Balloons & Beyond: Mini Guide to Cappadocia
Let's be honest, most people visit Cappadocia for the hot air balloons...
But there's so much more to it than just this.
I've visited this incredible region twice and spent around four days here each time - which is ideal if you want both to go in a balloon and watch them at sunrise. Allowing yourself more days is important since they get cancelled with even the slightest wind.
The first time I came here was just after finishing university when I wanted to travel, but I didn't really have the budget for balloon rides or organised tours. My biggest regret was leaving without flying in a hot air balloon, so I was dying to return.
That first trip still gave me some of my favourite memories though. I travelled here with friends I'd met in Istanbul, hiked for over two hours in the summer heat to reach some of the more remote fairy chimneys, somehow ended up with mild heatstroke, and finished the day hitchhiking back in the back of a local's van because walking any further just wasn't happening.
The second time around, I finally ticked off the balloon ride and also did a couple of affordable tours, which made exploring the wider region much easier without hiring a car.
So without further ado, here's my little mini-guide to Cappadocia.
Favourite experiences 
Green Tour with Underground City
8x hours, €25
If you're short on time, the Green Tour is a really nice detour and shows you a bit more of the unusual parts of Cappadocia. Over around eight hours, you’ll hop around sites including Derinkuyu Underground City (NOT for claustrophobes, unless you want to suffer like me), Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. It was a really nice change from the fairy chimneys and gives you a completely different side of the region.
Fly in (or/and watch) the Hot Air Balloons
3 hours, from €115
This probably goes without saying.
Four days gives you enough time to fly in one, watch them from below and even squeeze in a photoshoot if the weather plays ball. Just be prepared for an early alarm. During summer, most balloon flights start around 4:00-4:30am.
Flying dress photoshoot
2 hours, from €200
I’ve done the infamous flying dress shoot in Santorini, so with Cappadocia being so special to me, this was a non-negotiable.
For the shoot, I was allowed to choose two dresses to rent, this time going for a vivid blue and red version. It was a pretty smooth experience and being up at the viewpoints during sunrise, surrounded by hundreds of balloon was such a magical experience. For another location, we also went into a cave (quite a few people were waiting to do the same though).
Really recommend if you want some gorgeous photos as a unique keepsake!
Red Tour with lunch & pottery demonstration
7 hours, from €55
The Red Tour covers many of Cappadocia's most famous sights, including Uçhisar Castle, Pasabag's fairy chimneys, Devrent Valley and the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Ours also included a stop in Avanos for a mini pottery workshop, which made a nice addition to the day.
Other things to do during your trip
Everyone talks about sunrise, but sunset deserves just as much love.
Some of my favourite evenings were spent at Zen Hotel and Sunset Wine Garden, both overlooking Uçhisar. Who needs a partner to take them on a date, am I right? Good food, a glass of wine and watching the sun disappear over the valleys... not a bad way to end the day, and a nice treat even for someone traveling alone.
Dinner at Sunset Wine Garden
Sunset meal at Zen
Explore Beyond the Main Viewpoints
Starting from Göreme, spend a couple of hours exploring more of the region.
Whether you fancy an easy hike through the valleys or something a little more adventurous like quad biking, you'll discover plenty more incredible scenery away from the busiest viewpoints.
Where to stay
One thing I definitely wouldn't skip is staying in a traditional cave or stone hotel. It's all part of the experience and makes the trip feel even more unique.
This time around, instead of staying in Göreme again, which is the main town, I based myself in Uçhisar. Although it's a little further out, it's much quieter and, in my opinion, even more beautiful. It has its own incredible viewpoints, gorgeous little streets and sunsets to die for. I stayed in Flavia Hotel, a cosy and beautiful little boutique hotel, where you can enjoy lazing around in their egg chairs and having coffee in the garden.
If you do stay in this area, it’s worth to note you can still quite easily walk to Göreme but it’s a bit awkward and involves a 45 or so minute walk along a big, straight road. I did it twice and it’s honestly no problem,