Turkey is a country with endless things that you will fall in love with. And Cappadocia is a beautiful city that is straight out of heaven. Every city in Turkey is unique, and you need to spend a few days in each one of them to experience them thoroughly.
In this article, you will learn about a city which is located in the centre of Turkey. I will list the best areas to stay in Cappadocia, including what you can do in each area and which hotels are highly recommended.
I can guarantee you will enjoy every bit of the city. From bustling backpacker town to luxurious hilltop vibes, I’ll make sure you get all the information here.
So, whether you are here for romance, adventure, or a calm family getaway, anything is possible. In this blog, we will cover the following main areas:
Best Area to Stay in Cappadocia
|
Insider Tip: The Right Thing to Do When Going To Cappadocia
If you plan to stay in Cappadocia and want to explore everything, you’ll need more than just hotel recommendations.
Essentially, we all know that any trip to a European country is expensive. And Turkey is definitely one of the expensive countries for an Indian when planning a trip.
That is why I am going to give you information on how you can save money and plan smart.
Flights to Cappadocia:
Cappadocia has two airports:
- Nevşehir Airport (NAV): 40 km from Göreme
- Kayseri Airport (ASR): 75 km from Göreme
When you are certain you will be staying in Cappadocia, your first step is to land at the right airport- Nevşehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR).
Whether you are travelling from India, other countries, or even Istanbul, you need to be careful when choosing between the two airports.
Kayseri Airport is 75 km from the central attraction of Cappadocia. And Nevşehir is just 40 km from the main area called Göreme.
So, when you land in Nevşehir, you don’t waste time by travelling an extra 40 km. Also, consider the cab charges for your hotel, which can be a significant expenditure. Don’t worry, I’ll also help with the transportation tips.
Transportation within Cappadocia:
If you are hiring a taxi or using Uber, be prepared to have a high budget for Turkey. It can cost you a dime when you are travelling around a lot.
For a budget traveller, I advise you to take a dolmuş, which is a minivan. These are public buses that operate between cities and towns in Turkey, primarily used by locals.
If you understand the city well, using public transport shouldn’t be much of a hassle. However, when on vacation, everyone needs easy access, so renting is the second-best option to save money.
If you are a large group of people, rent a car. If it’s just one or two people, rent a bike. It gives you more freedom to explore the nooks and corners of Turkey.
The bikes can cost you around 4,056 INR, and cars can come up to 6,000 INR per day. I know you think this is expensive until you hear the taxi cost.
For 4 km, you will be paying 400 INR. Additionally, the fare from the airport to your hotel will be more than 2,500 INR. And if you hire a local taxi, you will be overcharged.
So, either take an official taxi service, such as Uber or BiTaksi or rent one.
Note: Pre-book your rides to the hotel before you land at the Airport. An immediate taxi can be costly.
Detailed Information on the Best Place To Stay in Cappadocia Turkey
Goreme: The Heart of Cappadocia
Göreme is in the centre of Cappadocia. The heart of the city is filled with cafes, restaurants & budget hotels. Apart from the low-cost accommodation, this city is most recommended for staying because you can easily access many attractions and join a tour activity.
If you want to experience a touristy vibe, and you are a first-time traveller, then Göreme is the best area to stay in Cappadocia. And most of the cave hotels here give you a close look at the hot air balloons.
Best Hotels in Göreme
Hotels | Cost Starts from INR Per Night |
Ottoman Cave Suites | 9,000 INR |
Ascension Cave Suites – Special Class | 12,000 INR |
Balloon View Hotel | 5,000 INR |
Terra Cave Hotel | 9,000 INR |
Uchisar: Luxury Views from the Hilltop
Uçhisar is a classy town situated on a hilltop. You will get spectacular panoramic views of the valleys and the landscapes. This is a kind of area most suited for families or couples, but if you are a spontaneous traveller, keep this as a second option.
When you stay here, you will be on the hill. There is a catch: you can have all the luxury and views, but on the other hand, it can make it difficult to access places and walk up easily compared to Göreme. It’s not that difficult; you just need to walk a few minutes to get a cab or dine in various restaurants.
Best Hotels in Uçhisar
Hotels | Cost Starts from INR Per Night |
Duven Hotel Cappadocia | 9,000 INR |
Harem Suites Cappadocia | 11,000 INR |
Uçhisar Kaya Otel | 5,000 INR |
Castle Panorama House | 5,000 INR |
Ortahisar: For an Authentic Cappadocia Feel
When all of Cappadocia was still preserving most of its agricultural landmarks, Ortahisar went ahead by retaining the soul of ancient Cappadocia.
This is a calm town, where luxurious hotels are found at reasonable prices. I would suggest this place for an authentic local experience, where you can find many cobbled streets.
Additionally, when you stay here, you will need to travel a few kilometres to most of the attractions. Other than that, it is a nice place to stay in Cappadocia.
Best Hotels in Ortahisar
Hotels | Cost Starts from INR Per Night |
Asyada Suites Hotel | 6,200 INR |
Elika Cave Suites & Spa | 9,500 INR |
Exedra Hotel Cappadocia | 7,000 INR |
Acer Cave Hotel | 8,000 INR |
Avanos: Artisan Town by the River
Avanos is one of the most underrated places to stay in Cappadocia. When Göreme and Uçhisar are very popular, Avanos is only known for a few activities. Instead of regular sightseeing, you will enjoy rich and luxurious activities, such as wine tasting and pottery making.
This place isn’t the best choice if you’re looking to see hot air balloon views. You will get the least views of those balloons. Other than that, you will have the best days here.
Best Hotels in Avanos
Hotels | Cost Starts from INR Per Night |
Almula Cave | 7,000 INR |
Underground Cave Suites Hotel | 8,800 INR |
Begam Butik Otel | 5,200 INR |
Hikmet’s House | 6,500 INR |
Urgup: History, Wine & Boutique Stays
Ürgüp is the oldest town in Cappadocia, boasting a unique blend of history, tradition, and modernity, and offers cute boutique stays. When you walk around, you can see Greek houses that date back to the 20th century.
When it comes to things to do here, you have multiple options. There are some of the best wine cellars, so visit them and participate in wine tasting. Here, you have the advantage of many cafes, restaurants, and gift shops to choose from.
Best Hotels in Ürgüp
Hotels | Cost Starts from INR Per Night |
Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia | 12,500 INR |
Yunak Evleri | 9,000 INR |
The Red Horse Hotel in Cappadocia | 10,000 INR |
Elysion Cave Suites | 7,800 INR |
Best Things To Do in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a magical land with stunning landscapes and hidden gems like underground cities. The city might seem like it has few things to do, but when you spend 3-4 days there, it can turn into a memorable trip.
You can either treat it as sightseeing activities or stay in one of the best areas in Cappadocia and live like a local.
You can sign up for various tours and workshops that offer opportunities to engage with locals and learn about Turkish culture. Let’s see some of the activities you can do when you are in Cappadocia.
- Hot Air Balloon
- Try Turkish Bath
- Visit Derinkuyu Underground City & Kaymaklı Underground City
- Hike the Red & Rose Valleys
- Do a wine tasting
- Cooking time with locals
- Go Horse-Riding
- Attend Turkish Night Show
- Do Pottery Making in Avanos
- ATV Tour in Cappadocia
- Uchisar Castle
Conclusion
Picking the best area to stay in Cappadocia depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. I know we can easily list down the things to do, but choosing the accommodation can take more time.
Cappadocia is a small region with numerous areas, each with a retro-style charm that incorporates a touch of modernity. So, anywhere you stay, you are never too far from the best activities and restaurants in the city.
Whether you are on a backpacking trip, a luxury couple’s stay or a family trip, you will be able to do many things in Cappadocia.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Place to Stay in Cappadocia, Turkey
Which area is most recommended in Cappadocia for a first-time traveller?
Göreme is the most popular destination for all kinds of travellers visiting Cappadocia. From budget stays to luxury hotels, the options are endless with major attractions nearby.
What is special in Cappadocia?
The city is renowned for its fairy chimneys and stunning rock formations, which have been transformed into hotels and numerous sightseeing attractions. And, the famous hot air balloon is a must-do activity when you come to Cappadocia.
What is the cost of a hot air balloon in Cappadocia?
The hot air balloon starts from 10,000 INR and can go up to 25,000 INR for a 1-hour flight. Once they land, most of them have a champagne celebration that lasts up to an hour.