Hiking in Cappadocia

Top 5 Things to Do in Cappadocia

Kaymakli

The underground city of Kaymakli, built by early Christians to avoid religious persecution is a fascinating construction made up of an elaborate system of tunnels and caves. It features everything from communal living spaces and kitchens to stables, a church and graveyard, not to mention being fortified to protect the inhabitants. Kaymakli’s historical significance and architectural complexity make it a must-visit destination for those interested in ancient civilizations and the innovative ways people have adapted to their surroundings.

Uchisar Citadel

Uchisar Citadel is a striking natural fortress perched atop the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Carved into a massive rock formation, the citadel served as a strategic stronghold throughout history, with its tunnels, rooms, and stairways reflecting its defensive role. Today, it provides visitors with breathtaking vistas of Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and valleys, making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts.

Kizilcukur Valley

Kizilcukur Valley, also known as Red Valley, is renowned for its vibrant, reddish rock formations that create a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky. The valley is a popular hiking destination, with trails that wind through unique geological formations and past ancient cave dwellings, offering breathtaking views. As the sun sets, the valley’s colors intensify, providing a spectacular and ever-changing landscape that enhances the hiking experience.

Goreme Open-Air Museum

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an extensive collection of well-preserved rock-cut churches and monasteries. Carved into the soft volcanic tuff, these structures date back to the 10th to 12th centuries and are adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes.

Hot-Air Balloon Ride

The perfect addition to a hiking tour of Cappadocia, a hot air balloon ride is one of the regions most iconic and enchanting experiences, offering breathtaking aerial views of the region’s otherworldly landscapes, including fairy chimneys, rock formations, and expansive valleys. As the balloon gently ascends at sunrise, the panoramic vistas are illuminated by the soft, golden light, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. Floating high above the landscape, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled perspective of Cappadocia’s unique terrain and the surrounding scenery, making for a truly memorable adventure.

Cappadocia Hiking Tours

Hiking in Cappadocia offers a unique and surreal experience, set against the backdrop of one of Turkey’s most distinctive landscapes. Shaped by wind and water, the rock formations, rock-hewn churches, cave dwellings and underground cities of Cappadocia are otherworldly. Fairy chimneys cleaved from the earth and shaped by centuries of erosion punctuate the Pasabaglari Valley, giving it a moon-like appearance. Hike along the Melendiz River, experiencing traditional village life as you meander through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Here there are dozens of Byzantine cave chapels to explore, most of them decorated with exquisite biblical frescoes.

The historical and cultural richness of Cappadocia adds another layer to the hiking experience. Along the trails, you can explore ancient cave churches and monasteries, some of which date back to the early Christian period. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past and provide excellent photo opportunities against the backdrop of the dramatic landscape. Many trails also pass through traditional villages where you can see local life and craftsmanship, adding a cultural touch to your hike. The underground city of Derinkuyu, with some dwellings spread out over seven levels beneath the ground, is another highlight. But perhaps the main attraction on Cappadocia tours is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings.

One of the most enchanting aspects of hiking in Cappadocia is the chance to witness the sunrise or sunset over the unique landscape. Early morning hikes can be particularly magical, as the rising sun illuminates the valleys and rock formations in a warm, golden glow, while sunset hikes provide a tranquil experience as the colors of the landscape shift and the sky takes on hues of pink and orange. Regardless of the time of day, hiking in Cappadocia offers an unforgettable adventure, combining natural beauty with rich history and vibrant local culture.

Our Best Hiking in Cappadocia

15 Days from USD 4050

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Visit some of Western civilisation's most iconic sites in Turkey

Culture

8 Days from USD 2370

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Trek through Turkey's amazing rock formations in Cappadocia

Walking & Trekking

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This trip was fab, Cappadocia has an incredibly rare landscape that feels as if you are somewhere out of this world. The walks were varied and a lot greener than I thought they would have been, although you will have definitely seen Cappadocia in depth by the time you leave. You stay just outside of the main tourist town of Goreme which is nice because it’s away from the hustle and bustle. I travelled in the last week of May so had some warmer days and some wetter, cooler ones but on a whole we were very lucky with the weather.

oren blindell Walking in Cappadocia

I got back from this trip 5 days ago. Everything was great! I don’t know where to start with my rave reviews. Our group leader was Ilham and he was amazing! His English was great and he helped us with translation at the restaurants and vendors. I loved stopping to eat at very local and family places. One place for Turkish pizzas had the whole family pitching in and we were outside near the brick oven with chickens and ducks running past us! I really appreciated that our money went to LOCAL and FAMILY run businesses! Ilham would download the tickets to the sites on his phone in advance, he made our entry so quick. He was always one step ahead of the game! Logistics were flawless, because he knew when to get to the various sites to avoid the crowds as much as possible. I enjoyed the modest hotels, once again family run and usually very convenient to the town center. This trip fulfilled all my expectations and then some! Ed

Ed Ballo Highlights of Turkey

Outstanding Tour — visiting important military, historical, cultural, and religious sites. Wonderful group of travelers who watched out for each other, were on time, courteous and kind.

Vincent Fonner Highlights of Turkey

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What should I pack for my Cappadocia trek?

From hiking shoes and socks to waterproof jackets and breathable layers, you’ll want to ensure that you bring all the appropriate clothing and essentials for your hiking vacation. Be sure to check the essential information on your trip’s itinerary for details on the weather and activities on your trip as a starting place, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

What should I expect on a Cappadocia hiking vacation?

Hiking and trekking trips offer a unique, active way of exploring the world. On a Cappadocia hiking tour, you’ll be guided by an expert who knows all the best trails and routes, leading to the best views and the most incredible hidden gems. Each of our itineraries features an activity level rating based on the intensity of the hikes and recommended fitness level so that you can ensure that you select the trek that’s right for you.

FAQs on Cappadocia Tours

Where is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a historical region located in central Turkey, known for its unique geological formations, including fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and rock-cut churches. The region’s distinctive landscape is a result of volcanic activity and erosion, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

What is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and hot air balloon rides. The spring season offers blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while the fall features stunning autumnal colors. Summer can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 85°F, and winter, while less crowded and picturesque with potential snowfall, can be quite cold, especially at night.

How do I prepare for a Cappadocia hiking vacation?

If you’re gearing up for your first hiking vacation, you’re in for an unforgettable experience, but to ensure your journey is as enjoyable as it is memorable, proper preparation is key. Pay attention to the activity level rating of your trip when you are booking so that you can understand approximately how far you will be hiking each day, as well as the elevation of the walks. This will give you a useful benchmark for your training.

In the weeks and months leading up to your trip, increase your daily activity level and embark on long walks, wearing the kit that you plan to wear on your tour so that you can get used to things like the weight of your backpack and thoroughly break in your boots. Increase your core exercises and ramp up your cardio to help with your trail endurance. Check out our fitness guide for more advice on the physical preparation needed for your active tour.

What will my group be like on my Cappadocia trek?

On our guided group hiking trips to Cappadocia, you’ll be in a group of 8 to 16 people. A large proportion of our hiking trips are made up of solo travelers, creating a great opportunity to make friends with like-minded people from around the world.

What currency is used in Turkey?

The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish lira (₺).