Cappadocia. The name might sound Italian – even inspiring thoughts of an espresso perhaps – but believe it or not, it’s actually a location in Turkey. Though truth be told, seeing pictures of Cappadocia’s unique landscape, it might have you thinking you’ve landed in a Star Wars film. Cappadocia is a destination that might not be on the radar of many travelers, but when learning about it, you’ll find it’s well-worth exploring. Along with some research of our own, content creator Sharon Yap, who recently adventured to Cappadocia, gave us the details on what you need to know about this other-worldly locale.

 

What To Do

Hands down, one of the best reasons to head to Cappadocia is its unique landscape, including what’s known as the “fairy chimneys.” What exactly is a fairy chimney, you may be wondering? Well, for starters, there’s no singing and dancing with Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews. These are tall, cone-shaped rock formations and are a big part of what Cappadocia is known for.

So, what’s the best way to see these fairy chimneys then? Well, by air of course. You’ll want to trade in your umbrella for a hot air balloon. This activity is one of Sharon’s top recommendations here. That being said, she urges folks looking to book a hot air balloon ride to do their due diligence when it comes to researching the company’s reliability and track record since there are many operating companies in this region.

How To Stay Active

The good news is you won’t have to break the bank paying for gym classes here. The best way to be active in Cappadocia is simply by walking around. Not only does walking give you the chance to see more, but Sharon says it’s a great way to interact with the locals. Obviously, the most exciting part of traveling. If you’re looking for a specific hike, head up to Sunset Viewpoint in the middle of Goreme.

Where To Meet Other Humans

While local cafes and restaurants are certainly a great way to connect with others, Sharon used social media to her advantage by meeting up with fellow Instagrammers. This allowed her to “get to know people that are really born in the region and know the ‘ins and outs’ of the area.” Who doesn’t love an insiders look?

Where To Eat

When it comes to food, us here at ARTRPRNR say you’re best bet is to aim for places that serve traditional Turkish cuisine, since after all, you’re in Turkey. Go local or go home, right? Two highly-rated Turkish restaurants in Cappadocia for you to check out are Elai and Topdeck Cave, which are said to have very friendly service and great food.

Where To Stay

As far as accommodations go, Cappadocia has some pretty awesome options for travelers that are just as cool as the landscape itself. In Scotland, you can stay in a castle, but here in Cappadocia, you can stay in a cave. They’re actually quite cozy looking and totally Insta-worthy. An added bonus is that many of these are available in the heart of town in Goreme.

To follow Sharon’s other travel journeys, be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel and follow her Instagram @sharonyws