Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure to learn more.

Destinations > Asia > Türkiye > The Very Best of Göreme Cappadocia, and Konya

Göreme, in central Cappadocia, is a great jumping off point for exploring all that Central Turkey has to offer. The distinctive geology of the area, with its Fairy Chimneys and solidified volcanic ash or ‘tuff’ that made building into the rock itself possible, means that the landscape is a wonderland both above and below the surface. There is so much to see and do in this fabulous landscape.

Check out the highlights of Konya later in this article.

Prepare yourself for what to expect in Turkey before you go by picking up this short Customs and Culture guide. It's packed with valuable information that'll help you navigate Turkey without having any issues.

Best Place to Stay in Cappadocia

Located in the most prime location for waking up early to catch the hot air balloons at sunrise, literally just around the corner from the best viewing spot, the Imperial Cave Suites & Spa is a gem of a cave-hotel that is still a hidden secret! Plus, they offer free pick-up service from the bus terminal OR pick-up from either airport with a surcharge. 

With traditionally decorated rooms, including nomadic and Ottoman furniture, free WiFi, and natural air conditioning as it is actually carved into fairy chimneys! Opt for a hot tub, spa bath, hydro-massage shower or sauna for extra relaxation. Nespresso Coffee is also available in most rooms.

You can start the day with a traditional breakfast with a different types of omelets.

Just 500 meters from the Goreme Bus Terminal - and all of the best restaurants in Goreme - this hotel is highly recommended if you want to avoid all of the hassles.

Amazing Fully Loaded Tour of Turkey

See the best highlights of Cappadocia and Konya while adding in every other highlight in central and western Turkey with this 15-day Absolute Turkey adventure, still listed at a mind-blowingly low price!

“This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the amazing white cliff waterfalls of Pamukkale to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, our local CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.” - G-Adventures

Cappadocia Balloon Rides

One of the things the Central Turkey is most well-known for – and definitely something you can’t miss! – is the Hot Air Balloon Rides. There are several reputable and well-regulated balloon companies that offer ride packages with various lengths and passenger group sizes. It may be worth paying more for a smaller basket and group size if you can afford it. Whether you are up for a ride or not, you should definitely check out Sunset View Point in Göreme, one of the best places to see the incredible spectacle of the balloons rising in the air. 

Lovers Hill

Seeing the hundreds of balloons rise with the sun in the morning is an impressive site. It’s enough to get even people who are not big on mornings up at 4:30-5:00 to take it in. One of the great places to see the Sunrise Balloon View is at Lovers Hill, which is another name for Sunset Point. Located on the eastern side of Göreme, the view is great here at both sunrise and sunset. There is a bit of a climb up the hill and a small entrance fee that must be paid in cash, but the payoff of the view is totally worth it - it's possibly the #1 most amazing thing to do in Cappadocia!

Turkish Night Experience

Another event to definitely check out while you’re in Turkey is a Turkish Night Experience, especially if nighttime is more for you than early morning. An evening of Turkish cultural demonstrations and delicious local food and drinks, a Turkish Night will give you a glimpse of traditional dancing, music, and even some of their more important ceremonies. Don’t be afraid of the audience participation – the dances are not as hard as they look and it's not required - but you'll definitely be glad that you experienced it!

*Note: Even small kids and babies are welcome as you can't really hear them over the music anyway.

Ihlara Valley

For a deeper dive into Turkish history and culture, a visit to Ihlara Valley is a must. The valley was settled by Byzantine monks in the 7th century CE, and they built their churches and homes directly into the steep sides of the valley. Sixteen of the over 100 churches are open to the public and you can take in this early architecture and even some of the still-intact artwork. The valley has looping trails of varying length from 4 to 32km, so you can choose a distance and difficulty that works best for your ability and visiting time.

The views of the valley walls, the vibrant green floor, and the slow moving river make this a magical and relaxing experience as well. Plus there's a delicious restaurant - the Diker Çay Bahçesi - located on the river in the middle of the hike that's definitely worth kicking back at. This was one of our absolute favorite places out here!

Underground Cities

Another of the fascinating historical sites that is particular to Cappadocia are the Underground Cities. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are the most well-known of these subterranean complexes. Built by the Phrygians in the 7th and 8th centuries BCE, they are complete self-sustaining cities able to support up to 20,000 people – huge for the time, and were used at various times throughout the region’s tumultuous history to protect populations from persecution.

They were in use until the early 20th century, but were abandoned in 1923. The two cities are connected by tunnels, but the geologies of each location mean that the arrangements of the structures differ to accommodate the surrounding rock formations.

The Green Tour

A good way to get all these sites in is the Green Tour, which covers the southern part of Cappadocia. In addition to the mysterious underground city of Derinkuyu and a gorgeous hike to see the churches in Ihlara Valley, the tour will take you to see Selime monastery with its passages and frescos and on a gentle hike though Pigeon Valley. You can also visit an onyx jewelry workshop, and get a demonstration on the crafting process. The tour includes transportation between the sites and a stop for lunch beside the peaceful Melendiz River.

Göreme Open Air Museum

The Göreme Open Air Museum is a great way to get a up-close look at the region’s rock-cut churches. The museum is a member of the UNESCO World Heritage list, showing off unique examples these rock churches and the frescos that remain intact. The museum displays a range of the architecture and artistry that is possible even in seemingly inhospitable conditions.

Private tours of the churches with a licensed guide are available, and include transportation to and from accommodations in Göreme.

Uchisar Castle

Located just 5km from Göreme, Uchisar Castle is located at the highest point in Cappadocia. The view from the top makes this worth the visit – the surrounding landscape all the way to Mount Erclyes in the distance is simply stunning. The castle itself is fascinating, constructed in a similar fashion to the underground cities, with connected rooms built into the hillside and millstone doors limiting access when closed. Parts of the castle are inaccessible, but the rooms, tunnels, and stairs leading to the overlook are impressive.

The Red Tour

The Red Tour, which coverers the northern areas of Cappadocia around Göreme, is a great way to see these sites and so much more. After stops at the Göreme Open Air Museum and the Uchisar Castle, you can experience a cave village, a pottery demonstration, more Fairy Chimneys, and incredible vistas.

There are package add-ons, such as a winery or a carpet tour as well, so you can definitely have the best experience for your time and interests. The day-long tour also includes a stop for lunch, as well as transportation.

ATV Ride Sunset Tours

If you’re looking for a more unusual way to check out the amazing Cappadocian sunsets and are up for a bit of adventure, then you should probably check out some of the ATV Ride Sunset tours. These tours will take you through the magical formations in the valleys around Göreme, and end up on an overlook to take in the incredible sunsets that the region is justifiably famous for.

The tours offer pickup and drop off, protective gear, licensed instructors and guides, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.

Turkish Bath

While you’re in the country, you should be sure to experience a great-quality Turkish Bath. A trip to the hammam, or Turkish bath, literally immerses you in the past. Developed in the 14th century as a way to meet both the ritual needs of the Islamic faith and civic hygiene needs for populations without household plumbing, the baths were based on the older Roman baths.

Segregated into male and female spaces, the baths offer a variety of services from scrubs to massage, some using traditional tools that have been around since Roman times. Make sure you check out the services available and get some cash to tip your masseur before heading to the bath.

Or, go the other route and try the mud cave spa experience instead!

Whirling Dervishes

Another piece of the culture that is a must to take in is the Sufi meditation form of Whirling Dervishes. It’s said that the renowned mystic Rumi, living in Konya when it was the capital of the Turkish Seljuk Empire, is the one who invented this form of prayer.

He is quoted as saying, “There are many roads which lead to God. I have chosen the one of dance and music.” The dancers who perform this form of meditation fast before the performance and wear a distinctive white robe and tall hats called sikke, which have symbolic meanings.

Be sure to double check the schedules and the etiquette rules before attending, but the restrictions are worth it to witness this meaningful ceremony. Alternatively, you can experience a more elaborate Whirling Dervishes experience in Konya, if you are planning to spend some time there as well!

Note: Not recommended for small children or infants as you will be instructed to leave if they make noise during the ceremony.

Highlights of Konya

Japon Kyoto Parki

Konya holds other cultural treasures as well. One that visitors might not expect is Japon Kyoto Parki. Stepping through the gates feels like taking a portal from the middle of Turkey to the heart of its sister city of Kyoto in Japan. The beautiful park has several pavilions and benches scattered through a traditionally designed Japanese garden. You can stop and get a snack or meal at the café.

Learn more here.

Catalhoyuk Neolithic Site

Just outside Konya is another incredible historical treasure: the Catalhoyuk Neolithic Site.

The site is one of the earliest examples of human settlement and the development of agriculture. The site has artifacts that date from 7400 BCE, showing the arts and crafts that our human ancestors were capable of even in the Neolithic Period.

It's interesting to note that when we saw how well crafted these villages were, with dwellings stacked over top of each other, we realized that the skill required to create the natural ventilation system - similar to what is used in the underground cities of Cappadocia - is a skill mostly lost to time. How amazing it would be to incorporate that into the home of today to save on electricity and our carbon footprints!

If you’re doing the 15-day Absolute Turkey tour, this highlight is already a part of your trip!

Around the World in 80 Thousand Park

Another great stop in Konya is 80 Binde Devr-i Alem Parkı, also known as Around the World in 80 Thousand Park, is a family-friendly park inspired by the Jules Verne novel. Plus, this park is incredibly affordable as it's priced for locals.

The 80-thousand square-meter park is full of fairytale characters and miniature structures, even a miniature Taj Mahal. The park’s figures include comic book heroes like the Incredible Hulk and historic figures like Suleyman Shah.

The dinosaurs area is a major highlight of the creations found throughout the park, and a hit with the kids. Many of them have some type of animation and sounds, as well as most being full sized replicas - simple gigantic!

Amazing Cappadocia and Konya

The heart of Turkey has so much to offer visitors. Whether it’s the unique landscape or the deep history, the fascinating culture or the fabulous adventures, you will find something in central Turkey to surprise and delight you. Turkish hospitality will have you returning over and over.

FAQ’s

How can I book a hot air balloon ride in Göreme?

To book a hot air balloon ride in Göreme, you can either contact one of the many balloon companies directly or ask your hotel to arrange it for you. The price usually ranges from 150 to 250 euros per person, depending on the season and the duration of the flight. You can also check online platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator for more options and reviews. The balloon rides usually take place early in the morning, around sunrise, and last for about an hour. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the launch site, where you will enjoy a light breakfast before boarding the balloon. After the flight, you will receive a certificate and a champagne toast to celebrate your experience. The balloon rides are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled or rescheduled if the wind is too strong or the visibility is poor.

What are some other attractions in Konya besides the Mevlana Museum?

Konya is a city rich in history and culture, and there are many other attractions to visit besides the Mevlana Museum, which is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi poet and mystic Rumi. Some of the other highlights include the Alaeddin Mosque, the oldest and largest mosque in Konya, built by the Seljuk sultans in the 13th century; the Karatay Madrasa, a former Islamic school that now houses a museum of Seljuk ceramics and tiles; the Ince Minareli Madrasa, another former Islamic school with a distinctive fluted minaret; the Aziziye Mosque, a 19th-century Ottoman mosque with a striking interior; and the Konya Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Hittite, Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. You can also explore the local cuisine and try some of the specialties like etli ekmek (a thin crust pizza with meat), firin kebap (oven-baked lamb with vegetables), and lokum (Turkish delight).

How can I get to Göreme and Konya from Istanbul?

There are several ways to get to Göreme and Konya from Istanbul, depending on your budget and preference. The fastest and most convenient way is to fly from Istanbul to either Kayseri or Nevsehir, the nearest airports to Göreme, and then take a shuttle bus or a taxi to your hotel. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and the shuttle bus takes another hour. You can also fly from Istanbul to Konya, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes, and then take a bus or a train to Göreme, which takes about three to four hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Istanbul to either Göreme or Konya, which takes about 10 to 12 hours, or a train from Istanbul to Konya, which takes about 13 hours, and then transfer to another bus or train to Göreme. You can also rent a car and drive from Istanbul to Göreme or Konya, which takes about nine to 10 hours, but you will need to pay tolls and gas along the way.

(1) Göreme Historical National Park - Wikipedia.

(2) Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/357.

(3) cappadocia.turkey. https://www.facebook.com/Going2Turkey/.

(4) Paradise Cave. https://www.facebook.com/paradise.cappadocia.goreme/.

(5) Arinna Cappadocia. https://arinnacappadocia.com/.

(6) The Very Best of Göreme Cappadocia, and Konya - Turkey (Türkiye). https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/the-very-best-of-greme-in-central-cappadocia-and-konya-turkey-turkiye.

(7) Göreme Historical National Park - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%B6reme_Historical_National_Park.

Thank you VERY much for reading our article. We actually created this website to help people reach financial independence. Did you know that by having a remote job and traveling endlessly, or living in a country that has low costs of living, you can actually reach retirement quicker? Plus, retirement abroad is up to 75 percent cheaper as well! Learn more by exploring our website: EatWanderExplore and REmotiFIRE.

See our Thank You page to sign up for our free weekly newsletter - you’ll receive only 1 email per week letting you know about our latest travel articles, remote-work life, and amazingly affordable destinations!

Found this post useful? Buy us a coffee to help support this site’s running costs OR share this article with a friend.