Cappadocia

7 quieter places to add to the big sights: viewpoints, markets, walks, small museums and local favourites.

7 places in Cappadocia

Viewpoints~£3

Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar

A natural rock citadel pierced with windows, with a panoramic view over the region.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Daily, roughly 8:30–19:00

Day Trips~£6

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu (30 km)

A multi-level underground city that once sheltered thousands of people.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Everyone

Daily, roughly 8:00–19:00

Day Trips~£5

Ihlara Valley Walk

Ihlara (80 km)

A river gorge lined with rock-cut churches, ideal for a shady walk.

  • Suggested time: 4 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Families · Photographers

Daily, roughly 8:00–17:30

Hidden GemsFree

Pigeon Valley Walk

Göreme

A gentle valley walk between towns, past pigeon houses carved into the rock.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Families · Photographers

Open-air; best in the morning

ViewpointsFree

Rose Valley Sunset

Çavuşin

A pink-hued valley of rock towers and cave churches, glowing at sunset.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples · Photographers

Open-air; best at sunset

Hidden Gems~£6

Zelve Open-Air Museum

Zelve

A ghost village of cave homes and chapels carved into rock, abandoned in the 1950s.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Culture lovers

Daily, roughly 8:00–17:00

Hidden Gems~£8

Avanos Pottery Workshop

Avanos

A town on the red river famed for ceramics, with hands-on pottery workshops.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Families

Daily; workshops by appointment

View Tickets

Hidden gems are the quieter alternatives to the headline sights. Prices, hours and booking advice are approximate, so check the official site before you go.

The big sights in Cappadocia