Best Things To Do In Cappadocia in 2022 with World Wild Hearts

Join Zac and Ine from World Wild Hearts as they explore Cappadocia in Turkey! This article shows their top 9 favorite activities and places (that they personally visited and recommend), mixing adventure with history and natural beauty to help you plan your own trip.

Lake Tuz Salt Lake

One of their first stops was Lake Tuz, the largest salt lake in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world. Known for its striking pink colors and birdlife, Zac and Ine were surprised to find the lake less colorful this time due to severe drought and receding water levels. Despite this, the landscape still offered beautiful reflections and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for photos and quiet moments.

Uchisar Castle Views

Rising above the valleys, Uchisar Castle is the highest spot in Cappadocia and offers some of the best views. The castle is carved from rock and once served as a fortress. Zac and Ine enjoyed climbing its stairs and tunnels and recommend visiting during sunset to see the valleys glow with soft light.

Sunrise Camel Ride

Experiencing the valleys on the back of a camel at dawn was a moment worth remembering for them. Though Zac and Ine found camel rides more relaxing and photo-friendly than thrilling, they loved the view of dozens of balloons in the air. For a more active adventure, they suggest riding horses to cover more ground and see deeper valleys.

Göreme Open Air Museum

The Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a highlight. The open-air site has many rock-cut churches and chapels with frescoes dating back to early Christianity. Zac and Ine recommend hiring a local guide to better understand the history behind the paintings and the traditions of the region.

Watching Hot Air Balloons

The beauty of Cappadocia is usually seen through its hot air balloon rides. Zac and Ine found a quiet spot near Love Valley to watch hundreds of colorful balloons rise with the morning sun. They called it a gorgeous and peaceful spectacle that every traveler should see.

Hiking Ihlara Valley

For nature and history lovers, Zac and Ine suggest hiking the Ihlara Valley. This long canyon goes for several kilometers and is home to ancient cave churches and monasteries. Their hike offered a combination of quiet pathways and glimpses into the region’s Christian past.

Underground Cities

To understand Cappadocia’s history of survival, Zac and Ine toured underground cities, including Derinkuyu. These cities sheltered thousands of people in labyrinths of tunnels, rooms, and secret entrances. Zac and Ine were impressed by the advanced ventilation systems and the scale of these ancient refuges.

Famous Valleys

Many visitors fall in love with Cappadocia’s valleys. Zac and Ine spent time exploring Rose Valley and Love Valley on foot.

Hot Air Balloons

For Zac and Ine, no trip to Cappadocia is complete without a hot air balloon ride. Watching balloons lift off at sunrise with those views was such an experience, says both of them. They urge future visitors to book their balloon rides early, as these popular flights fill up quickly.

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