So, you’ve got Cappadocia, Turkey, on your travel radar, and you’re probably itching to experience the enchanting thrill of a hot air balloon ride over this unique and otherworldly landscape.
But there are some nagging questions, of course: Where to stay in Cappadocia when you’re not floating above the whimsical valleys? How to choose the best hotel in Cappadocia and still stay within your budget? Is a visit for one night and a couple of days enough to experience all that this place has to offer? And, of course, let’s not forget about the most critical question: Where to stay in Cappadocia for the ultimate views of hot air balloons?
Article contents
- Where to stay in Cappadocia for hot air balloon rides? Quick tips for those in a hurry
- Choosing where to stay in Cappadocia — Göreme or Ürgüp?
● Göreme
● Ürgüp
● Uçhisar
● Çavuşin - Best cave hotels in Cappadocia
- Best non-cave hotels in Cappadocia
- My tips and itinerary for traveling to Cappadocia, Turkey
● How long to stay in Cappadocia?
● How to get around Cappadocia? Renting a car in Turkey - Final thoughts
Trust me, you’re not sitting with your travel anxieties alone: I asked myself all of the aforementioned questions (and even more) as I was planning my Cappadocia pilgrimage. The thing that makes a trip here even more unique (and thus, harder to plan) is that people often don’t visit Cappadocia on its own. They typically try to combine it with a vacation in other areas of Turkey.
To provide you with a much-needed reassurance and assistance (especially if it’s your first time visiting Cappadocia), I’ve decided to share my own experience of traveling to this fascinating location and give you the information you need to make the most of your trip. Let’s dive into the things you need to know before visiting Cappadocia!
Where to stay in Cappadocia for hot air balloon rides? Quick tips for those in a hurry
Here’s what town of Goreme in Cappadocia looks like. A bit chaotic, right?
I get it, there are situations when you need to choose a spot and book a hotel stat, because your flight to Cappadocia is tomorrow and you have no idea where you’ll be sleeping for the foreseeable future. If your itinerary is also looking quite sparse, you’re in luck: I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Cappadocia.
To cater to those in a hurry, here are all the things you need to know to decide on where to stay in Cappadocia (if you have ample time before your trip, a detailed analysis will follow suit):
+ What is the best place to stay in Cappadocia if it’s your first time traveling here?
Göreme, the tourist center of Cappadocia, is the perfect option because it has everything that people come to this region for.
+ What about accommodation? What is the best budget-friendly cave hotel in Cappadocia?
When choosing a cave hotel, it’s essential to look for one that is warm, dry, and offers a good view of hot air balloons, but it’s important to note that such hotels tend to be on a more expensive side.
In my quest to make the most out of the trip (since I was on a pretty strict budget), I chose to stay at the Grand Elite Cave Suites. It’s not the most expensive hotel, which is a huge plus, but it’s true that there are many other options with better panoramic views of Cappadocia. Still, I believe that the view from the roof terrace of your hotel is not so important because you can easily visit another hotel and enjoy the sights of the valley, fairy chimney landscape, and hot air balloons floating above from that place.
+ What if you’re traveling with family? What is the best non-cave hotel in Cappadocia?
When it comes to a family getaway, a cave hotel might not be the most suitable choice. Some find them a bit stuffy, with the occasional drip from the walls and ceiling, and there’s even a risk of claustrophobia episodes for people prone to experiencing them. Here’s where an alternative shines through — the renowned four-star hotel, Carus Cappadocia, a highly praised and all-around well-reviewed establishment. Unlike cave accommodations, it offers spacious comfort. The average nightly rate for a couple is around $270, but you’ll be treated to remarkable viewpoints and top-notch service.
+ Where to stay in Cappadocia for hot air balloons?
The answer here stays the same: The main flight center is in Göreme, so it will make your life easier to stay closer to all the action. However, if you’re thinking of renting a car in Cappadocia, you can also look into the area’s other towns, listed below.
+ What do you need to know about hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia?
Firstly, they operate all year round, so don’t hesitate to choose the winter season. However, keep in mind that the weather can sometimes turn unfavorable, leading to canceled flights (keep reading till the end for more tips on hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia).
It’s also a good idea to book the hot air balloon experience online (Getyourguide is the most popular and trusted platform), while also ensuring you check the weather conditions. The flights are not in any way cheap, ranging from $200 to $500, depending on the time of year and the specific company.
Personally, I flew in January, during the off-season, so it was not so expensive — about $185 per person.
You have to wake up as early as 4-5 a.m. to catch this beauty!
+ Is one day enough for Cappadocia?
When it comes to the ideal duration for a stay in Cappadocia, I wouldn’t recommend staying for an extended period, but one day might not be sufficient to fully experience all the attractions and activities in the region.
Personally, I disregarded my own advice during one of my latest trips here, and, instead of looking for where to stay in Cappadocia on a budget, decided to rather save the money on the number of days in the hotel. It was a somewhat risky venture, considering it was January, and the weather could be quite capricious. Since I only had one full day to spare, there was a significant risk of the hot air balloons getting canceled. But fortunately, everything worked out. If you’re not a fan of taking such a risk, make sure to save at least two (or rather three) days for exploring Cappadocia.
+ What are some other things to do in Cappadocia?
From full-day guided tours focused on the crème de la crème of destinations in Cappadocia, to more specific tours centered around fairy chimneys and caves or underground cities and natural destinations, every traveler will find the way to learn more about the area that best suits them. There’s also no shortage of fun activities in Cappadocia for adventurers at heart: From adrenaline-inducing ATV sunset tours to exciting horse rides through the enchanting landscapes, — if you’re terrified of heights and have to bypass the world-famous hot air balloon ride, you will still be entertained to the max here.
Choosing where to stay in Cappadocia — Göreme or Ürgüp?
Now that the quick tips are out of the way, I can finally get into a more detailed breakdown of where to stay in Cappadocia, Turkey. If you’ve done a tiny bit of research, you know that one’s bound to run into a few pressing questions: Where to stay in Сappadocia — charming Göreme or cozy Ürgüp? Or maybe there are other interesting options?
As I mentioned earlier, Cappadocia is often a destination that you visit with a limited time at your disposal. Chances are, you won’t have the opportunity to see all the places, switch hotels multiple times, and change your route if needed. Therefore, your choice of location will significantly influence the overall quality of your trip.
However, you must know that Cappadocia isn’t an overwhelmingly vast tourist area. If you’re a rare breed that allotted ample time for this Cappadocia trip, then you can explore several towns at once.
Göreme — best place to stay in Cappadocia for first-timers
There’s not a trace of filters in this photo — this is a real shot of Göreme at night taken from a viewpoint nearby
Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, Göreme is the best area to base your adventure around, offering a surreal landscape that is simply mesmerizing. It also has plenty of 5-star hotels, cave houses, and the most popular tourist attractions.
What are some of the most notable attractions in Göreme? The list is long, but I’ve narrowed it down to a few places:
- Göreme Open-Air Museum — €20
While neighboring towns have their own charm, the proximity to the Göreme Open-Air Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site, no less) makes Göreme the ultimate destination for tourists. This is no ordinary museum with exhibits behind glass either — it’s a living, breathing cave city waiting to be explored. You can wander through its winding tunnels, climb ancient mountains, and marvel at partially faded frescoes that tell stories of a bygone era. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this place. It’s also pretty easy to reach — it takes 25 minutes to walk from the center of Göreme.
- Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi) — free
That’s the place we liked the most
Pigeon Valley is famous for its unique pigeon houses carved into the rock formations. They say that pigeons once played a big part in the lives of locals: They were kept for their guano (i.e. bird poop), which is a valuable fertilizer. In the heyday of Christianity, monks collected pigeon eggs and used them to make beautiful frescoes. The valley is characterized by its distinctive ebbs and flows and the hiking trails. Parking here is free, as is access to the observation deck.
To truly experience the region, I recommend visiting the Pigeon Valley just after flying in a hot air balloon. From the observation deck, make your way down to the lowlands and embark on the popular Pigeon Valley Hike from Uçhisar to Göreme.
- Red Valley — free
Red Valley is known for its striking red-hued rock formations, which are most vibrant at sunset. The valley is also home to ancient cave churches. Situated in the vicinity of Göreme, Red Valley is easily accessible from the city center. It’s really an interesting option for hiking.
Plan your visit in the late afternoon to witness the rocks’ stunning color transformation. It’s important to note that the geological features of the various valleys in the region share some similarities. So, if you choose to visit a place like the Red Valley, you might find that it covers the essence of several other sites, such as the Love Valley, Three Beauties, or Rose Valley. You can think of it as an all-in-one package.
The fun doesn’t stop here. After you’ve paid a visit to these locations, there are still so many activities you can do if you decide to stay in Göreme:
- A pretty self-explanatory hot air balloon ride (from $200) — after all, isn’t it what you came to Cappadocia for? Witnessing the magical sunrise over Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape is a must-do experience.
- Hiking (free) — there are numerous hiking trails around Göreme. Rose Valley and Love Valley are popular options.
- ATV tours (from $22) — experience the area in an exciting way by renting an ATV or joining an ATV tour to explore the rugged terrain.
- Views of Göreme panorama (free) — head to “Sunset/Sunrise/Balloons Highest View point in Göreme” or any of the other panoramic viewpoints in Göreme to witness stunning sunsets and capture some memorable photos.
- Shopping — Göreme has numerous shops selling souvenirs, textiles, carpets, and pottery. It’s a great place to pick up unique handmade items.
- Cultural shows — some restaurants and venues in Göreme host cultural shows, that usually involve traditional Turkish music and dance performances.
- Horse riding tours in the mountains (from $30) — accompanied by a guide, you’ll embark on a journey into the mountains, granting you the opportunity to witness a plethora of extraordinary landscapes up close and forge a special connection with horses. This is quite a therapeutic leisure activity, which is suitable even for those who have never ridden a horse before. Personally, I had a blast!
Taking all things into account, Göreme offers the most comprehensive experience of being in Cappadocia. It’s a lively city with a striking beauty and the convenience of a nearby UNESCO site. My personal choice was Göreme, and I’ve never had any regrets about it.
📍 Where to stay in Göreme (note that more details about the hotels mentioned will be covered in a separate section):
- My choice #1 was: Grand Elite Cave Suites (from $60 a night off-season; from $150 in peak season) — the best relatively budget option in Göreme that is still comfortable and aesthetic
- My choice #2 was: Onur Cave Cappadocia (from $90 a night off-season; from $200 in peak season) — a great cave hotel that is warm enough for winter, has a parking nearby and a hot balloons viewing deck on the roof
- 4* Carus Cappadocia (from $150 a night off-season; from $270 in peak season) — I bet you won’t find more luxurious non-cave hotel in the city!
Ürgüp — best place to stay in Cappadocia for culture
And this is the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia you absolutely have to stop by (Paşabağ Vadisi)
Interestingly, Göreme hasn’t always been the primary tourist hub of Cappadocia. In the past, the spotlight shone on Ürgüp, and it’s not without reason. This area boasts an abundant volcanic history, adorned with numerous historical structures, intriguing fairy chimneys, and a myriad of breathtaking landscapes that once drew travelers in droves. While Göreme now offers a wider range of activities, Ürgüp’s unique charm continues to hold its own allure.
Ürgüp’s unique places that will be at your disposal once you stay here:
- Three Beauties — 100 lira for parking
Some people find this place overrated. After all, you just drive up, pay 100 lira / $2,5 for parking — which is quite a lot compared to other parking lots — and step out onto the viewpoint. You take photos of three tall rock pillars with little “caps” on top… and that’s basically it! Sure, the rocks are well maintained (if you can even say that about rocks), and they light up beautifully in the evening. But somehow, it still doesn’t feel like enough to make the Three Beauties a must-visit spot.
- Mazi Underground City — €3
 |
 |
Underground cities in Cappadocia are a claustrophobe’s worst nightmare. But there are a few more spacious exceptions like ⬇️
Mazi Underground City, a remarkable historical place, was unearthed by a shepherd in 1995. Situated 20 kilometers away from Ürgüp, tourists rarely make it here because they get distracted by the more popular Kaymakli and Derinkuyu cities. Great thing about Mazi is that it only goes two levels underground, instead of seven or eight like some of the others, and the living areas are clear, easy to follow, and well lit. It doesn’t feel scary to explore at all.
- Mustafapaşa City
Situated just 6 kilometers away from the heart of Ürgüp, Mustafapaşa is a less crowded Cappadocian town. There are a few noteworthy sites to explore like the Medrese of Mehmet Şakir Paşa (an Islamic educational institute), Konstantin – Eleni Church, and Museum of Art and Cappadocia Coffee Museum.
There is also a wide variety of things to do in Ürgüp:
- Wine tasting — the town is one of the Cappadocia’s winemaking centers, and some of the most well-known wine producers are based right here (for example, Turasan).
- Artisanal souvenirs — browse local shops and markets for the handcrafted treasures such as ceramic cups and plates, intricately designed blankets, jewelry, and dishes adorned with distinctive symbols.
- Hot air balloon rides — they will pick you up for free from Ürgüp as well.
- Temenni Tepesi — the most popular observation point with the views of Ürgüp.
Ürgüp is perfect for the travelers who wish to savor a more relaxed pace of life. I would recommend this place for a return visit or for experienced tourists seeking a deeper cultural experience.
📍 Where to stay in Ürgüp:
- Pegas Cave Suites (from $60 a night off-season; from $140 in peak season) — one of the decently priced cave hotels in the town
- Kayata Cave Suites Special Class (from $180 a night off-season; from $280 in peak season) — 8-minute walk to a great hammam place we enjoyed a lot (Ürgüp Şehir Hamamı), 2-minute walk to a Cappadocian wine store, and a jacuzzi inside the room!
Now, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: Should you keep other cities apart from Göreme and Ürgüp on your radar of places to stay in, considering that tourists can find everything they desire in these two Cappadocian destinations? My answer is yes, particularly for return visits. Therefore, let’s explore two more exciting options — one located right in the heart of Cappadocia and the other on its outskirts.
Uçhisar — best place to stay in Cappadocia for views
The gorgeous Uçhisar castle
While Göreme is nestled within the depths of a tuff basin, Uçhisar boldly presides over the expansive landscape. Actually, it serves as a distinctive landmark within Göreme National Park. As you drive from Nevsehir, on your way either from Antalya or Istanbul, two commanding Uçhisar rocks immediately catch your eye symbolizing the start of your Cappadocia trip.
The locations for sightseeing in Uçhisar are nearly identical to those in Göreme. However, there are two prominent places that (at least in my mind) are exclusively Uçhisar-ian:
- Uçhisar Castle — 400 lira
It’s hard to miss Uçhisar, thanks to its most striking feature, the Uçhisar Castle, visible all the way from Göreme. It appears as if it’s perched on square houses, neatly assembled like pieces of a grand architectural puzzle. The castle is the highest point in Cappadocia (!). Climb to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire region. Explore the caves and tunnels within the castle, which were once used for shelter and defense.
- Uçhisar viewpoint — free
On your journey from Uçhisar to Göreme, make sure not to overlook this lookout point near Göreme Panorama cafe where you’ll spot unique rock formations that resemble the silhouettes of nuns. These natural wonders are a sight to behold!
📍 Where to stay in Uçhisar:
- Argos in Cappadocia (from $450 a night off-season; from $500 in peak season) — it’s the literal “Four Seasons” of the local hotel scene
- KEMAL STONE HOUSE HOTEL (from $55 a night off-season; from $60 in peak season) — a hotel whose rates also barely change with the season but stay on the more budget-friendly side
In my opinion, staying in Göreme and taking a taxi to the local attractions may be more cost-effective, but some travelers opt for the unique experience of staying next to an ancient fortress. Plus, Uçhisar has more relatively cheap hotels. It’s a matter of personal preference and budget.
Çavuşin — best place to stay in Cappadocia for quiet solitude
The valleys are full of these strange rock formations with little caps on top, and then — out of nowhere — a small town appears in the middle of this almost Martian scenery
Çavuşin offers a serene retreat, where men gather in tea houses next to the mosque and women wear traditional Turkish village attire. Upon your arrival, the imposing castle and the historic church will undoubtedly capture your attention. Take your time to wander through the village and its surroundings, perhaps even visit a pottery workshop where you can explore the art of working with red clay and ceramics.
Apart from relaxing all your senses at some retreat, there are two most interesting things to do in Çavuşin:
- Visiting the Çavuşin Church — a remarkable rock-carved church adorned with intricate frescoes. However, you can only view it from the outside, since it’s closed for restoration.
- Pottery workshops — the town is known for its pottery traditions, and you can participate in pottery workshops to learn about this ancient craft. Creating your pottery piece is a unique experience that sets Çavuşin apart as a place to engage in traditional artistry.
- Paşabağ Vadisi — one of the most popular Cappadocia sights is a mere 3 kilometers away from Çavuşin.
While it may not be as popular among tourists nowadays, Çavuşin offers a different kind of charm. There are fewer attractions compared to other bustling areas. However, for those seeking a relaxed getaway or having a second visit, this city definitely holds its own appeal.
📍 Where to stay in Çavuşin:
- Çavuşin Cave House (from $70 a night off-season; from $90 in peak season) — a decent cave hotel with a wide range of room types, from economy double to family room
- Cappadocia Fairy Tale Suites (from $90 a night off-season; from $115 in peak season) — this hotel is most often praised in reviews for the outstanding hospitality
Best cave hotels in Cappadocia
 |
 |
That’s where we stayed in Goreme — Onur Cave Cappadocia
I hope that you still want some recs about the best cave hotels in Cappadocia. After all, it’s such a unique style of accommodation: You can imagine yourself a monk in some yesteryear (props for the eventual spiritual enlightenment), but with boogie perks like a hot tub, air conditioning, and Netflix.
Are cave hotels worth it? Apart from the novelty of the idea itself, there are a few cons to the whole experience. The space may be too confined while the air is heavy and humid, and the water in the bathroom takes a long time to evaporate. For example, I liked my cave hotel — it was warm, dry, and tidy. But at times, I did not feel very comfortable because of the lack of the light. It seems to me that it’s possible to enjoy such way of living for a couple of days.
Without further ado, here are a few of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey:
- Onur Cave Cappadocia (from $90 a night off-season; from $200 in peak season) — my strongest memory of the hotel, aside from the unusual room and the pleasant territory, is the generous breakfast served with dozens of little dishes, while a huge hot air balloon hovered outside the window!
- Grand Elite Cave (from $60 a night off-season; from $150 in peak season) — our choice for our second visit to Cappadocia. Looks like it’s the most Instagrammable budget-friendly hotel in Сappadocia. Cave rooms here are either small doubles or spacious king suites, and an outdoor pool seems like the perfect way to spend a summer evening after a day of sightseeing.
- Aza Cave Cappadocia (from $200 a night off-season; from $300 in peak season) — many claim that this is the best cave hotel in Cappadocia with a hot air balloon view. Well… Just. Look. At the hotel photos. On Booking. An incredibly aesthetic pool right at the foot of a fairy chimney — where else do you even see that?! A lot of cave hotels look fairly similar but this one stands out: The rooms have been thoughtfully designed, with modern living elements beautifully integrated into the cave setting, and the lighting has been done really well too. In short, the hotel feels like something out of a fairy tale, and the reviews are excellent.
- Göreme Reva Hotel (from $80 a night off-season; from $110 in peak season) — if you’re looking for a cave hotel in Göreme with all the essential in-room comforts, an outdoor pool, and a terrace for watching the balloons — and without paying too much — this is the one for you.
- Narcissos Cave Hotel (from $70 a night off-season; from $80 in peak season) — that attractive price comes down to the more remote location (which really isn’t a problem if you have a car, since it’s only a 15-minute drive to Göreme) and the fairly basic room interiors. But it’s still a real cave hotel.
- Argos in Cappadocia (from $450 a night off-season; from $500 in peak season) — a gem of a cave hotel in Cappadocia in Turkey. The price tag is justified by its excellent location near the legendary Uçhisar Castle and the thoughtful design touches throughout every part of the hotel. If you’re used to paying more for comfort and service, this hotel won’t disappoint.
- Çavuşin Cave House (from $70 a night off-season; from $90 in peak season) — there’s limited choice of places to stay in Çavuşin, but this hotel provides quite comfortable accommodations, friendly staff, and an authentic experience in a genuinely extraordinary town in Cappadocia.
Best non-cave hotels in Cappadocia
Where to stay when visiting Cappadocia if you are looking for the perfect option to dwell with family? Many travelers are pretty apprehensive about the whole “cave hotel” shebang, and with good reason — they are not for everybody! So, if you, like a flower, need as much sunlight as possible (and feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, such as caves), I urge you to consider staying in a “normal” hotel in Cappadocia, sans the whole cave shtick.
Here is a list of suitable non-cave options that you might want to consider for your trip to Cappadocia:
- Carus Cappadocia (from $150 a night off-season; from $270 in peak season) — choose any room WITHOUT a word “cave” in the room category and you’ll be golden. Spacious sophisticated rooms, an indulgent spa, and an overall luxury justify the high price tag.
- Adventure Inn Cappadocia (from $50 a night off-season; from $90 in peak season) — a rare find in the center of Göreme: There’s not even a hint of cave-style interiors in this place. It’s a regular hotel with plastered and painted walls and high ceilings.
- Premium Cappadocia House (from $130 a night off-season; from $200 in peak season) — a boutique hotel in Cappadocia where the balcony suites, with their stone walls and wooden ceilings, are saved from feeling claustrophobic by the abundance of natural light pouring in through several windows.
- Aysel Inn House (from $90 a night off-season; from $150 in peak season) — the rooms with balconies are so full of light that the stone all around hardly feels like a downside!
My tips for traveling to Cappadocia, Turkey
A typical breakfast at a hotel in Cappadocia
Now that you’ve (hopefully) set your eyes on the area to stay in Cappadocia during your upcoming trip, it’s time to lift the veil on the activity that draws hordes of tourists every year — hot air balloon rides.
Here are the things you need to know to make sure that your experience of flying over Cappadocia is an unforgettable one (in a good way, of course):
1. The best time of day to take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is during sunrise or early morning. Be prepared for chilly conditions — the launch site can be quite cold and windy, and there may be some waiting involved, so make sure to dress warm.
2. Hot air balloon rides are popular in Cappadocia and tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. I recommend you to book your flight well in advance (Getyourguide or Viator will help you with this task).
3. Do not bring super expensive gear on the flight, or take precautions so as not to lose your valuables. My wireless headphones are for sure being used by a family of well-meaning pigeons right now… Maybe they’ve discovered a few Top 100 Hits since the time my headphones slid off and fell into the magical Cappadocian abyss. The opportunity to see almost the entirety of Cappadocia, with clusters of unique rock formations and breathtaking landscapes, does make it all worth it though!
4. The question of where to stay when visiting Cappadocia seems to lose its meaning if you decide to get a hot air balloon ride (not really, but let’s pretend the sentiment to be true): Most of the times, you will fly over Göreme Open-Air Museum, which means you will see everything from up there.
5. During my flight, I felt somewhat uncomfortable due to the large number of people (28!) in the basket with me. If you prefer more space and less elbowing action, consider looking into less-crowded flights.
If you’re curious about our Cappadocia itinerary, I wrote a separate post on all the things to do here and how to fit them into one smooth trip.
How long to stay in Cappadocia?
Is 3 days enough for Cappadocia? If you’re on a tight schedule or simply want a taste of Cappadocia’s atmosphere, a short stay of two or three days can be sufficient. During this time, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride, visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, explore the towns of Göreme and Uçhisar, and take a guided tour of the underground cities.
There’s also a significant level of flexibility here in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. The reality is that hot air balloons can only fly when the wind is not too strong, and the weather is favorable. In 3 days, you are likely to find at least one day with suitable weather conditions.
- As I mentioned earlier, three days were sufficient for us. Right after arriving, I captured beautiful photographs from the viewpoint, then we checked into our room at Onur Cave and had a restful night’s sleep. The following morning, we enjoyed a hot air balloon flight (got pretty lucky with the weather), and the rest of the days allowed us to explore most of the wonders that Cappadocia has to offer.
However, I wouldn’t recommend staying for more than three or four days. Why? You might find yourself getting bored!
How to get around Cappadocia? Renting a car in Turkey
Getting around Cappadocia is relatively easy, and renting a car can be a convenient option. Here’s a short guide on how to get around Cappadocia and rent a car in Turkey (for a more detailed breakdown, make sure to consult with my article here):
- To rent a car in Turkey, you typically need to be at least 21 years old (age requirements may vary by company) and have a valid driver’s license. An international driver’s license is recommended but not always required.
- We booked our rental car online in advance — I can confidently recommend Localrent service as we used them for all of our five roadtrips around Turkey. The prices are good, and cars can be rented in almost any city.
- The roads in Cappadocia are generally in good condition, but some rural areas may have narrower or unpaved roads. Pay attention to road signs and be prepared for occasional rough terrain, especially if you plan to explore destinations set off the beaten path.
- Familiarize yourself with Turkish traffic rules, which may differ from those in your home country. You can find some examples in my aforementioned post.
- GPS or a mobile navigation app can be invaluable for finding your way around Cappadocia. Ease your mind by downloading a GoogleMaps map to use offline, as reception can be spotty in rural areas of Cappadocia.
- Many hotels in Cappadocia offer free parking for their guests. When parking in towns or near tourist attractions, you may find designated parking lots or street parking. Be sure to follow parking regulations to avoid fines.
Final thoughts
 |
 |
Cappadocia is a unique destination for a colorful and Instagram-worthy stay. It offers the opportunity to soar in a hot air balloon and experience a stay in a cave hotel, much like pilgrims and monks did in the past (the cave part, not the flying part. Unless?).
However, it’s essential to remember that Cappadocia is a somewhat arid region with limited attractions. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully plan the duration of your stay and your itinerary to make the most out of your vacation without feeling bored.
Arid or not, I’ve come to the conclusion that Cappadocia is still rich with a wide range of accommodation choices: I hope that I’ve managed to at least scratch the surface of this measurable topic. If you have any further questions on where to stay in Cappadocia (as well as your own tried-and-tested Cappadocia hotel recommendations, which I would greatly appreciate), make sure to leave them in the comments below.
