Cappadocia: highs and highlights

Cappadocia is one of the most extraordinary places on earth; a dramatic, otherworldly pocket of Turkey dotted with honeycombed hills and a sky full of balloons. 

Our travel expert Hannah Cox headed off a spring twin-centre adventure through Istanbul and Cappadocia to celebrate a milestone birthday. She came back with glowing reviews, plenty of scroll-stopping shots and some golden tips to share with us.

Why visit Cappadocia?

Because nowhere else looks, or feels, quite like it. The balloon rides are bona fide bucket list, the views are ridiculous, and yes, it’s just as photogenic as you’ve heard. But it’s not all for the ‘gram. There’s history in the hills, culture beneath the surface and more to do than you’ll fit in one trip.

How to get to there

Cappadocia is a little off the beaten path, but that adds to the appeal. The best way to get there is to fly Turkish Airlines via Istanbul into Kayseri, the nearest airport to Cappadocia. The connection is easy, and it’s just over an hour’s drive to the hotel once you land. Hannah rated the journey surprisingly comfortable, complete with snacks, seatback screens and a smooth connection.

When to go

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, with mild weather, clear skies and fewer crowds. It's also better value than the high season summer months, when it's busier (as well as being deliciously hot through the day). Winter brings the chance to see the landscape blanketed by snow; magical if you’re happy to wrap up warm.

Where Hannah stayed: Argos in Cappadocia

Set high above the Pigeon Valley in the fairytale town of Uçhisar, Argos in Cappadocia is a boutique hotel with big presence. Stone paths weave through terraces and courtyards, every corner comes with a view, and no two rooms are the same.

Hannah stayed in a Deluxe Room, where the welcome was personalised and warm. She arrived to a handwritten birthday message, a bottle of local wine and fresh fruit, plus cosy slippers and a hot water bottle waiting on the bed. The room even had its own fireplace, which the team can light on request.

The day starts with breakfast at Nahita, the hotel’s main restaurant, where guests are greeted by name and treated to a generous spread of Turkish cheeses, pastries, fruit, salads and made-to-order dishes. The team quickly get to know your favourites, including your coffee of choice. For lunch and dinner, there’s also the second restaurant Seki, a casual option with stone walls, soft lighting and a menu of global flavours, plus one of the best views in the house.

See more recommended places to stay in Cappadocia here.

Inside the Argos Spa

Argos is home to the largest cave spa in Turkey. It’s a quietly spectacular space with steam rooms, a Turkish bath, sauna, gym and indoor pool, all carved from natural rock. Hotel guests can use the facilities free of charge, and there’s also a menu of treatments that use organic products; a popular choice is the lavender seed and sea salt scrub. There’s also a wellness bar if you fancy something fresh and green post-sauna.

The Cappadocia dining scene

Cappadocia’s food scene has range, from cave kitchens serving slow-cooked testi kebab to rooftops made for slow mornings and strong Turkish coffee.

In Göreme, head to Mozaik for inventive Turkish cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere, or Kaira Rooftop for cocktails and a great sunset spot. Pumpkin offers cosy cave dining with a set menu that changes daily.

Up in Uçhisar, Lil’a at the Museum Hotel is a must for fine dining, while family-run She Cooks Cappadocia feels like an invitation into someone’s home, where traditional Turkish dishes are made with love.

What to do nearby

Uçhisar is a fantastic base with a great choice of quirky shops and laid-back cafés. The castle is the highest point in Cappadocia and an easy walk from the Argos hotel. From the hotel gardens, you can stroll down into Pigeon Valley or hitch a buggy ride if you’d rather not walk.

The neighbouring town of Göreme is around a 10-minute drive away. You can take a taxi, arrange a transfer through your hotel or walk the scenic route through Pigeon Valley (about an hour, with sturdy shoes). Göreme acts as the main hub for balloon flights and excursions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try horse riding, ATV tours, guided hikes or a visit to one of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities. Short on time? See the highlights in a day.

Up, up and amaze

If there’s one thing Cappadocia is known for, it’s this. Most mornings (weather permitting) around 150 hot air balloons rise before the sun, filling the sky with colour as they drift over valleys, vineyards and volcanic ridges. It’s peaceful, surreal and genuinely unforgettable.

Balloon flights typically start around 5am, with pick-ups arranged by your chosen operator. We recommend booking your experience with us in advance so you don’t need to worry about negotiating on the ground. The morning usually includes a light breakfast, a one-hour flight and a little celebration when you land.

Hannah’s top tips

◉  If you’re combining Cappadocia with Istanbul, make Cappadocia last. It’s a scene-stealer that’s best saved for the grand finale.

◉  Book your hot air balloon flight for the first morning. If the weather turns, you’ve got time to rebook.

◉  Bring layers. It was -2°C when Hannah flew. It’s chilly at altitude, even in spring.

◉  Bring some Turkish Lira for local experiences, markets and souvenirs as ATMs often charge high fees for withdrawals.

This feature was created on 24th April 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.