Сappadocia, with its otherworldly landscape, is probably on the ‘bucket list’ of all travellers visiting Türkiye. Unique rock formations, magnificent underground cities with tens of metres of tunnels, houses carved into the rocks, churches, monasteries, one-of-a-kind hot air balloon experiences, and fantastic cave hotels make the region irresistible. When autumn months arrive, the average temperatures drop to milder levels, nature starts turning brown, and Cappadocia starts welcoming its visitors at its best. We have compiled a list of ‘must-do activities’ in Cappadocia, where you can enjoy the warmth of autumn.
Take a trip up in the sky in a Balloon
Cappadocia-integrated activities always include floating in a colourful hot air balloon over the sky. Hot air balloons that take off early in the morning for a sky tour allow you to see the world-famous Fairy Chimneys from an altitude of 800 metres. This tour of the skies offers a beautiful opportunity for those who enjoy taking pictures and making videos while travelling.
The Fairy Chimneys in Autumn
The Fairy Chimneys, formed over thousands of years, are the first thing that comes to mind when considering Cappadocia. Over millions of years, rain and wind shaped the soft layers formed by lava and ash erupted by several volcanoes, such as Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ, which formed the Fairy Chimneys of today. Although this region is stunning year-round, the best times to visit and enjoy this picture-perfect landscape are September and October. While Cappadocia surrenders to autumn, the mild weather will make your journey more memorable.
The Amazing Underground Cities
The Göreme Open Air Museum, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985, is one of the most important attractions of the region. Göreme is remarkable with its early Christian period monasteries and churches carved into the rocks and decorated with frescoes inspired by the most respected saints. The Underground Cities from the BC.7-8. century is one of Cappadocia’s most outstanding attractions, allowing visitors to simultaneously experience the magic of nature, history, and architectural masterminds of the region’s ancient people. These underground cities, including Kaymaklı, Derinkuyu, Özkonak and Mazı, were carved into tuff rocks, and all contained chambers, halls, cellars, food warehouses, kitchens, barns, ventilation areas, and temples, having the capacity of hosting tens of thousands of people at the same time.
Other remarkable landmarks in the area are the Ortahisar Castle, one of the first multi-story settlements in the world; Devrent Valley, known for its camel-shaped fairy chimney; and Üç Güzeller Fairy Chimneys, formed of three adjacent fairy chimneys defined as father, mother, and child. Paşabağı, which is home to the most famous of the fairy chimneys, and Mustafapaşa, which has been selected as one of the world’s best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), are also among the ‘must-sees’ in Cappadocia.
Luxurious Experiences in the Cave Hotels
The luxury cave hotels in Cappadocia blend perfectly with the region’s breathtaking scenery, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These cave hotels, which have been converted into hotels with modern comforts, have a mystical design and a relaxing atmosphere. Sipping a glass of the local wines while enjoying the sunset views are the most excellent things to do during your stay in this cool season. You can start the day with a swim in the outdoor pools surrounded by rocks and end it with a relaxing massage at the spa.
A deep-rooted winemaking tradition
Only leave Cappadocia, a region with a wine tradition that dates back thousands of years, and try the region’s delicious wines. These excellent grapes owe their unique taste to volcanic tuffs, which enrich the flavour of Anatolia’s famous grapes such as Öküzgözü, Kalecik Karası, Boğazkere, Narince and Emir. During your trip to Cappadocia, you can visit wineries open all year or participate in tasting events organised by well-known winemakers.
Local Tastes
Cappadocia, home to an extraordinary geography, is also home to delicious cuisine. The unique dish of Cappadocia, known for its pottery, is the clay pot kebab (testi kebabı). In traditional earthen ovens, meat, vegetables, and lentils are slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot. Other local tastes that you should try include Nevşehir mantısı — Nevşehir ravioli, Köftür-Turkish delight made with grape juice from the region’s grapes, Kuru Kaymak -dried cream, which is typically served with organic honey, and Tereyağlı un helvası- flour halva with butter.