About Cappadocia

Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia, Turkey, is renowned for its unique moon-like landscapes, underground cities, rock-cut churches, and houses carved into the rocks.

The Cappadocia region, situated in the heart of Turkey's Anatolian region, is notable for its valleys, canyons, hills, and unusual rock formations created by thousands of years of rain and wind erosion on the lava-covered plains between the volcanic mountains of Erciyes, Melendiz, and Hasan. This region is also home to troglodyte settlements carved into soft tuff layers and underground cities. The volcanic eruptions from these mountains, which were active in geological times, continued until 2 million years ago, forming a 150-meter thick layer of soft tuff. The rivers, floodwaters running down the valley slopes, and strong winds eroded the geological formations consisting of tuff on the plateau, creating the unique shapes known as fairy chimneys. These formations are categorized into different shapes, such as mushroom, pinnacle, capped, and conical formations.


How can I get there?

Air

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Cappadocia is by air. There are two main airports you can use to get to this region. The first one is Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), located in Kayseri, about an hour's drive from the center of Cappadocia. Turkish Airlines operates direct (nonstop) flights from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) to Kayseri Erkilet Airport. There are also daily flights from Izmir to Kayseri via Istanbul. It's quite easy to arrange a transfer or shuttle service from Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia.

The other airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), located in the Gülşehir district of Nevşehir. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport twice a day.

Car

- From Kayseri to Cappadocia, it's about 70 kilometers (km) and can take up to 1 hour by car.
- From Mersin to Cappadocia, it's about 288 kilometers (km) and takes about 3 to 4.5 hours by car.
- From Ankara to Cappadocia, it's about 305 kilometers (km) and can take up to 4 hours by car.
- From Eskişehir to Cappadocia, it's about 528 kilometers (km) and takes about 6 hours by car.
- From Istanbul to Cappadocia, it's about 757 kilometers (km) and takes about 9 hours and 15 minutes by car.
- From Antalya to Cappadocia, it's about 541 kilometers (km) and takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes by car.
- From Izmir to Cappadocia, it's about 777 kilometers (km) and takes approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes by car.
- From Konya to Cappadocia, it's about 238 kilometers (km) and takes about 3 hours by car.
- From Bursa to Cappadocia, it's about 679 kilometers (km) and takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes by car.
- From Niğde to Cappadocia, it's about 88 kilometers (km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.

Train

Kayseri is on a busy railway route. It is possible to find suitable trains to Kayseri from almost all train stations in Turkey. From Kayseri, you can take a bus to Göreme.

Bus

- From Istanbul: 12 hours
- From Ankara: 5 hours
- From Bursa: 11 hours
- From Izmir: 12 hours
- From Konya: 4 hours
- From Antalya: 9 hours
- From Çanakkale: 17 hours

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest Stories

View all

Discover the Magic of Cappadocia with Strabon Travel

Discover the Magic of Cappadocia with Strabon Travel

Discover the Magic of Cappadocia with Strabon Travel Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, is renowned for its unique landscapes, ancient history, and captivating activities. From soaring in hot air balloons to exploring underground cities, Cappadocia offers an unforgettable adventure...

Read more

Exploring Zemi Valley: The Hidden Gem of Cappadocia

Exploring Zemi Valley: The Hidden Gem of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is considered one of Turkey’s most enchanting regions, and Zemi Valley is among its most impressive natural wonders. Nestled between Göreme and Ürgüp, the valley is famous for its unique rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. In this...

Read more

Are there any age or health restrictions for ballooning?

Are there any age or health restrictions for ballooning?

  Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for hot air ballooning. However, children must be at least 7 years old and over 4’ 6” tall (1.4 M), and accompanied by an adult. Some sources suggest a minimum age...

Read more

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

When is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia can depend on what you’re looking for in your trip. Here are some general guidelines: Spring (Late March to May): Spring is often considered the best time to visit Cappadocia, as the weather is...

Read more

In which regions can I take a balloon tour?

In which regions can I take a balloon tour?

Balloon tours in Cappadocia are generally conducted in popular tourist spots such as Ürgüp, Göreme, and Uçhisar. These regions offer the most beautiful views of Cappadocia, making them the most popular balloon tour routes for tourists. Balloon tours are conducted...

Read more

Elevate Your Cappadocia Adventure with Strabon Travel

Elevate Your Cappadocia Adventure with Strabon Travel

Cappadocia, a land of otherworldly landscapes and ancient wonders, beckons travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Strabon Travel, your trusted Cappadocia travel specialist, is here to elevate your adventure with seamless planning, expert guidance, and exclusive access to the...

Read more

Open the Door to Cappadocia: Shuttle Service from Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport to Your Hotel

Open the Door to Cappadocia: Shuttle Service from Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport to Your Hotel

If you're eager to explore the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, starting your journey comfortably and hassle-free is crucial. As soon as you land at Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, your journey to the historical and natural beauties of Cappadocia begins. Instead of...

Read more

Unlock the Door to Cappadocia: Shuttle Service from Kayseri Airport to Your Hotel

Unlock the Door to Cappadocia: Shuttle Service from Kayseri Airport to Your Hotel

If you can't wait to explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia, planning your airport transfer is crucial. Instead of worrying about transportation challenges, make your journey seamless from start to finish with the comfortable and reliable shuttle services offered by...

Read more

Kingdom of Cappadocia

Kingdom of Cappadocia

The Hellenistic kingdom of Cappadocia, located in the heart of Anatolia, ruled the Cappadocian region within modern-day Turkey. Founded by Ariarathes, the last representative of the Achaemenid satrapy, this kingdom was a legacy of the Persian Empire. The Kingdom of...

Read more

Cappadocia: Early Christian and Byzantine Periods

Cappadocia: Early Christian and Byzantine Periods

Ceiling fresco inside the Daniel Pantonassa Church, located in Ihlara Valley. Frescoes found in Saint John's Church in Gülşehir, dated to 1212 according to an inscription. In 314 AD, Cappadocia stood as the largest province of the Roman Empire, forming...

Read more

About Soganli Valley

About Soganli Valley

Soğanlı Valley, formerly known as Soandós, is a hidden gem nestled in the southeastern part of Cappadocia, Turkey, within the Kayseri Province's Yeşilhisar district. This picturesque valley boasts a rich history dating back to the Byzantine era, when it was...

Read more

About Ihlara Valley

About Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley (or Peristrema Valley; Turkish: Ihlara Vadisi) is a canyon located in Güzelyurt district of Aksaray Province, in the southwest of the Cappadocia region, extending 15 kilometers long and reaching depths of up to 150 meters. The valley contains...

Read more