Captivated by Cappadocia
Photography by Teodora Bogatu
Teodora Bogatu fondly looks back on her recent trip to Cappadocia, indulging us with all her top tips and must-see recommendations.
Cappadocia is your modern-day fairytale destination, located in the faraway land of South Central Anatolia, Turkey. Whilst it has become famous for its peculiar chimney rock formations and mesmerizing hot air balloon tours, the mystical grandeur that envelops the region is the true force behind the increasing number of tourists every year.
where to stay?
Upon landing at Cappadocia’s Nevşehir Airport, I made my way to the nearby village of Uçhisar, where I was going to spend my four-day long adventure. Uçhisar is much cosier and quieter than the better-known village of Göreme, so I would highly recommend choosing the former if you’re more keen to discover the hidden jewels of the area.
I stayed at the Argos Hotel, a striking hybrid of archeological heritage and rural retreat. The hotel rooms that were once Byzantine-era lodgings ooze a charming sense of history and tradition from the walls. As soon as I arrived I was offered a tour of the hotel’s grounds, whereby I came to fully appreciate how this simple guesthouse was equally a historical monument in its own right. Whilst Uçhisar offers several luxury accommodations, there are also plenty of cheaper options if you’re trying to save up for souvenir shopping.
what to visit?
I decided to take a one-day tour of Cappadocia and explore as many of its main attractions as possible. My first stop was Guvercinlik Vadisi (also known as Pigeon Valley), famously unique for its countless man-made pigeonholes that have been carved into the compressed volcanic ash. I also treated myself by stopping off at a chic café perched right on the edge of the valley, where I admired the breathtaking views whilst happily sipping a hot cup of delicious Turkish tea.
Photography by Teodora Bogatu
My next destination was the underground settlement of Kaymakli. This subterranean village dates back to around 1900-1200 BC, and was used by Christian communities as a safe hideout during times of religious persecution. You feel as though you’re getting lost in a colossal maze as you navigate through the intricate corridors, gasping every so often at the small living spaces that were once inhabited by fellow human beings.
The Göreme Open-Air Museum is another must-see of the region. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a large monastic complex, where scores of churches are carved into the uniquely shaped stones of Cappadocia. You can only believe it when you see it, and even then you’ll still feel slightly speechless as you gaze in awe at these rare rock-cut churches, each one filled with brightly-coloured and well-preserved frescoes.
what to eat?
Turkish cuisine offers an incredible range of spices and flavours to suit all tastes and palates. However, you cannot leave without trying the traditional Testi Kebap: a tasty dish of meat and vegetables slow cooked in a sealed clay pot. I was amused to learn that because of its lengthy preparation process, you need to order it at least one day in advance, so make sure to plan this meal ahead: it is certainly worth the wait!
what to do?
I had the pleasure of enjoying a unique horse-back sunset tour through the region’s vast sandy hills. Although I shall refrain myself from recommending it to beginners, as it was a 2 hour-long tour on challenging terrain, I would definitely suggest the experience to fellow horse-riding enthusiasts.
Yet Cappadocia’s most famous activity is by far the hot air balloon tours, which allow tourists to admire the wonderful landscape from a whole new perspective. That is why the best time of the year to visit is either between April and June or September and October, in order to ensure good weather conditions for your trip to the sky. Whilst the 4 am wake-up call may be hard to endure for some, I can guarantee you that it is a memorable experience worth making the effort for. I trust that the pictures I took during my ride speak for themselves, but if you do require a little more convincing, just remember that it’s the closest you’ll get to starring in Up!
Photography by Teodora Bogatu
It’s fair to say that Cappadocia is an utterly surreal destination, a little heaven on earth that is perfect for those looking to break away from the chaos of London life. Whether you are looking to go with friends, family, or as a romantic getaway, this destination will never fail to disappoint thanks to its rich culture, history and tradition. Whilst I decided to jam-pack my hours with plenty of activities and site-seeing, it’s equally ideal for basking in some well-deserved relaxation, great food and spectacular surroundings. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Turkey, then look no further than Cappadocia.