1. Admire unique fairy Chimneys at Pasabag Valley

Charmed by Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys, Pasabag Valley is without question, one of the most popular places in the whole of Cappadocia.

And despite that these chimneys are dotted all over Cappadocia, I believe that the very best of ‘em are found in the stunningly beautiful Pasabag Valley.

The small yet impressive valley is home to a wide variety of these unusual earth pillars and is best known for its unique mushroom-shaped chimneys – as the locals like calling them.

As a result, the valley is teeming with travellers and locals, all thrilled to get a glimpse of these unusual chimneys and the well-preserved cave dwellings that surround them.

But what I enjoyed most, was my walk over the wave-shaped sandstone surface that rises high above the valley. From here, you’ll have incredible views over the fairy chimneys, as well as the vast region in the distance.

Note that Pasabag Valley recently requires a small entrance fee, mainly due to that it is still increasing in popularity, with around a thousand visitors per day.

2. Take off in a hot air balloon during sunrise

Every morning during sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons float above Cappadocia’s unique fairytale-like landscape, creating the picture-perfect vista that initially gave Cappadocia its ‘bucket list’ worthy reputation.

Whilst I never dreamed of seeing Cappadocia’s rugged landscape from the basket of a hot air balloon before I booked my tickets to Turkey, it is easy to understand why it has become one of the world’s ultimate travel experiences.

But I’m happy that one thing often leads to another.

As soon as I planned my stay at Charming Cave Hotel, the amazing staff asked me if I’d liked to take part in a balloon flight, obviously, the answer was yes.

Upon my late arrival in Cappadocia, I was told right away that the wind for the next day was favourable, which implied that a balloon flight would be my first ‘real experience’ in Cappadocia.

That was also the moment when the excitement kicked in.

And take it from me, it is an electrifying feeling to set your alarm at 4 in the morning, knowing you’re about to see Cappadocia’s amazing landscape from a hot air balloon.

The next morning, I was picked up from the hotel at around 04:30. It was dark and cold outside,  and I was still sleepy when a short bumpy journey took me to the balloon take-off point. After a short safety briefing, it was finally time to lift off.

In merely 10 minutes, the hot-air balloon levitated to a height of roughly 700 metres, while the rising sun gradually revealed the dreamy landscape beneath – it was extraordinary!

3. Explore the Göreme open-air museum

The UNESCO listed Göreme Open-Air Museum has gradually become a fixture for travellers that flock to Cappadocia, and as a result, the museum is jam-packed with visitors, especially during the high season.

Located only a short distance from Göreme’s lively town centre, the fascinating museum is in my opinion, the perfect introduction to Cappadocia and its rich and intriguing history.

The museum is home to a set of well-preserved cave dwellings, ancient churches and captivating frescoes, respectively showcasing the region’s eventful storyline.

Guided by an in-depth audio tour, the Göreme Open-Air Museum houses more than 35 points of interest, where you’ll be informed on historical facts about the region and its inhabitants.

If you somehow wish to avoid the crowds, make sure you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon.

4. Spend the night in an authentic cave hotel

Since ancient times, cave dwellings were accurately carved out of Cappadocia’s distinctive rock formations, and luckily for us, this primitive, yet authentic way of housing is still very much alive.

But at present, these caves are far from the initial design that they had hundreds of years ago.

Instead, those age-old caves now grant a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

They are in fact, transformed into unbelievably fabulous boutique hotels, combining the aforementioned primitive lifestyle with amazing design and all kinds of luxury features.

That brings us to my stay at the Charming Cave Hotel, a family-run hotel that offers its visitors one of the most authentic cave hotel experiences in Cappadocia.

With the best rooftop terrace in Cappadocia (and photo possibilities for the IG’ers among us), a wide array of exquisite cave-style rooms, and the most delicious breakfast spread possible, Charming Cave Hotel has actually become one of my favourite hotels I’ve ever stayed in.

But to me, the real draw lies in the fact that they do everything in their power to make you feel at home away from home, and that’s exactly how I felt after spending an entire week here.

So if you’re planning a visit to Cappadocia, make sure you spent some time staying in an authentic cave hotel like Charming Cave Hotel.

To me, it was one of the undisputed highlights of my time in Cappadocia.

5. Watch an epic sunset at Red Valley

When it comes to hiking in Cappadocia, the Red Valley will always be the topic of conversation.

Marked by a set of rugged mountain ridges and the distinctive Mars-like sandstone out of which they’re formed, the otherworldly Red Valley is a true hiking paradise.

I’d spent multiple afternoons along the dusty hiking trails of Red Valley and found some of Cappadocia’s best cave dwellings, as well as hidden ancient churches that these caves often hold.

One day, I ended up at Red Valley’s famous viewpoint, where I managed to obtain a front-row seat to watch a true spectacle unfold; an epic Cappadocian sunset – it was brilliant!

And while Red Valley is impressive to behold on its own, it’s even better when these sharp sandstone hills bathe in the deep red tones of the setting sun.

Also, if you’re thinking of hiking in Red Valley, make sure you follow the loop with the adjacent Rose Valley – more on that later.

6. Hike the sharp mountain ridges of Rose Valley

Whilst Red Valley claims most of the fame in terms of hiking in Cappadocia, the adjacent Rose Valley is in my opinion equally as impressive.

Distinguished by its unique pink-toned sandstone hills, Rose Valley is no stranger to impressive things to see, with breathtaking rock formations, hidden rock-cut churches and loads of ancient cave dwellings scattered throughout the extensive valley.

With more than 4 kilometres of adventurous paths running through the valley, hikers can truly indulge themselves.

But at times, the trail can be rather misleading, with ‘Rose Valley’ signs leading you to a small cafe in the heart of the valley again and again – perfect marketing if you’ve asked me.

Instead of being frustrated by this smart marketing trick, I advise grabbing yourself a freshly pressed pomegranate juice or a robust cup of Turkish coffee, before sitting down at the cosy terrace and appreciating the mesmerizing scenery that encircles you.

After that, it is time to get back on track, but make sure you don’t forget to explore off the beaten path every now and then.

7. Take in the views from Uchisar Castle

Perched atop a remarkable rock formation at the heart of Uchisar Town is the eponymous Uchisar Castle, a former stronghold that once served to protect the region from potential invaders.

Since Uchisar Castle is now marked the highest point of Cappadocia, this ‘time-worn’ citadel provides the most dazzling panorama views of the exceptional landscape of Cappadocia.

On top of that, the underlying town is a fantastic scene to behold, so make sure you take a moment to roam the authentic laneways of Uchisar Town as well.

Depending on how long you’re staying in Cappadocia, the most common way to experience Uchisar Castle is as part of a full-day adventure in combination with Love Valley and Pigeon Valley.

However, if time isn’t a problem, I’ll recommend climbing the castle just before the sun starts setting – Uchisar Castle makes for a brilliant sunset spot in Cappadocia.

For those keen to join a guided tour or follow a strict time schedule, Uchisar Castle is also addressed on the popular Red Tour of Cappadocia.

9. Spend sunrise or sunset at Lovers Hill

It is little wonder that Lovers Hill and sunrise are often mentioned in the same breath, as the panorama viewpoint provides some of the most spectacular views in Cappadocia.

When visiting Lovers Hill at sunrise, you’ll be welcomed by wonderful views of the entire region, while loads of hot air balloons gently ascend just about anywhere around you.

It is definitely one of the most exciting ways to kick off your day in Cappadocia, especially if you’re looking to capture the hot air balloon action – believe me, I took way too many shots, as per usual.

But as with many tourist highlights, Lovers Hill is teeming with locals and travellers alike.

Day in, day out.

But hey, don’t let this discourage you from obtaining some of the most enchanting views in Cappadocia.

The same spot also doubles as an epic sunset viewpoint. So if you have spare time, and are looking for a spot to end the day, look no further, this is it!

10. Explore the Zelve Open-air Museum

Once home to one of the largest communities in Cappadocia, this extensive cave town is now known as the historical Open-Air Museum of Zelve.

Being situated roughly 8 kilometres from Göreme, Cappadocia’s most popular town, the museum is a bit off the beaten path compared to the Göreme Open-Air Museum.

But despite Zelve’s unfortunate position, I believe a visit is more than worth the extra effort.

Not only is it one of the absolute highlights on any trip to Cappadocia – with its rock-cut churches, impressive cave dwellings and distinctive rock formations, but it is also an incredible place to look into one of the region’s most important settlements.

In my opinion, Zelve is the more interesting option, especially if you consider that it’s less overrun by tourists than its more famous brother; the Göreme Open-Air Museum.

Additionally, I would advise combining your visit with the neighbouring Pasabag Valley.

11. Discover the lesser-known Sword Valley

Though I hadn’t read much about Sword Valley when I did my research, it surprisingly became one of my absolute favourite places in the whole of Cappadocia.

The reason for this is that Sword Valley feels as though it is still largely uncharted, especially in comparison to other more popular valleys in Cappadocia.

Despite that it is one of the smaller valleys in the region, Sword Valley instantly managed to channel my adventurous spirit.

During the 2 hours that I walked along the trails of Sword Valley, I stumbled upon incredibly beautiful sword-like chimneys, hidden cave dwellings, as well as a narrow tunnel with a total length of roughly 300 meters – talking about adventure.

Though I was fortunate enough to spend a whole week in Cappadocia, I also realised that most travellers only have a few days here.

That said, I firmly believe that hiking in Sword Valley is one of the most unique things to do in Cappadocia. So if you find the opportunity to stop by, make sure you do!

12. Climb Ortahisar Castle

A perfect example of the iconic rock-cut architecture for which Cappadocia is known, is the towering Ortahisar Castle, an 86-metre high rock castle in de midst of Ortahisar Town.

Encircled by the charming little laneways of the time-worn town, this iconic castle is often referred to as one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia, with views stretching out as far as Uchisar, Göreme and Red Valley.

It is said that the stronghold was first used under Byzantine rule, serving as one of three outposts to protect the region from potential risk.

Another thing worth noting is the fact that Ortahisar Town is considered the epicentre of fruit production in Cappadocia.

As soon as you arrive in Orathisar, you’ll notice thousands of narrow stone holes which have a consistent temperature of 10 °C in both summer and winter, making them perfect for storing fruit and vegetables including Citrus fruits, potatoes and apples.

That said, I believe that Ortahisar is the perfect place to up your ‘history knowledge’ game.

13. Walk Pigeon Valley

With its convenient position between the popular towns of Göreme and Uchisar, the worn-down hiking trails that run through Pigeon Valley are often considered the most popular in Cappadocia.

Known in Turkish as ‘Guvercinlik Vadisi’, the beloved Pigeon Valley earned its name from the thousands of pigeons that actually live here.

Similar to Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, you’ll notice loads of man-made dovecotes in Pigeon Valley, artistically carved into the soft volcanic sandstone of the valley.

It is said that during ancient times, those pigeons played a significant role in the region in terms of natural resources – think food, communication and fertiliser.

As mentioned above, Pigeon Valley is now one of the best areas for walking and is best combined with a visit to Uchisar Castle and Love Valley.

It’s worth mentioning that combining these 3 activities takes a full day of your time in Cappadocia.