Cappadocia is a traveler’s paradise located in the heart of Turkiye, in central Anatolia. Renowned for its adventure sports, you’ve most likely seen photos of the famed hot air balloons typically spotted rising over its valleys brimming with fairy chimneys. However, most tourists don’t realize that Cappadocia is quite a huge region encompassing several smaller towns, each with its own quirks and perks, so it might be difficult to know where to begin.
Want to know the best things to do in Cappadocia? Besides, going for a ride over its valleys at sunrise, there are several more activities on offer, such as quad-biking through its bumpy terrain. Not sure where to stay in Cappadocia? The region is also famous for its cave hotels, which are carved right into the rock formations along its valleys’ floors, yet not all are created equal.
In this article, I’ll break down exactly which towns you should stay in in Cappadocia depending on your tastes and budget since the area tends to be one of the more expensive Turkish destinations. Moreover, we’ll get into some of the most interesting activities around to make sure that you can stay up until it’s time for your balloon to take off.
Up, up and away, friends!
Five Best Areas to Stay in Cappadocia
As previously mentioned, Cappadocia is actually made up of copious smaller towns, each nestled somewhere among the valleys. While every borough is bound to be filled with nice hotels and decent dining options, some excel in catering to high-end tourists who don’t mind splurging a bit more on comfort. There are also plenty of budget hotels for thriftier travelers that are dying to explore but without having to sacrifice an arm and leg.
Gracefully, most hotels serve a full Turkish breakfast, complete with enough eggs, olives, cheese, and pastries to make sure you’re all fuelled up for the day ahead. Regardless of if you identify as a penny pincher or prefer rolling with the deepest pockets, these are the five best places to stay in Cappadocia.
Let’s save the best for last…
5. ORTAHISAR
Roughly translating to ‘’Middle Castle,’’ Ortahisar is settled in the center of Cappodocia, making it the perfect starting point for any adventure around the area. While mass tourism took over other local towns in the latter decades of the 20th century, Ortahisar has managed to retain its traditional charms. It’s the perfect place to stay for travelers looking for a genuine slice of Turkish life away from typical tourist traps.
Adjacent to several hiking trails and ancient monasteries, Ortahisar is also lauded for its restaurants, which serve up the best authentic cuisine in the region. Besides rustic B&Bs, the town also houses several top-tier hotels for travelers who prefer a bit more grandeur.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST BARGAIN FIND
Hotels Crazy Horse
This quaint hotel offers plenty of charm to its guests at reasonable prices. Take advantage of its daily buffet breakfast or have a lie-in and then order room service. Its facilities include a BBQ for grilling during warmer months as well as a garden to pass some free time. Guests also have access to a hot tub to help fight off the chill if visiting in winter. Possessing large rooms equipped with ensuite bathrooms, Hotels Crazy House is your top pick if you want all the amenities without a hefty price tag.
BEST MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
Cappadocia Alba Cave
This stunning hotel boasts ample suites, some complete with seating areas and hot tubs for a romantic getaway. Try its delicious daily buffet breakfast or order à la carte for the perfect start to your day. Besides a delightful garden to soak up some sun, the hotel also offers a car rental service for travelers looking to explore a bit further. Stay at Cappadocia Alba Cave for all the perks of a boutique hotel for a fraction of the typical cost.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Hezen Cave Hotel
For travelers looking for a bit of grandeur, there’s no better accommodation than Hezen Cave Hotel. Located only a 5-minute drive from Göreme National Park, this luxury hotel sports a sun terrace where you can watch the iconic hot air balloons that float overhead at sunrise. Its enormous suites often possess natural cave walls, patios with garden views as well as separate living rooms with minibars. Try out the custom-made toiletries provided in your private bathroom or sample the daily buffet breakfast near the breakfast room’s fireplace for the ideal taste of the high life.
4. AVANOS
Located just near the Kiziliemak (Red River) lies Avanos, the quintessential town for artisans and craftsmen in the area. The town is esteemed for its pottery-making from the red clay lining its riverbanks and there are several workshops available for travelers craving to pick up a new skill. The area is also celebrated for its alabaster stone, often used to carve souvenirs such as jewelry.
While Avanos is not as central as other towns in Cappadocia, part of its charm lies in its quaintness, far from the crowds that roam for popular destinations. However, the town has a fine selection of hotels and restaurants to suit every budget and enough crafts boutiques to keep you shopping until you drop. You can also enjoy the town’s open-air market typically hosted on Fridays or relax by taking a long stroll down the town’s riverwalk lined with greenery for the perfect end to your day.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST BARGAIN FIND
Kirkit Hotel
Kirit Hotel provides its guests with spacious rooms, some of which have balconies that overlook the Kizilirmak River. Apart from dishing up tasty traditional cuisine, the onsite restaurant additionally serves the best local wine for wandering connoisseurs. The hotel often hosts live music in its central courtyard and also provides bike rentals for travelers looking for more to do. Kirit Hotel makes the perfect starting point for large groups who want to take advantage of its family suites without overpaying for service.
BEST MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
Adanos Konuk Evi
This homey hotel is the top stop for guests traveling with children. Along with open-air balconies in its deluxe suites, every room comes with a well-equipped kitchenette, and the hotel also features a playground. Adanos Konuk Evi also provides its guests with free parking as well as car rental services for travelers looking to journey out a little further. Partake in the local dishes served in the on-site restaurant or get a drink at the bar that you can finish out on its terrace. Adanos Konuk Evi is the perfect place to stay for travelers who crave an authentic Turkish experience.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Mira Cappadocia Hotel
This is glamorous lodging is situated less than a three-minute walk from Avanos’ main bus stop but also provides its guests with airport shuttle services from both Nevsehir and Kayseri Airports. Decorated with local artworks such as handmade rugs and carvings, Mira Cappodocia Hotel also has a terrace with a majestic view of the Kizilirmak River as well as either huge riverside or garden-side rooms. The 24-hour reception desk is readily available to help with anything; from arranging local tours to art workshops, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.
3. UÇHISAR
Perched at the highest point in all of Cappadocia, Uçhisar is the perfect escape for travelers looking to get away from it all while going off the beaten path. Its peak is easily visible from most other towns in the region, making it a popular destination for hikers. Stay in Uçhisar to soak up the small-town vibes from away from the hordes of tourists plaguing the backpacker-favorites like the next two towns on the list.
Furthermore, Uçhisar boasts various types of accommodation from charming B&Bs to private residences, meaning there should be room for your entire travel party at more affordable prices. While in the area, don’t miss out on touring Uçhisar Castle, which provides arguably the best panoramic view in Cappadocia with Mount Erciyes spottable in the distance. There’s a reason the town’s name translates to ‘‘tiptop castle’’!
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST BARGAIN FIND
Sakli Konak Cappadocia
Sakli Konak Cappodocia is housed in an attractive hundred-year-old building that boasts an on-site restaurant along with a separate coffee shop. Besides having a pet-friendly garden, the hotel also prides itself in its organic selection of produce used to concoct traditional Turkish dishes. For travelers who want more to do in Cappadocia, the 24-hour reception desk can help airport shuttles, pottery workshops, and arrange hiking tours, to name a few local activities. With Uçhisar Castle situated only 100-m away, this accommodation is the perfect balance of comfort and value.
BEST MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
Taskonaklar
Craving a taste of luxury without having to break the bank? Taskonaklar has something for everyone, from rooms with balconies with views of Pigeon Valley to royal suites with private hot tubs. Try the scrumptious cuisine in the onsite restaurant or some local wine at the bar. For travelers arriving by car, the hotel has free private parking is only a few kilometers away from Göreme Open Air Museum. You don’t mind spending a little extra without sacrificing both an arm and a leg, you can’t do better than Taskonaklar.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Argos in Cappadocia
Arguably the fanciest hotel in Cappadocia, Argos in Cappadocia is an award-winner nestled within a former monastery. Each room is uniquely decorated and the best suites feature vaulted ceilings, open fireplaces, and private outdoor areas, some of which can only be accessed via private underground tunnels. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant that serves delectable local and international dishes on its terrace with a breathtaking view of the landscape. The property also produces wine from its own vineyard and the hotel additionally boasts an outdoor pool to kick back next to in the ultimate lap of luxury.
2. ÜRGÜP
For travelers looking to enjoy the finer side of life, there’s no better option than Ürgüp. Historically, the town is known for catering to wealthier tourists and it certainly shows in its slew of boutique hotels and fine older houses carved from stone. High-rollers should head to Ürgüp to live in the lap of luxury and do some shopping since the town is also home to some of the best craftsmen in the region selling wares from handmade carpets to jewelry.
Apart from world-class hotels, 5-star restaurants, top-shelf wineries, the town also features several spas dedicated to wellness and relaxation to ensure you get more bang for your buck. The town is also full of agencies offering private tours for travelers yearning for a bit more exclusivity. An extra highlight is trekking up to Temenni Hill, the best vantage point to see the sunset or bargain-hunting at the weekly open-air markets on Saturdays.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST BARGAIN FIND
Demisos Caves Hotel
Demisos Caves Hotel has everything its guests could need such as an onsite restaurant, bar, terrace, and garden. Select rooms come with adjacent balconies with views of the mountains and room service is readily available from the 24-hour reception desk. Try the continental breakfast buffet or get your meal à la carte before hiring a bike or car for a day of adventure. With top-rate amenities, Demisos Caves Hotel is the best value for your money in town.
BEST MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
Anka Cave Suites
Guests yearning for a touch of glamour would do well to stay at Anka Cave Suites. Apart from an onsite restaurant and bar, the hotel hosts a garden for relaxing as well as a terrace to eat its enticing continental breakfast. The hotel also provides its guests with 24-hour reception, a concierge service, room service, airport shuttles, free parking, and currency exchange. Its spacious suites come equipped with a minibar and some even offer Jacuzzis and private patios with panoramic views. Book a suite at this cave hotel for some opulence without a steep price tag.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Kayakapi Premium Caves Cappadocia
Merely one kilometer away from the town center, Kayakapi Premium Caves Cappadocia is housed in historical caves that have been restored into elegant suites. All suites boast heated flooring and air conditioning while select rooms come with an accompanying fireplace, private terrace, or indoor swimming pool. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant and bistro as well as a spa for optimal relaxation plus free private parking. Don’t mind spending a pretty penny to live like royalty? Then Kayakapi Premium Caves Cappadocia is just your ticket.
1. GÖREME
Sporting a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the form of a national park, Göreme is undoubtedly the most popular place to stay in Cappadocia. Situated between the Pigeon and Zemi Valleys, Göreme is bursting natural beauty from the fairy chimneys scattered all around town to the vibrant hues of the distant mountainsides. Thanks to its centralized location, Göreme is also chockfull of tourist agencies operating the best tours around the city for competitive rates (don’t be afraid to price-compare) as well as plenty of hotels to suit every price point and lots of bars for travelers craving nightlife.
Along with some amazing viewpoints to watch the sunset, the esteemed Open Air Museum also lies just on the outskirts of Göreme within walking distance. Stay in Göreme if you want to stay in heart of it all and don’t mind dealing with the hustle and bustle of copious other tourists crowding the place during high season. From bargain-hunting to fine dining experiences, this town will have everything you could ever need.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST BARGAIN FIND
Karadut Cave Hotel
This inviting hotel is housed a historical building and offers its guests a choice of stone or cave rooms, a selection of which feature spa baths. Aside from daily continental breakfast, Karadut Cave Hotel also hosts a large courtyard, a terrace, and a rooftop perfect for viewing hot air balloons. For guests traveling by car, the hotel also has free private parking and the friendly staff can help arrange any activity from hikes to horse riding tours.
BEST MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
Zara Cave Hotel
Zara Cave Hotel should be a top pick for travelers who long for some sophistication at reasonable prices. Among its amenities, the hotel includes an onsite restaurant, 24-hour reception, airport shuttles, room service, ironing service as well as business facilities. Guests can choose between residing in either a stone or cave room, plus take advantage of the garden or terrace. Upgrade to a suite with a Jacuzzi bath to really make the most of your holiday.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Cappadocia Caves Hotel
If you’re feeling a bit on the ritzier side, Cappadocia Caves Hotel is undoubtedly the optimal place to stay in town. In addition to a garden, courtyard, and outdoor pool, the hotel also boasts an amazing terrace ideal for gazing at hot air balloons at sunrise. The chic suites are spacious and some rooms feature balconies with garden views while the 24-reception desk is available to help you reserve everything from tours to spa packages. Treat yourself by staying at Cappadocia Caves Hotel; it’ll be worth the splurge.
Final Thoughts
Cappadocia, named for the wild horses that used to roam its vast valleys, is one of the most enchanting regions in Turkiye with plenty of activities on offer. Whether you want to go for a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys lining its valleys or to go quad-bike riding at sunset, you’ll have lots to do. Thankfully, Cappadocia is also home to hundreds of hotels from the thriftiest digs to the most extravagant and everything in between, meaning you’ll have several options to choose from.
Just make sure to carefully check which airport you’re flying into. Cappadocia has two main airports, Nevsehir, which is about 25 minutes away from central Cappadocia, and Kayseri, which is nearly an hour away. Sometimes flying into the latter can’t be helped but public transportation between towns can be limited or non-existent after nightfall. If you’re arriving on a red-eye, make sure to pre-arrange a pick-up with your accommodation of choice, regardless of where you end up staying.
Due to the area’s immense expanse, many travelers opt to book group tours with pre-planned routes, with the Green and Red Tours undeniably being the best. Many tour operators can also provide private tours with customized itineraries which include lunch and all transportation fees. No matter where you land on accommodation, you’ll be sure to find a place that’s the perfect launching pad for your Cappadocian adventure to take off.
Happy flying, friends!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M