Cappadocia.
In central Turkey you have Cappadocia. It’s one of the most unique landscapes in the world and a perfect place for a hiking holiday.
I have been to +75 countries and been on the road for +25 years. So I have seen quite a bit. When it comes to amazing landscapes, then Cappadocia is for sure among the most incredible places.
Rock formations in central Anatolia.
Where is Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is located in Turkey in central Anatolia. The closest bigger towns are Nevesehir and Kayseri. Both these towns have airports by the way. But if you are in Cappadocia to see the landscapes, then you should not stay in these towns. Stay either in Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos or Urgup. Goreme in particular has a lot of charm.
Uchisar is a great place to stay.
Welcome to another planet.
Why does Cappadocia look like it does?
Cappadocia is a result of previous volcanic activity. Several eruptions spewed a lot of ash into the air several million years ago. That ash has since then turned in to tuff. That tuff has been shaped by wind and water over the past few thousand years into a landscape that looks like a mix of a moon landscape, a Smurf village, with a few giant penises thrown in for the females to have something to play with 🙂
I don’t know why, but the girls like that rock 🙂
The penis forest 🙂
You can sleep in a cave if you like.
Because the rock formations are made from tuff, they are also very easy to carve in. Some hotel owners have carved hotel rooms into the rocks. So if you want to live like Fred Flintstone, then here is your chance. Carving into the rocks is not allowed anymore though, as the place could soon become extinct, with all the tourists wanting to live in a cave. The hotels that already have cave rooms are allowed to keep them though.
I used to live in that cave.
In the past, the villagers also carved cities underneath their houses. Some of them go several stories underground. You can still visit some of the underground cities in the area. These cities were mainly carved for the locals to have a place to store the harvest, but also to protect themselves whenever foreign invaders passed through the area.
This is how a hotel can look in Cappadocia.
This is actually someones home.
Cappadocia is superb for hiking and you have many day hikes in the area. If you are not in to hardcore trekking, but like to have a nice day hike every day with a fantastic scenery. Then this is one of the best spots on the planet.
One of the nicer hiking trails that I took.
So whether you are a low budget backpacker or an upscale tourist, then Cappadocia has something to offer. I have been there several times over the past 20 years and it’s always a joy to return.
Hiking in Cappadocia is fantastic.
This is one of the world’s top ten spots when it comes to unusual scenery.
I would really recommend a visit.
Friendly Cappadocia locals.
Weird-looking rock formations.
On my wish-list, and of course to stay in a cave while there! I also would like to take a hot air baloon over the formations – have you ever done that? Photos I’ve seen look awesome!
I took a balloon ride there once. Actually with a group of VT friends fra Denmark, Turkey and Greece. It’s really a fantastic experience.
Claus, I bike toured through Turkey in 2013 and rode over to Cappadocia and spent a week there. And incredible place and the bread they make in the wood ovens was to die for!