Discover the best things to do in Cappadocia

You have two choices. Nevşehir (NAV) is 40 minutes from the heart of Göreme and Kayseri (ASR) is about 75 minutes. Most flights come from Istanbul or Antalya and take around 70 minutes. If you're coming from the coast, don't drive. It's a long, boring 8-hour haul through mountains. Fly instead and spend that extra day inside a valley.

Cappadocia is huge. You can't just walk between towns. Most people book a guided tour because it includes a driver who knows the winding roads. If you want to go solo, rent a car in Göreme. Local minibuses exist, but they are infrequent and won't get you to the hidden valley trailheads. Wear boots with actual grip because the sand on the rock is like walking on marbles.

You're here for the cave suites. They're carved right into the rock and stay perfectly cool even in the summer heat. Göreme is where the action is, but Uçhisar has the best views of the balloons at dawn. Book your room months in advance if you're coming in May or October. It gets crowded and the best spots with the big terraces sell out fast.

Most people need an e-visa. Go to evisa.gov.tr and get it sorted. It's fast and simple. Print it out or save it on your phone. Don't leave it until you land; the queues are annoying and the online system is much smoother. Make sure your passport has 6 months left on it or they might turn you away at the gate.

Cappadocia is high up. Even in July, a 5:00 AM balloon launch will be freezing. Bring a real jacket. By noon, you'll be sweating. Layers are the only way to survive. You also need shoes with deep tread. The rock trails are covered in fine dust that acts like ball bearings under your feet. Don't bring your nice sneakers.

Order the testi kebab at least once. It’s lamb and veg slow-cooked inside a sealed clay jug. The waiter will smash the pot open right at your table. It’s a bit of a show but the meat is incredible. Pair it with a red wine from the Ürgüp vineyards. They’ve been making wine here for thousands of years and it shows.