You can't deny it, Cappadocia is one hell of a stunning place to travel to, despite it being hyped almost to death by media and influencers. Surrounded by a fairytale-like landscape, stunning rock formations, cave dwellings, and a sky full of hot air balloons, you can see why it attracts so many tourists from all over the world.
Cappadocia is unlike any place in the world. The landscape is almost alien-like, with vast areas filled with stunning rock formations and several remnants of cave dwellings, from small settlements to a massive rock cathedral that inspired the landscape of Tatooine seen in the first Star Wars trilogy.
Not to mention all the beautiful valleys like the Rose, Red, Pigeon, and Love Valley that you can hike around for days. There are quite a lot of things you can do, and if you love hiking as much as I do, you are going to love Cappadocia.
Without further ado, here is a complete backpacking travel guide and the 10 best things you can do in Cappadocia. Let's first take a look at all the tourist attractions in Cappadocia, all laid out on a map.
- Cappadocia Things to Do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey?
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10 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia
- Go On an Epic Hot Air Balloon Ride Above Cappadocia At Sunrise
- Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
- Hike the Red Valley
- Hike the Rose Valley at Sunset
- Bewildered at the phallic-shaped Rock Formations in the Love Valley
- Go up the Uchisar Castle
- Hike from Uchisar to Goreme via Pigeon Valley
- Visit the Underground City of Derinkuyu
- Hike Along the River at Ihlara Valley
- Admire the Beauty of Selima Cathedral
- More Cappadocia Activities
- Turkey Travel Video
- When to Visit Cappadocia, Turkey?
- How to Get to Cappadocia, Turkey?
- How to Get Around Cappadocia, Turkey?
- How Many Days To Spend in Cappadocia, Turkey?
- How Much Money Do I Need For Cappadocia, Turkey?
- Is it Safe in Cappadocia, Turkey?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Turkey?
- What to Pack for Cappadocia, Turkey?
- Further Reading for Turkey
Cappadocia Things to Do Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia
1. Go On an Epic Hot Air Balloon Ride Above Cappadocia At Sunrise
I know it's probably a clichรฉ to recommend this, but one of the most popular things to do and the main reason why you want to visit Cappadocia in the first place is to go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride, and there is no better place to do so than here.
It had always been a dream of mine to fly in a hot air balloon, and I decided to cross that off my bucket list in Cappadocia. And boy, was it worth it! There is no better way to appreciate the sheer beauty of Cappadocia than to fly in a hot air balloon and see it from above.
All the hot air balloon trips in Cappadocia are done at dawn, just before sunrise, and most tours will serve a light breakfast before taking off. Each hot air balloon comes equipped with four different baskets that fit around 6-7 people per basket.
- Hostel Terra Vista (Budget)
- Cappadocia Cave Rooms (Mid-Range) ๐ Top Pick
- Elegance Cave Suites and Restaurant (High-End)
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Turquaz Balloons (2 to 3 hours)
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys (2 to 3 hours)
- Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons (3 hours) ๐ Top Pick
Personally, I think it was a little crowded, but maybe it had less to do with the tour and more to do with the American tourist near me who couldn't stop swinging his selfie stick around.
The moment you are up in the air and the first light of the day touches your face, that's when the beauty of the Cappadocian landscape shines the brightest. As the sun rises above the horizon, you will find yourself among several other colorful hot air balloons dotting the sky of Cappadocia.
With the tour I recommended, you will be up in the air for about 1.5 hours, and you should be able to witness the magical sunrise while you are up in the air. On a good day, you might even see Mt Erciyes, one of the highest mountains in Central Turkey, as I did. It was quite a sight to behold.
Once the flight is completed, you will be rewarded with a nice glass of champagne right at the landing site, where you can take photos and commemorate your bucket list accomplishment.
Despite all the hype, flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia is the highlight of your trip to Turkey. And if you still have any doubts about it, I hope all the photos here will inspire you to give it a go. For the tour, I highly recommend you go with the Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast tour.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey?
2. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
Located right at the center of Goreme town, the Goreme Open Air Museum is an outdoor museum where you will find the most well-preserved rock-cut caves, churches, and dwellings in the area that are being protected and preserved by the museum for all of us to see.
The entrance fee to Goreme Open Air Museum is 54 TRY, where you will have access to most of the area except Elmali Church. For Elmali Church, you are going to have to pay 18 TRY to enter, and you will be able to witness some of the most well-preserved frescoes and murals in Cappadocia.
You can still make out the colors and paints of these murals, which is pretty impressive considering that they date all the way back to the 11th Century. If you are a history buff, I highly recommend paying for both entrance fees. The intricate detail of the murals inside Elmali Church is quite a sight to behold.
With more than 30 points of interest, it should take you about an hour to stroll around. The Goreme Open Air Museum opens from 8 AM to 6:15 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 54 TRY + 18 TRY for Elmali Church.
3. Hike the Red Valley
It is no secret that Cappadocia is a hiker's heaven, and one of the best hikes you can do is the Red Valley hike, which is located not too far from Goreme city center. It is also not very long and can be combined with the Rose Valley hike (more about it in the next section) to create a 2-3 hour hike.
What makes Red Valley such a beautiful hike to do, especially in the evening, are all the vibrant red sandstone ridges surrounding the hiking trail that glow when the sun is about to set.
The hike is pretty straightforward with a few ups and downs, but nothing technical, and anyone with moderate fitness should be able to do it, no problem. Just make sure to have a copy of the hiking map saved offline on your phone, just in case.
The Red Valley trailhead begins near Goreme Open Air Museum and goes north until it merges with the Rose Valley trail before you can loop back to Goreme Open Air Museum.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Turquaz Balloons (2 to 3 hours)
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys (2 to 3 hours)
- Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons (3 hours) ๐ Top Pick
4. Hike the Rose Valley at Sunset
Rose Valley is another beautiful valley full of stunning rose-colored ridges and rock formations that get prettier as the day goes on. You will also find a hiking trail there where you will be able to experience the valley up close and personal.
Just like the Red Valley, the colors of Rose Valley are bright and vivid with a bit more pink hue, making it quite a sight to see at sunset. I highly recommend hiking the Rose Valley in the evening and finding a viewpoint here to watch the sunset.
As mentioned earlier, the Rose Valley hiking trail is best done with the Red Valley trail to create an easy 2-3 hour hiking loop that begins and ends in Goreme.
I highly recommend that you start hiking the Red Valley late in the afternoon, and by the time you arrive at the Rose Valley, you should be there in time to witness the sunset over Rose Valley, which is the highlight of the hiking trail.
5. Bewildered at the phallic-shaped Rock Formations in the Love Valley
Love Valley is something that you will have to see with your own eyes... really. The unique feature of Love Valley is hard to describe in words, but you can pretty much guess what it looks like just by looking at the name of the valley.
Let me put it this way, Love Valley is filled, and I mean FILLED, with phallic-shaped rock formations that resemble male reproductive organs. That is why it is called Love Valley.
The hiking trail itself is pretty straightforward, with mostly flat trails. The hike begins near Panorama Camping, just outside of Goreme, and you can hike through the valley all the way to Uchisar.
The hike is very easy and fun to do. It should take about 1-2 hours to complete the Love Valley hike. I highly recommend starting early in the morning as there aren't many shades along the trail, and it can get extremely hot in the middle of the day.
6. Go up the Uchisar Castle
While you are hiking in Love Valley, you might start to notice a large structure looming over the horizon. That is Uchisar Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in Cappadocia.
Uchisar Castle is a 60-meter tall centuries-old citadel perched on a rock right at the center of Uchisar town. It used to house more than 1,000 people back in Byzantine times, but now it is pretty much deserted. However, you can still hike up to the castle and enjoy a sweeping view of Cappadocia at the top, unlike anywhere else.
Once you arrive in Uchisar, it is a bit of a hike to get to the castle. When you arrive at the entrance, you will have to pay 9 TRY for the entrance fee to Uchisar Castle. Then, you will be allowed to explore the castle however you like.
There isn't a whole lot to see in the castle, but the panoramic viewpoint at the top of Uchisar Castle makes it all worthwhile. There is no other viewpoint in Cappadocia that will give you such a stunning view of the city and the surrounding landscape as this one, and if you are looking for a reason to visit Uchisar, this is it.
Uchisar Castle's opening hours are between 7:30 AM and 8 PM. If you are planning to hike the Love Valley trail to Uchisar Castle and hike back to Goreme via the Pigeon Valley in one day, I highly recommend starting as early as you can. There isn't a lot of shade in Uchisar, and it can get really hot outside during the day.
7. Hike from Uchisar to Goreme via Pigeon Valley
To get back from Uchisar, you can hike the Pigeon Valley trail all the way back to Goreme in about 2 hours. Pigeon Valley is known for its stunning rock formations, caves, and, of course, pigeons.
Along the trail, you will start to see more and more pigeonholes or dovecotes carved along the sides of these cliffs, which is where the valley got its name. Apparently, these holes were dug for carrier pigeons that were trained to send and retrieve messages back in the day, but not anymore.
Do not expect the valley to be filled with pigeons here. In fact, I didn't see any when I was hiking the trail, and I was mildly disappointed ๐. That said, the hike is still incredible and one of the best hikes you can do in Cappadocia.
The trail begins in Uchisar and ends in Goreme (or vice versa), and the trail will take you through some thick trees and caves with plenty of shade along the way, making it a great place to hike during the day.
8. Visit the Underground City of Derinkuyu
After participating in numerous hiking activities in Cappadocia, it is time to take a seat, relax, and explore other parts of Cappadocia with the comfort of an organized tour.
As part of the Cappadocia Green Tour, you will be able to get out of Goreme and explore other tourist attractions that are further away, and one of the first attractions you will be visiting is the Derinkuyu Underground City located in Derinkuyu town south of Goreme.
Derinkuyu is known for its extensive multi-level underground city that extends to a depth of approximately 85 meters (279 ft). It was constructed during the Byzantine era, and it is said to be large enough to accommodate more than 20,000 people inside, including their livestock.
The tunnels here are nothing like the tunnels I've seen elsewhere. They really did build an underground city here, complete with schools, churches, and everything.
The reason behind the construction is believed to be that of protection from conflicts during the Arab-Byzantine War and even as late as the 20th Century when the Cappadocian Greeks escaped periodic persecutions. The tour should give you about an hour to explore the cave before continuing on to our next destination, Ihlara Valley.
9. Hike Along the River at Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is a stunning valley with the Melendiz River cutting through it. The valley was formed millions of years ago due to the volcanic activities of nearby Mt. Hasan. It took several million more years for the Melendiz River to erode the mountain and create an 80-meter deep canyon for us to hike in.
Once you arrive at Ihlara Valley, you will then have to hike down to the river and along the river to see the hidden churches carved inside the canyon. The hike should take about 1.5 hours before it ends at a local restaurant where you can stop for lunch.
The restaurant is located right by the river, and you can actually enjoy your meal as the water gushes below the platform on which you are seated. It is a great place to rest for a bit before we continue on to our next destination: the stunning Selima Cathedral.
10. Admire the Beauty of Selima Cathedral
One of the greatest architectural wonders in Cappadocia that you should definitely visit is Selima Cathedral, a massive rock-cut cathedral-sized monastery, one of the largest of its kind in Cappadocia.
Selima Cathedral was carved from a massive rock way back in the 8th Century AD as a church, and you can still see some of those remnants today, from its many frescoes to columns and arches carved from the rock itself.
The whole place is very impressive, and what's more impressive for me personally is how it resembled those houses in Tatooine that I remember seeing in the first Star Wars trilogy so much. As it turned out, the guide told me that George Lucas wanted to film his first Star Wars movie here before he went with Tunisia instead.
He even drafted a plan and submitted it to the Turkish Government. Unfortunately, it was rejected, and George Lucas decided to replicate what he saw here at Selima Cathedral and built his own set in Tunisia.
Not sure how true the story is, though, but I do see some resemblance here. Anyhow, it should take you about 30 minutes to stroll around the area before the tour ends, and you are taken back to Goreme.
Again, if you want to see the last 3 attractions on this list without having to rent a car, I highly recommend that you go with the Cappadocia Green Tour. It is affordable, efficient, and you get to see all the things that you might not be able to without your own vehicle all in one go.
When to Visit Cappadocia, Turkey?
While June - August is considered to be the peak season, I do not think it is the best time to visit Cappadocia. While it is a popular time to visit, you will also be dealing with a large tourist crowd as well as the jacked-up prices at hotels, which is not ideal. Plus, it is probably one of the hottest months to visit, making it less enjoyable to hike around in Cappadocia, which we will do quite a bit.
What I would recommend instead is to visit during the shoulder seasons, either in May or September, when the tourist crowds are starting to wind down and the prices of hotels are starting to fall back to their normal level.
Also, keep in mind that from May to June, it is Ramadan. Even though you won't have a problem finding food places like Cappadocia, it will be harder if you plan to explore further and go off the beaten path.
How to Get to Cappadocia, Turkey?
First and foremost, Cappadocia is not actually the name of an individual town in Turkey, but rather a region that consists of several smaller towns. Some of the most notable towns in this region include Goreme and Urgup, which are more popular among travelers than the others.
Goreme is the most popular, budget-friendly, and centrally located out of all destinations, and that is where I recommend you base yourself for this trip. However, first, to get to Goreme, you are going to have to fly into Istanbul from abroad.
Thankfully, Istanbul is one of the largest hubs in the region, and you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to one of the 2 main airports in the city, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
From the US, there are several direct flights you can take to Turkey from major cities in the US like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, etc. All of these flights are operated by Turkish Airlines, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a flight from the US to Turkey.
From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Turkish Airlines or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa, which also offer direct flights to Istanbul or Ankara.
From Asia, you can fly directly with Turkish Airlines from several hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Bangkok. You can also go with other Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad if you are willing to transit to get a cheaper deal.
To find a cheap flight to Turkey, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so that you can compare and pick the best one.
Getting From Istanbul to Cappadocia, Turkey
By Plane: The fastest way to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia is to fly. There are 2 airports in Cappadocia, Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Airport (NAV) that you can choose to fly into.
From Istanbul to Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), there are 7 flights throughout the day from 01:40 AM to 11:15 PM, operated by Pegasus Airline and Turkish Airlines. The journey will take around 1.5 hours and cost 28 USD per person, which is almost as cheap as taking the bus but much faster and more comfortable.
From Istanbul to Nevsehir Airport (NAV), there are approximately 4 flights per day, ranging from 8:40 AM to 6:35 PM, all operated by Turkish Airlines. The flight duration is slightly shorter, at 1.25 hours, but the cost is higher, at 33 USD.
Since it is cheaper and there are more options for you to choose from, I highly recommend flying to Cappadocia via the Istanbul to Kayseri Erkilet Airport route. From the airport, you can catch a shuttle bus service to Goreme for 10 USD. You have to book first though, and you can do that here: Book a Transfer from ASR Airport to Goreme.
By Bus: If you are not in a rush and want to save some money (albeit very little compared to cheap flights nowadays), you can also travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia by bus.
There are four overnight buses from different bus terminals in Istanbul to Goreme, leaving between 8:30 PM and 10:15 PM. The journey will take around 12 hours, and it should cost 27 USD per person, only 1 USD cheaper than taking a flight.
Although, you are going to save a bit more as the bus will take you directly to Gรถreme without you having to pay an extra 10 USD for an airport transfer. You can book the bus with the link here: Book a Bus from Istanbul to Gรถreme, Cappadocia.
Personally, I think bus travel is only worth it if you are visiting Cappadocia as part of a bigger trip and you are currently in other cities like Antalya, where flying will actually take longer as you will have to transit back to Istanbul or Ankara. Otherwise, just fly to Cappadocia, in my opinion. It will save you money and time.
By Plane and Rented Car: You can also fly into Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) and rent a car to drive to Goreme. This way, you can explore all the attractions at your own leisure.
You can rent a car straight from the Erkilet Airport for about 50 USD per day, and it should take you no more than 1 hour to get to Goreme. Hit the link below to reserve a car at the Kayseri Erkilet Airport.
Getting From Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) to Goreme, Turkey
By Shuttle Bus: To get from Kayseri Erkilet Airport to Goreme, you will have to book a shuttle service prior to arrival. The shuttle service will cost around 10 USD per person, and you can book one with the link below:
How to Get Around Cappadocia, Turkey?
By Walking: If you are staying in Goreme, you have the advantage of being closer to all the beautiful valleys you can hike in, so you can simply walk to the trailhead and start hiking. For places outside of Goreme, you are going to need to go on an organized tour instead.
By Tour: As mentioned earlier, Cappadocia is a vast region full of places to visit. In order to see them all, the most affordable way is to join an organized tour and go on day trips around Cappadocia with them.
The tour I recommended is the Cappadocia Green Tour, which will take you to all the tourist attractions that you might not be able to visit without your own vehicle.
It only costs 30 USD per person, and you will be traveling with only 11 other people in a van with a tour guide who will fill you in on the history of these beautiful places around Cappadocia. Click on the link below to book the Green Tour.
How Many Days To Spend in Cappadocia, Turkey?
There is quite a lot to do in Cappadocia, and I recommend you stay around 3 days to really see what the place has to offer. Below is a rough 4-day itinerary for Cappadocia.
Day 1: Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, hike the Rose and Red Valley, and spend the rest of your first day exploring Goreme Town.
Day 2: Go on an epic hot air balloon ride at sunrise in the morning and hike the Pigeon Valley and Love Valley to Uchisar Castle during the day. Spend the evening walking around Goreme town.
Day 3: Go on a day trip with the Green Tour and visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, hike around Ihlara Valley, and explore Selime Monastery. That should occupy your entire third day in Cappadocia.
How Much Money Do I Need For Cappadocia, Turkey?
With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Cappadocia as follows:
Accommodation: For 4 nights, it should cost around 28 USD (240 TRY) for accommodation.
Food: Food in Cappadocia should cost around 20 TRY per meal, so you can expect to pay around 180 TRY for 3 days here.
Transportation: Since everything is within walking distance in Goreme, and we will be taking a tour for further away places, you won't have to pay anything here, so 0 TRY for transportation.
Activities: For the Green Tour, it should cost about 40 USD per person, a hot air balloon flight is another 120 USD, and last but not least, 54 TRY + 18 TRY for an all-access ticket at Goreme Open Air Museum. So, in total, you can expect to pay 1444.59 TRY for activities in Cappadocia.
Total Budget for 3 days in Cappadocia: 1864.59 TRY (217.33 USD)
Is it Safe in Cappadocia, Turkey?
Cappadocia is considered quite safe, despite being a major tourist town in Turkey. I didn't have any weird experiences or meet any problematic characters while I was there. The locals are friendly, and most will go out of their way to help you out.
That said, Cappadocia is remote, and since we will be hiking a lot around these slippery valleys and mountains, it is always a good idea to let people know where you are heading in case something happens.
There have also been a few cases of rape (including a Japanese tourist in this instance), so if you are a solo woman traveler who enjoys hiking alone, make sure to take any necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings and belongings at all times. Trust your gut, and if something doesn't seem safe, do not pursue it. Other than that, you should encounter no trouble here.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Turkey?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Cappadocia, Turkey without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Cappadocia, Turkey:
There are three major carriers in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage.
I personally use Turkcell's Tourist Welcome Package, which costs around 149 TRY for 30 days. It comes with 20 GB of data, unlimited messaging, and 200 local minutes, which is more than enough for my trip to Turkey.
You can also go cheaper with an 8 GB 30-day plan for 60 TRY, and the price goes down from there depending on the GB you want for your data SIM card. Keep in mind that a foreign phone with a local SIM card has a grace period of 120 days. So, if you are planning to stay longer than 120 days, you are going to have to register your phone with the authority, which is unlikely to happen for tourists like us.
For more information about Turkey's local SIM card: Turkey's Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Cappadocia, Turkey?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Cappadocia, Turkey:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Cappadocia, Turkey in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Turkey
Turkey is a country that stands in the middle of Europe and Asia. Empires rose and fell on this land, and in order to see Turkey as a whole, you will have to go further than just Istanbul.
Here is a selection of articles and travel guides that you might need to further plan your trip to Turkey:
- First time visiting Turkey? Here are the 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Turkey.
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Turkey? Check out this One Month Itinerary for Turkey.
- Have a transit flight between IST and SAW airports in Istanbul? Here is a complete guide on How to Get From Sabiha Gokcen to Istanbul Airport and Vice Versa.
- Istanbul is the crown jewel historical city of Turkey and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are a lot of things to do, and you are going to need a complete travel guide to see them all. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey.
- A lot of Roman influence can be seen throughout Turkey. One of the best places to see this is at Ephesus ruins in Selcuk. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Selcuk and Ephesus.
- Pamukkale is home to the ancient travertines of Pamukkale, and it is a place you should definitely visit in Turkey. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey.
- The southwestern coast of Turkey boasts some of the most stunning beaches, cliffs, and hiking trails in the country, and one of the best places you shouldn't miss is the Butterfly Valley. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to the Butterfly Valley, Turkey.
- Looking for a nice, quiet place by the beach to relax and do yoga for a few days in Turkey? There is no better place to be than Kabak. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kabak, Turkey.
- Mt. Nemrut and its massive stone statues of gods are one of the most unique places I have ever seen, but it is not the easiest place to visit. To save you the trouble, here is A Complete Travel Guide to Mt. Nemrut and all the information you need to make the journey as I did.
- If you are planning to travel to East Turkey, Van is one of the cities you must stop by. Known for its awesome breakfast and its location by the largest lake in Turkey, here is A Complete Travel Guide to Van, Turkey.
- Visiting Sumela Monastery is one of the highlights of traveling to Eastern Turkey, but due to its remote location, getting there can be tricky. Here is How to Travel to Sumela Monastery, Turkey and all the information you need to make the trip happen.
- Ani, the ancient Armenian City in Kars, is the highlight of Eastern Turkey, but it can be quite tricky to visit unless you know how to do it properly. Here is How to Travel to Ani, Turkey and all the information you need to make the trip happen.
- Not convinced by my words? Maybe these photos of Turkey will help! 45 Photos that will inspire you to travel to Turkey.
- Since you are already all the way east, why not cross the border from Turkey to Georgia and make your way to Tbilisi, a vibrant capital city of Georgia? Check out my Georgia Travel Guide to plan your next trip to Georgia.
- For all articles about Turkey, visit the Turkey Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for the Middle East? You can find more on my Middle East Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
3 Comments
Arhh this brings back so many memories! I solo travelled to Turkey in 2012 and it was still to this day my best experience! Your photos are amazing! Question: I've linked my bucketlist in one of my post - http://www.kelanabykayla.com/travelbucketlistpt1/ but was wondering how do I do what you have done in the post above with 'Dont forget to add these to your bucketlist' list? I want to start adding them to all my travel posts. Thanks Pete!
Thank you for the comment Kayla. I'm glad you like the post!
For the Don't forget to add section, right now we are doing that manually, but you have given us an awesome plugin idea. We will see what we can do to provide you a feature to embed goals and will let you know when it is ready. :) Stay tuned.
Pete Rojwongsuriya Yay! Cannot wait!!c :D :D :D