Why You Should Visit Cappadocia in Winter

Cappadocia is a place that every traveler has either been to, or is dying to visit. It’s those dreamy hot air balloon filled skies, over the otherworldly landscape that make this a must experience destination. While most tourists will visit in warm months, the secret is visiting Cappadocia in winter. You read that right! The magic of Cappadocia only intensifies when under a blanket of snow and soft winter light. Here is why you should visit Cappadocia in winter instead.

Introduction

The history of Cappadocia dates back to 2500 BCE, as early as the Bronze Age in prehistoric times. It became a formal trading post under Assyrian Rule, around 2000 BCE. Since then, many civilizations have come and go in the region, each leaving their historical mark. From the Persians, to the Romans, to The Ottomans, Cappadocia has seen a numerous turn of hands in rulership, resulting in its rich history which can be seen today.

Visiting Cappadocia in Winter

A visit in winter is like visiting a completely different landscape. I’ve visited in both summer and winter, and have to say I might actually prefer winter. Heres why:

1. Less Tourists

Cappadocia is by no means a hidden gem. A visit here during peak season, means sharing almost all main points of interest with hoards of tourists and tour buses.

A visit in winter, is much more ideal, because you’ll have less crowds. Unfortunately, the secret magic of a winter in Cappadocia isn’t completely a secret. There are still people here – a lot of them.

But it will be a much more tranquil and serene experience when compared to the busier months.

2. Cappadocia Under Snow is Beautiful

If you are like me, when you think of Turkey you will think of hot weather. To my surprise, Turkey actually gets really cold in the winter, with most areas getting snow at some point.

Cappadocia is no exception. In winter, the landscape here transforms completely. It goes from a red martian world to a Narnia-like wonderland.

The rock formations and carved canyons will gain yet another layer of beauty, when under a white blanket.

Instead of bright shades of reds, and an overbearing sun, you have soft colors and light. The sunrises are a pale pink and purple, softly reflected against the powdery snow. It is truly a dream.

3. The Prices Drop

Winter season is off-peak season in Cappadocia. This means that you can score a great deal on what are usually luxury prices.

You can stay in an upscale cave hotel, for a very affordable rate. It will also have more vacancies, so you’ll have more options to choose which room you like!

As for the hot air balloon rides and tours, the prices are also reduced slightly in winter. You can score some very sweet deals by visiting Cappadocia in winter.

4. Snow Hiking

As a seasoned hiker, snow doesn’t really deter me from getting active outdoors. However, you don’t need to be athletic to enjoy a walk in the snow in Cappadocia.

Most walking paths between the attractions such as from Goreme to Rose Valley, are flat enough to be enjoyed even in winter, without special gear.

While in the summer months the temperature skyrockets, the weather in winter is pretty damn cold. But with sunshine and proper clothes, it’s the perfect temperature for an easy hike.

Things to Do in Winter

Visit the Fairy Chimneys

The Fairy Chimneys are world famous, carved out natural formations.

In ancient times, volcanic eruptions covered the region in volcanic ash. Overtime, the magic of water and wind erosion carved out these tall, chimney like structures that we see today.

Today, you can walk through the valley and explore these Fairy Chimneys, many of which have manmade caves carved inside from early settlers.

This landscape truly comes to life in winter, with snow capping the chimneys and trails.

Explore Rose Valley

One of my favorite areas in Cappadocia, in any season. In winter, the red carvings in the canyon are half covered in snow to become a truly serene landscape.

On a sunny day, I recommend doing the easy walk from Goreme here to take in the scenery. It’s mostly flat and easy enough for any pedestrian.

Visit and Stay in a Cave

In any season you can opt to go on a tour of some of the caves in this area. These tours will take you around Cappadocia, showing you the most notable caves while providing historical context.

I’ve been on a couple tours, and while it is intriguing to learn more about the history of the caves, I think the best experience is sleeping in one.

Choose from one of the many cave hotels in the area to experience an overnight stay in a cave room. Don’t worry, most of these are well equipped to be much more comfortable than your typical Flintstones residents.

Visit a Turkish Rug Shop

Even if you have no intention to buy, it’s worth stopping by a rug shop to see these beauties. Turkish rugs are afterall, unique products of Turkish culture. These are truly art, with many different colors and patterns to be discovered.

My favorite shop was Galerie Ikman, which is also a very popular instagram hotspot.

Explore Pigeon Valley

Another great area to explore is Pigeon Valley. It gets its name from the many miniature sized caves carved into the rock. These were used to house actual pigeons back in the day.

Today, the pigeons are long gone, but the caves remain. It’s one of the best areas to discover on foot. You can also walk to Uchisar from here, and check out Uchisar Castle, while passing an old rock hewn church on the way.

Spot a Camel

Camels are not indigenous to Turkey, but have been introduced many years ago. You may spot some camels here, posing for a photo opt with tourists.

Go for a Horseback Ride

If walking in the snow is not your cup of tea, opt to explore on horseback. This valley has had long connections to horses from way back. It’s an authentic and relaxing way to enjoy the natural scenery.

Have Turkish Tea on a Roof

A winter in Cappadocia can get nippy and frosty real fast. Take lots of breaks to warm up, by visiting a tea shop for some Turkish tea or coffee.

One famous rooftop for tea, is located in the Sultan Caves Hotel. If it’s sunny, this places offers one of the best views of Goreme and Cappadocia.

See the Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise

I have been on a hot air balloon ride here, and it’s pure bliss up there over the Cappadocia valleys. However, I would argue that the view from the ground is equally magical.

If you aren’t into early mornings or don’t want to dish out $150, watching the balloons rise from the ground, is just as fun. Ask your hotel the night before where the balloons will take off. The location changes depending on the direction of the wind!

Once you know where it will be, locate the nearest vantage point. During my stay, it was at Sunset Point in Goreme. Organize a taxi there the night before, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before sunrise. It will obviously be cold, so bundle up. But, that view of dozens of colorful balloons going up against the pale pink sunrise is truly unforgettable.

Disadvantages of Winter in Cappadocia

Of course there are some downsides to visiting Cappadocia in the off-season. These are some things to keep in mind when planning to come to Cappadocia in winter.

Unpredictable Weather

For one, winter season generally means less predictable weather. In my 4 days there, I had 3 days of sun, but one full day of grey skies.

Cancelled Hot Air Balloon Rides

If the wind picks up, hot air balloon rides will be cancelled. You will be refunded, but if this is your main reason for going to Cappadocia, you may need to have a flexible schedule to accommodate potentially rescheduled balloon rides.

Less Hiking Opportunities

Although you can still hike the easy trails in winter, most of the other trails will be much more challenging, if not inaccessible. If your main reason for coming to Cappadocia is to do some serious hiking, coming in winter may not work out for you.

Where to Stay

In winter, most of the iconic cave hotels will be offering great discounts, and will be mostly empty. This makes it the best opportunity to stay at the best hotels, and have them almost to yourself! Goreme is generally the center of Cappadocia, and a good place to base yourself.

Hotels

Sultan Cave Suites – Conveniently located in Goreme. This cave hotel features an iconic rooftop terrace, where the influencers go for their photo opts. Here you can have tea or smoke shisha while enjoying the best views of the hot air balloons. Most guest rooms have their own private balcony, with breakfast included. The price starts at $96 USD a night.

Elite Cave Suites – This cave hotel is also located in Goreme, offering stunning views on their terrace. The interiors are decorated in traditional Turkish style, and at only $27 USD a night, it offers possibly the best value for your money.

Seraphim Cave Hotel – A five star cave hotel, with all the stops, including outdoor lounging areas with fire pits, a gorgeous pool, modern saunas and indoor hot tubs. It’s $134 USD a night and located in Mustafa. The only downside is it is a bit further from Goreme and the other main attractions.

Argos – An award winning luxury cave hotel, located in nearby Uchisar. Once a monastery, this converted hotel offers amazing views of Pigeon Valley and an onsite pool (though not useful for winter). At $261 a night, you can experience the ultimate in luxury here.

How to Get There

I have been to Cappadocia by bus and by air. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

To be honest, you won’t save much money by taking the bus, since the flight is very cheap. Also, the journey from Istanbul can be really long, if it includes a stopover in Ankara (my second trip here did).

The air tickets on Turkish Airlines will be cheaper in winter, so it may be ideal to fly. However, going by bus does take you directly into the center of Goreme, which is pretty convenient. Coming by air means extra trips to and from the airport into Goreme.

Either way, your journey will likely start from Istanbul, which has plenty of connections each day by land or air towards Cappadocia. Plus, Istanbul is pretty amazing in winter as well!

By Air

You can book direct flights from Istanbul to Goreme on Turkish Airlines. A one way flight can cost as little as $13 USD, when booked in advanced.

You will fly from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport , and land in Kayseri Erkilet (ASR) Airport. Both airports are located quite far from the city centers. This could be the only downside to flying, but it’s still faster than the bus.

To get from ASR airport to Goreme, you can either take a taxi or a bus. It’s 76 kilometers away and will take at least 1 hour.

By Land

If you prefer to travel by land, there are overnight buses from Istanbul to Goreme. This is a long journey, and will take at least 10, if not 12 hours.

I took the bus to Cappadocia on one of my trips there. I have an easy time sleeping on buses, and hate the hassle of getting to the airport. So this was the favorable option.

Two companies which offer night buses to Goreme from Istanbul are Metro Turizm and Nevşehir Seyahat.

You’ll have to get to the bus terminal, which can be found at the Harem Otogari, or the main station at Büyük Otogar. Check which one is closer to your hotel or Airbnb before you go.

You don’t need to book your tickets in advanced. I booked mine at the station. However, you can ask your hotel receptionist to book it for you beforehand, if you’d like to ensure a favorable seat and departure time.

And there you have it! A complete guide on visiting Cappadocia in winter. Cappadocia remains one of my top 10 favorite places in the world, and I hope I have convinced you to visit for yourself. Come in winter, for a fresh perspective on this popular destination.

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