By Andy Noorlander
Facts on Cappadocia Tourism
Set in the arid hills of central Turkey, Cappadocia draws tourists with its bizarre landscapes of cone-like spires and lava-capped fairy chimneys. It is also famous for the countless caves that are carved into cliff sides, which mark the centuries of passing pilgrims and crusaders. Early Christians fled here en masse to escape iconoclastic persecution from the Byzantines and invasions from the Arabs, and built entire cities underground. With its spectacular vistas, subterranean labyrinths and other-worldly feel, visiting Cappadocia is a must for anyone traveling to Turkey.
Fairy Chimneys
These strange geological features came about through millions of years of wind and water erosion against the soft volcanic ash. In many places, the ancient lava crust has remained on top of the eroded cones, giving them the appearance of chimneys or giant mushrooms. To get a close-up view of these formations, be sure to visit Göreme, which is built among the chimneys. Then travel the short distance to Urgup and Uchisar to see more along the roadside where you can walk right up to them.
Underground Cities
The Early Christian ruins found at the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are certainly worth a visit. With more than 100 underground tunnels connecting the various chambers, the cities reach hundreds of feet into the earth. Walking through these sloping walkways and narrow passages constitutes an adventure to be remembered. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are located 20 and 30 kilometers south of Nevsehir, respectively, on the Nevsehir-Nigde road. Admission is $7 usd per city.
Ballooning
One of the most popular ways to see Cappadocia is by hot air balloon. Ballooning provides awesome bird's-eye views of this geological wonderland, and offers a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. Two reputable balloon companies are the Kapadokya Balloons and Göreme Balloons, which offer one-hour flights for $200 to $350 usd per passenger. Both have heaps of experience, excellent equipment and skilled pilots.
Kapadokya Balloons
Göreme, 50180 Nevsehir, Turkey
ttpinfo@kapadokyaballoons.com
011 (+90) 384 271 2442
Göreme Balloons
Yeni Sanayi Sitesi, Koyunyolu Mevkii No:1
50400 Ürgüp, Nevsehir, Turkey
011(+90) 384 341 5662
ttp@goremeballoons.com
Sleeping
Hotels abound in the Cappodocia region, especially in the villages of Göreme, Urgup, and Uchisar, and in Kayseri and Avanos, which are nearby. One of the most popular hotels in the area is the Serinn House in Urgup. Its spectactular setting, pristine rooms, excellent local food and friendly staff make it a favorite among travelers willing to splurge.
Serinn House
Esbelli Sokak No. 36
Ürgüp, Nevsehir (Cappadocia), Turkey
serinnhouse.com
011 (+90) 384 341 6076
Göreme is Cappadocia's backpacker mecca and has a variety of lodging, with dozens of hotels and hostels that are set in caves.
Getting There and Around
Regular flights to Kayseri leave from the capital, Ankara, and from all major cities in Turkey. Long-distance buses are comfortable and fast, and perfect for traveling across the country, while a shuttle bus connects Kayseri to Cappadocia's towns, Avanos and Nevsehir, and the villages of Göreme, Urgup and Uchisar.
While Goreme is the most popular backpacker hub in the heart of Fairy Chimney territory, all five towns are good bases from which to explore the region. Infrequent buses connect these towns, but the distance can be hiked in a few hours. Cheap bike rentals are also available.
About the Author:
Andy has attended schools all over the world but is now on the leg last of her Bachelors Degree at Brigham Young University through Independent Study while living in China. She has studied Spanish, Finnish, and Mandarin and is majoring in English literature. She has been a writer fro Demand Studios for over a year.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Anthon Jackson
