Cappadocia is a magical place to visit in winter, and there are endless activities to keep you entertained. Discover some of the best here.
If you are not yet familiar with the name Cappadocia, you will certainly be familiar with the iconic images depicting colourful hot air balloons soaring above some stunning landscapes.
Yes, the region of Cappadocia, located in Turkey, is very popular for this reason. However, did you know that there are plenty of awesome things to do in Cappadocia in winter?
Let us give you some inspiration if you’re visiting this stunning part of Turkey during the colder months.
10. Enjoy some hot chai – culture in a cup
What is better than cosying up on a winter’s night while it snows outside and enjoying cup after cup of the local Turkish tea?
There is something so comforting about this cultural activity, and the flavours of this strong black tea have a very soothing effect at any time of the day.
9. Visit the underground cities – see Cappadocia from a different perspective
If you want to see something particularly cool and unique, you must visit the underground settlements scattered around the region of Cappadocia.
Here, you will have the opportunity to take a step back in time and have a real cultural experience. The largest of the area is the settlement of Derinkuyu, which has a depth of 280 ft (85 m).
Some others to see are Kaymakli and Sobesos. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Cappadocia in winter.
Address: Nevsehir, Turkey
8. Try the local wine – taste the history
You may not be aware, but the region of Cappadocia is, in fact, a prominent wine region and one of the hidden gems when it comes to things to do in Cappadocia in winter.
Wine tasting can be done any time of the year, and it is amazing to think that the history of winemaking here is even older than the region itself.
Address: Aşağı, Adnan Menderes Cd. No:40, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
7. Go hiking – get out into nature
One of the best things to do in Cappadocia in winter is to go and explore the area on foot.
There are many hiking paths through the snow, which will provide you with stunning picture-postcard backdrops sprinkled in snow. One of the best and easiest trails to add to you Cappadocia Itinerary is the Pigeon Valley trail.
Address: Aşağı, Adnan Menderes Nevşehir, Turkey
6. Take a cooking class – the tastes of Turkey
Turkish food is unbelievably delicious, so you will want to try everything on offer here, especially hearty foods in winter.
One of the best activities here is to do a cooking class, in which you will get an authentic taste of the culture. For us, Cappadocia Home Cooking is the place to go.
Address: Ayvalı Köyü Yolu, 50400 Ayvalı/Ürgüp/Nevşehir, Turkey
5. Climb to Uchasair Castle – a fantastic winter sight
If you want to see a sight that will blow you away, visit this citadel perched on top of a giant rock.
The history and the views are completely unbelievable, making this one of the best things to do in Cappadocia in winter.
Address: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
4. Visit the Goreme open-air museum – take a step back in time
There are a variety of churches cut into the volcanic rock to admire at the beautiful Goreme open-air museum.
Visiting these will allow you to take a big step back in time to discover what life was like in the Middle Ages.
Address: 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
3. Stay in a cave – an authentic experience
When most people visit Cappadocia, they stay in a traditional cave, which is how people lived in the past to shelter from the elements.
While this may not be as common today, staying in a cave is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Cappadocian culture. There are plenty of amazing options to choose from.
Address: Gaferli Mahallesi, Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
2. Marvel at the snow-covered landscape – experience the snow
If you have visited this region in the summer, you will be mesmerized by its completely different image in the winter, which appears to be like something from a winter fairytale.
You could marvel at these surroundings for days. Still, better yet, why not try the next activity, which is truly one of the best things to do in Cappadocia in winter?
Address: Cappadocia, Turkey
1. Take a hot air balloon ride – the main event
Everything in Cappadocia is open in winter, unlike some other destinations. So, one of the main things to do here is to view the magician landscape from above.
If your budget allows, why not soar above the snowy surroundings and enjoy what Cappadocia is famous for? It’s really worth it!
Address: Isalı-Gaferli-Avcılar Mah, Demirhan Sk. no:4/a, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
So, if you are planning to go to Cappadocia this winter, you will have plenty of incredible things to keep you inspired. Which one will you be adding to your bucket list?
