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Cappadocia: A Guide for Adventurers

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Cappadocia is located on Turkey’s central plateau, right in the heart of Anatolia. The region is most famous for its unusual geological features. The peculiar cone topped pillars, dubbed the fairy chimneys, which are similar to the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, are arguably the main attractions. Other popular sights are the cinder cones, troglodyte caves and man-made dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic tuff.

Cappadocia is also home to at least 36 underground cave-cities, previously inhabited by Hittites, Hatti, Persians, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. Early Christians also used them as refuges. The Göreme open-air museum displays many rock-hewn Christian churches, some with original frescoes, along with countless excavated cave homes and interesting rock formations. These historic rock sites, together with Göreme National Park, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to the diversity of the landscape, Cappadocia is a prime location for extreme and adventure sports. From Göreme there are a variety of daily Cappadocia tours available to help you explore the area and have an adventure in Cappadocia. Some of the most stunning locations are accessible on foot, horse, speed boat and jeep, or you may want to take to the air to see the lunar-like landscape from above.

6 Awesome Activities for Adventure in Cappadocia

Trek through Cappadocia

Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey

There are many trails, from easy to difficult, passing through valleys and connecting small towns and villages. Zemi valley is popular with hikers and some trails begin in Göreme which is a convenient base for exploring the region.

One of the best marked and picturesque trails run from the outskirts of Göreme village through Pigeon and Love valleys, walking through fairy chimneys and cinder cones to Uchisar village. This is where you can visit the castle for a fantastic view over the region or enjoy lunch in one of the many cave cafés. From Uchisar, you could either return to Göreme by bus or continue hiking towards Cavusin.

Alternatively, a relatively easy trail passes through Ilhara valley and takes you along the Melendiz river. It leads past Early Christian cave homes and churches toward the Belisirma and Selime Monastery.

Jeep Safari

Uchisar in Cappadocia, Turkey

Another great way to explore the Cappadocia region is off-roading. Jeep safaris leave from Göreme and can take you away from the crowds to the least visited and most spectacular places in Cappadocia. It’s a great option for groups who can book a private tour with a personalized itinerary.

Alternatively, you can join a tour to visit the many interesting landmarks found around every corner of the rugged terrain. Jeep safari routes vary but most leave from Göreme and visit Uchisar, Pigeon valley, Love valley, Cavusin, Gomeda Valley and finish up at Gorelli Panorama.

Explore on Horseback

Horseback Riding, Adventure in Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia means ‘Land of Beautiful Horses’ in Turkish. Although Anatolian and Arabian horses are now the main breeds, Akhal-Tekes, a native breed from Turkmenistan, once populated the region. Horses used to be the only form of transportation and played an important role in the lives of Cappadocia settlers. Derelict stables and Caravanserais are scattered throughout the region and even carved into the underground cities.

Visitors looking for adventure in Cappadocia can take a trip through Sword Valley, Honey/Wine valley, Love Valley or Rose/Red valley. It is, however, not for the faint-hearted as trails often run steeply up or down loose scree slopes, over dry land and under the scorching sun. Tours can last anywhere between two hours and five days. They include stays in locally owned pensions in quaint villages, the next day continuing across sweeping landscapes.

Jet on the River

Potter in Avanos, Cappadocia

Speeding on the Kizilirmak River (Red River) in a jet boat from the traditional pottery village of Avanos is an absolute must for adrenaline seekers! The Kizilirmak flows for a grand total of 1,350 kilometers, making it the longest river in Turkey. It is famous for the minerals producing red-hued clay ideal for pottery.

Along its banks, you can visit the ancient abandoned village of Sarihidir, also known as the Rock Village. The trip combines culture and sightseeing with adventure and excitement and is fun for individuals or groups. For those who prefer to move at a slower pace, a Gondola ride around the banks of Avanos is very pleasant as well.

Go Underground

Rock dwellings in Cappadocia

The most extensive of the underground cave cities are Kaymakli, which is the widest, and Derinkuyu, which is the deepest. You can visit them on a South Cappadocia tour. As you descend into the city, the vastness and complexity of the meandering tunnels and rooms will certainly amaze you.

These cities once sheltered settlers from traversing armies. Designed to withstand long sieges, their rock shelters featured doors that can only open from the inside. They included everything from underground wells, kitchens, bedrooms and stables to schools, churches and even wineries. An 8-kilometer tunnel connects the two largest cities. Therefore, explorers should remember to bring a flashlight for the walk through the long dark tunnel.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey

Perhaps the best way to see the incredibly unique Cappadocia landscape is from above. So, if you’re not afraid of heights, you can jump into a hot air balloon basket and float above the legendary lunar landscape. As the sun slowly rises over the surrounding slopes and unique rock formations, this makes for a magnificent panorama. This is definitely the most famous thing you can do if you want to have an adventure in Cappadocia.

Have You Ever Had an Adventure in Cappadocia, Turkey? Share Your Travel Experiences in the Comments!