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The magnificent Cappadocian landscape is something quite unique, not just in Turkey, but in the world. Centuries of harsh weather, volcanic activity and erosion on the soft tuff which is abundant in the region, have made the landscape what it is today. Adorned with unusual rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys, spread across barren land and lush valleys between red tinted rocks and vineyards. Humans have also had an impact of the area with ancient civilisations leaving behind incredible underground cities, cave homes, rock-hewn churches and monasteries and many caravanserais from the travelling Silk Road tradesmen. The history of this particular part of Turkey’s central Anatolia is long and colourful and there are various ways to dive into exploring the Lunar Landscape.
Jump on a Quad Bike
One way to get a quick taste for the numerous valleys of Cappadocia is by joining an ATV Safari for a few hours or renting your own bike for a longer trip. This is ideal for adventurous ‘off the beaten track’ travelers who seek bit of adrenaline. Around the village of Goreme there are offroad tracks to the Fairy Chimneys and ruins in Sword Valley and a maze of trails connect the village to Cavusin and Uchisar via interesting rock formations in Red and Rose Valley’s.
Road Trip
To see a little more of the region and in a little more comfort you can hop on a Jeep Safari and cruise between the villages and valleys and visit stunning panorama point with 360 degree views over the fantastic Cappadocia landscape. Jeep Safari Tours are usually half day excursions but you can go private for extra exploring time. Or, for a bit more freedom you might prefer to rent a car and visit the central villages of the region such as the pottery making town of Avanos or the historic Ottoman-Greek town of Mustafapasa.
Horse Riding
The word Cappadocia means ‘The Land of Beautiful Horses’ and once upon a time most of central Anatolia was teeming with tradesmen who travelled between Europe and Asia on handsome Akhal-Teke horses, native to Turkmenistan. Nowadays you can still explore Cappadocia and horseback just as the Silk Road travelers once did, horse riding excursions can be anything from a few hours to full day or multiday trips stopping with homestays in quaint villages. But, horse riding in this region is far from the calm scenic walk you might be imagining as the mountainous terrain will have you decending steep scree slopes, through dry valleys and muddy rivers or climbing to jaw dropping viewpoints.
On the River
While much of Cappadocia is dry and dusty, there is a town in Cappadocian region which is famous for its red river and the stores of clay that lay beneath it. On the river bank is the town of Avanos, most visitors come for the open pottery workshops and handicraft stores or a romantic Gondola ride on Kizilirmak River. However adrenaline seekers may have also heard about jet boat river trips, the newest in the range of adventure sports in Cappadocia, you can enjoy a fast paced drive along the historic river, making quick spins and probably getting quite wet and still have time to explore the traditional town.
By Dolmus
If you’re an independent traveler who isn’t keen on outdoor sports of pre organised tours then don’t be put off of visiting Cappadocia because it’s still possible to visit many of the region’s highlights by Dolmus (local buses). Staying in the village of Goreme you will be at the very centre of Cappadocia and connected to nearby towns and villages by excellent public transport services.
On Foot
Throughout Cappadocia there are multiple well marked hiking trails of varying difficulty connecting towns via valleys of Fairy Chimneys, troglodyte caves and rock-hewn churches. There are easy to difficult trails from the edge of Goreme village, passing through manmade dovecotes in Pigeons Valley. A 4 km trail is relatively flat apart from the final climb up to Uchisar Castle where there are fantastic panoramic views over the area. Stay for sunset or hike back via Love Valley which hosts the largest and the most numerous of these mushroom shaped Fairy Chimneys. You can stop at the Goreme Open Air Museum on the way, this UNESCO approved site is home to stone age homes and early Christian churches with original frescoes and countless caves to delve into.
A Bird’s-Eye-View
The best way to appreciate the magical landscape of Cappadocia is from a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon. Float high above undulating hills and deep valleys, with views to surrounding mountain peaks and dormant volcanoes as the sun begins to rise over Turkey’s Lunar Landscape.
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