people gather there, but loads of balloons still drift over.

Your Hotel Terrace

Loads of cave hotels in Göreme have rooftop terraces with balloon views. Pick one with a terrace and you won’t even need to leave!

A Balloon-Watching Tour

Don’t fancy walking in the dark? Sunrise balloon-watching tours pick you up from your hotel, take you to see the balloons inflate and then on to a viewpoint. They cost a fraction of a flight.

💡 Top tip: get there 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise. The balloons start inflating in the dark, and watching that is half the magic.

How To Check If The Balloons Are Flying

Every morning, Turkey’s civil aviation authority decides whether balloons can fly and publishes a flag: green means flights can go ahead, yellow means wait, and red means no flights that day. A red flag can’t be reversed. Even on a green day, your pilot can still cancel for safety, so ask your operator how they’ll let you know.

Cappadocia On A Budget: My Tips

Cappadocia can get expensive quickly. But you don’t need a big budget to love it! Here’s what I’d do:

  • Stay in a cave hostel. I stayed at The Dorm Cave by Travellers in Göreme, which gives you the cave-hotel experience for a fraction of the price.
  • Watch the balloons instead of flying. See the section above for the best spots.
  • Hike the valleys yourself. The Red and Rose Valleys, Love Valley and Pigeon Valley are free to walk and easy to reach from Göreme. My guide to hiking in Cappadocia has the routes.
  • Do the Red Tour sights yourself. Most are easy to reach on foot or by taxi, so save your tour budget for the Green Tour, which covers places that are much harder to reach alone.
  • Compare airports. In my experience, flights into Kayseri were cheaper than Nevşehir, even though it’s slightly further away.
  • Take the night bus from Istanbul. It’s cheap, and you save a night’s accommodation.

How To Get To Cappadocia

View of a Turkish Airlines wing above the clouds
A Turkish Airlines plane on the tarmac

By plane | if you’re travelling from another country, have a decent budget or want to get to Cappadocia as quickly as possible, flying is the best option.

If you’re coming from outside Turkey, you’ll need to fly to a bigger city like Istanbul, Antalya or Ankara, then take a domestic flight to either Nevşehir or Kayseri.

In my experience, flying to Kayseri seems to be cheaper, but it’s slightly further away. From either airport, you’ll then need a shuttle bus or taxi to the town you’re staying in. I’d recommend you book these ahead of time, because the airports are small and remote. So it’s best to have something organised with a trustworthy company for when you arrive.

Check flights: Omio

Check transport prices from Kayseri: GetYourGuide

Check transport prices from Nevşehir: GetYourGuide

By bus | if you’re travelling from elsewhere in Turkey and you’re on a budget or don’t enjoy flying, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a pretty decent bus network across Turkey.

But because Cappadocia is a remote part of Turkey, the timetable isn’t always that great. For example, if you want to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, your only option right now is a night bus. On the plus side, the bus is cheap, and you’ll save a night on accommodation (as you’ll hopefully get some sleep on the bus).

I personally chose to fly. But I met plenty of others who took the bus, and they said the buses were very comfortable, with reclining seats, and well equipped.

By car | you can also rent a car and drive around Turkey. I’d never considered this before I arrived, as it seemed quite daunting and I didn’t imagine the roads would be that great.

But I also met a few people who were driving across Turkey, and they quickly found the roads were arguably better than some of those in the UK. Even in remote parts like Cappadocia!

If I ever visit Turkey again, I’d definitely consider it. And if you’re travelling as a group with time on your side, it’s going to be cost-effective for all of you. But I’d avoid driving in Istanbul at all costs, as it’s incredibly chaotic compared to the rest of the country.

Check prices: Rentalcars.com

How To Get Around Cappadocia

Vintage orange van on a dusty road in Cappadocia with balloons in the sky

By foot | Göreme is a small town, so if you’re staying there you’ll be able to walk around really easily. Just bear in mind there are some hills to climb around Cappadocia if you want to visit some of the popular viewpoints and the little shops tucked down some of the high streets.

By bus | if you want to venture out of the area (maybe to do one of the many hikes in Cappadocia), there are plenty of buses. The timetable isn’t always that accurate, so the best thing to do is head to the bus station the night before to see what’s running the next day.

By taxi | taxis are easy to find in Cappadocia if you’d rather get around that way. You’ll see plenty in the streets. But the best option is to ask your hostel or hotel to arrange one for you, so you know you’re travelling with a trusted company that offers fair prices.

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia

Snow-covered valleys and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia in winter

The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the shoulder season, which is April, May, September and October. This is when temperatures will be warm, but not sweltering. However, if you’re tied to a certain time of year, then below is what you can expect.

Winter | December, January and February will see snow on the ground in this region of Turkey. It’s undoubtedly incredibly picturesque, but you’ll need to be prepared for temperatures which can reach -20 degrees in the height of winter.

Spring | March, April and May see significant shifts in temperature as you move through the year. In March there will almost certainly still be snow on the ground. As April comes around, it’s still cold with temperatures around 15 degrees and occasionally a dusting of snow overnight. As we move into May, things start to warm up rapidly, with average daytime temperatures of 22 degrees.

Summer | June, July and August is the peak season in Cappadocia with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees in July and August. Towards the tail end of the month, things start to cool down slightly, but not significantly.

Autumn | September, October and November is another season which sees a significant change from the start to the end. September and October will see some comfortable temperatures, yet November drops down to an average of 13 degrees during the day and falls below 0 degrees at night.

Where To Stay In Cappadocia

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Cappadocia, you’ll be overwhelmed with choice. But one thing most people look for is a cave-style hotel, as it’s one of the things that makes Cappadocia unique.

In this section you’ll find a few options to consider. And if you want a bigger list, plus recommendations on which area to stay in, I’ve got the guide below:

Read more: Best hotels in Cappadocia

Couple by the pool at a cave hotel in Cappadocia
Bubble bath in a stone cave hotel room in Cappadocia
  • The Dorm Cave by Travellers

    This is where I stayed. The Dorm Cave by Travellers is one of the best budget-friendly cave-style hotels and hostels in Cappadocia. It’s conveniently tucked away down a side street in Göreme and as such, benefits from privacy and peacefulness whilst still being close to the atmosphere.

    Check prices: Booking.com / Agoda

  • Local Cave House Hotel

    A mid-range hotel that is often seen on social media platforms due to its aesthetic features. It’s in a central location in the most popular town of Göreme and you’ll find an excellent swimming pool, impeccable views and fantastic food.

    Check prices: Booking.com

  • Museum Hotel

    Museum Hotel is a luxury hotel in Uchisar. It’s the only hotel in Turkey that is a member of Relais & Chateaux – a group of individually owned luxury hotels and restaurants. With qualities like a free wine tap and a pillow menu upon arrival, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best hotels to stay in Cappadocia.

    Check prices: Booking.com / Agoda

Cappadocia FAQs

Is Cappadocia worth the hype?

Hot air balloons lifting off over the valleys of Cappadocia at sunrise

Yes, Cappadocia is absolutely worth the hype. Not only are the 100’s of hot air balloons an incredible sight, but the diverse and unique landscape, too.

You’ll get a different experience depending on the time of year you choose to visit Cappadocia, however, one thing that remains is the magical experience which you will almost certainly have.

Do balloons fly over every day in Cappadocia?

Not every day. The balloons only fly when the weather allows, and flights are often cancelled because of wind. During the summer months, the weather is more stable and as such, the balloons fly more often than in the winter.

This is something to bear in mind when planning your trip to Cappadocia as you may have to wait a few days to experience flying in a hot air balloon if the weather is not good enough.

How much does a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia cost?

Prices change with the season and the company, but expect to pay from around €80 per person in low season to €300 to €400 in peak months for a standard flight of about an hour, and more for a small private basket. Book a few weeks ahead in busy months.

Can you see the balloons without flying?

Yes. You can watch them for free from viewpoints and hotel rooftops around Göreme, or from Lovers Hill for a small entry fee. That’s what I did, and it was my favourite part of the trip.

How many days do you need in Cappadocia?

Two days is enough for a balloon flight and the highlights, but I’d recommend five if you can, or at least three. The extra days give you spare mornings in case your balloon flight is cancelled.

Where is the best place to stay in Cappadocia?

Göreme is the best base for most people. It has the most cave hotels and restaurants, the best balloon views and easy access to the valleys, tours and Göreme Open Air Museum.

More Cappadocia Guides

If you liked the sound of this Cappadocia itinerary and want more in-depth guides on things to do or where to stay in Cappadocia, I’ve written loads more, which you can find below:

Millie / Stay Wild Travels.

Millie Austin

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Millie Austin

Hi, I'm Millie, a Brit who swapped a London desk job for life in Lima, Peru. Every guide on Stay Wild Travels comes from my own trips, from hiking the Cotswolds and the Peak District to the Swiss Alps and the Andes, with the honest bits included.

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