Why is Cappadocia So Special? 13 Reasons You Need to Add Cappadocia to Your Bucket List

If you're here, you're probably wondering, why is Cappadocia so special? Out of almost 100 countries visited, and several hundred cities across the globe we've traveled to, we've chosen Cappadocia as our wedding destination, and the question we get asked most is "Why Cappadocia?". Well, we're about to reveal the answer.

Cappadocia is truly one of the most magical destinations on Earth, and while it's known for its amazing hot air balloon rides, there are also so many other reasons to visit this incredible place.

If you’re planning a visit or just curious about what makes this place so unique, here are thirteen reasons to add Cappadocia to your bucket list. Who knows- maybe it'll inspire you to also get married there one day!

Why is Cappadocia So Special? A Few Fun Facts About this Unique Turkish Destination

The first time I heard about Cappadocia was probably back in 2012 or 2013, when I saw a viral Instagram post with the hot air balloons. I visited in 2015, and it was an absolute dream land - one of the world's hidden gems if you will.

Well, a lot has changed in Cappadocia, and it certainly is not as quiet, but it is certainly still just as special. Before diving into all of the reasons you should visit though - we're going to share a few fun facts about Cappadocia with you!

 Cappadocia is not a city! It is actually a region, that spans across several valleys, and almost 5,500 square km!

 The name Cappadocia is Persian, and actually translates to "land of beautiful horses".

 Many of the earliest settlers were actually Christian, and the area is home to some of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

 Cappadocia is mostly Muslim today, and you'll hear the prayers at the mosques all over. However, people are free to dress as they please.

 People carved entire underground cities to protect themselves, and the structures remain today.

 The fairy chimneys are all-natural!

Cappadocia has a UNESCO-listed open-air museum.

The region was formed by three volcanoes: Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan, and Mount Melendiz

 You can go snowboarding or skiing at Mt Erciyes.

 Cappadocia has been in a lot of tv shows, music videos, and movies.

Why is Cappadocia So Special? 13 Reasons You Should Visit

Now the time has come - why is Cappadocia so special? Well, we're about to reveal thirteen amazing reasons why you need to add this destination to your bucket list.

1. The Landscapes Don’t Feel Real

Cappadocia’s landscapes are some of the most unique in the world. Volcanic eruptions millions of years ago formed soft layers of rock, which were slowly sculpted into jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and the iconic “fairy chimneys.”

Each area has its own distinct vibe. Love Valley is full of dramatic natural pillars, Pasabag is home to surreal mushroom-like formations, and Red Valley glows at sunset in shades you wouldn’t believe. If you’re asking why Cappadocia is so special, the scenery alone is enough to give you your answer.

2. Hot Air Balloons - Need We Say More?

No image is more iconic than Cappadocia at sunrise with dozens of balloons floating over the valleys. Taking a balloon ride here is more than a photo op - it’s an experience that feels utterly magical from start to finish.

I'll never forget my first morning in Cappadocia back in 2015 - I was traveling with my friend Jacob who was petrified of heights. I had my heart set on going, and woke up at 4 am to go in a hot air balloon on my own. As the balloon drifted away I was elated - in a state of absolute bliss.

At the time I had lived in Spain, was about to start working on cruise ships, and traveled to over 80 countries, and yet - had never had my heart flutter the way it did when I experienced riding in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. The feeling stuck with me for years, eventually making me realize I needed to have my wedding here one day, and next year that dream is becoming a reality. 

3. Cappadocia is a Photographer's Dream

If you love photography, then get ready for the ultimate playground. We probably took a few thousand pictures on our first trip to Cappadocia. I mean if you're still wondering "why is Cappadocia so special?" seriously just hop over to our Instagram and check out the pictures.

Having good pictures is effortless, because it really is one of the most stunning places in the world. Whether you're taking in panoramas from the top hot air balloon viewpoints in Cappadocia or exploring the most famous valleys in the area, you'll want a spare set of memory cards and extra battery on you at all times in Cappadocia.

Get ready to snap away, because you truly won't get bored as a photographer in this breathtaking destination.

4. It's Also a Horse-Lover's Haven

If you're a horse-lover then you truly are in for a treat. While most people know about the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, not many are aware that it is also for its horses! The name Cappadocia actually translates to "land of the beautiful horses", so you're sure to see a ton of them.

Whether you're looking to ride horses in valleys at sunset, or have an epic running horse photoshoot, there are so many special ways to enjoy these majestic animals in the area, and they are always really well taken care of.

5. You Can Spend the Night in a Cave Hotel

Cappadocia is known for its unique fairy chimenys, cave, and underground cities. Well, this region is now home to some of the most impressive cave hotels in the world! They keep them in their original form, and you can find underground spas inside, indoor swimming pools, Turkish baths, and some other incredible surprises 

Staying in a cave hotel in Cappadocia is a true bucket-list experience, and the good news is that it is available for every budget! We stayed in over a dozen cave hotels in Cappadocia, and did site visits in at least a dozen others. They never failed to disappoint, and are one of the most special reasons to visit Cappadocia.

We've written a full guide off 23 of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia for you, so that you can choose a cool one that fits your style and budget.

6. There are Underground Cities That Go for Miles

What makes Cappadocia special isn’t just what’s on the surface. Beneath your feet are ancient underground cities that once housed thousands of people.

Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the most well-known, and both go several levels deep. These underground spaces weren’t just shelters - they had kitchens, storage rooms, wine presses, and churches. Locals used them to hide from invasions and to survive long periods in secret!

Exploring them now gives you a real sense of how inventive and resourceful people were in such a harsh environment, making it a place really fun to learn about.

7. There are Unreal Sunrise and Sunset Spots

If you don’t feel like splurging on a balloon, don't worry! One of the best parts of visiting Cappadocia is also just simply watching the balloons from one of the many unique viewpoints.

Sunset Point in Göreme, Red Valley, and Uçhisar Castle are all popular one, but there are also plenty of unnamed trails where you’ll have the view all to yourself. (We found plenty of great spots that we'll share soon!)

At golden hour, the entire landscape starts to glow. The light hits the rock formations just right, and it’s hard not to pause and take it in. For many visitors, it’s this quiet beauty of moments like this that answers the question of why Cappadocia is so special.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

8. You Can Experience Rich Layers of History Everywhere

From ancient cave churches to monasteries built into the cliffs, Cappadocia has so much to explore if you're a history lover. The region was home to early Christians, who built entire religious communities hidden inside valleys like Ihlara and Göreme.

You can still see frescoes on cave walls, tunnels that connected communities, and remains of homes carved out of rock.

Whether or not you’re into history, there’s something powerful about walking through spaces that have been used for thousands of years, and it truly is one of the things that makes Cappadocia so special.

9. It's Easy to Explore Without a Tour

One of the best things about Cappadocia is how easy it is to explore on your own. You don’t need a guide to find epic views, hidden valleys, or unique rock formations (maybe just a bit of research!). 

Trails are clearly marked, and it’s simple to rent a car, scooter, or ATV if you want to get off the beaten path. Towns are small, so even if you have to park outside the dead center you're always just minutes walking from where you need to go.

With a little planning, you can visit famous valleys without the crowds and stumble upon corners that feel totally untouched.  The most popular valleys in Cappadocia can easily be driven around as well, so nothing ever feels like an insane trek or that you have to pay an insane amount to see the area.

Finally, if you would like a guide, you never have to pay an arm and a leg. There are so many tours offered that are budget-friendly, and allow you to see Cappadocia without breaking the bank.

10. Cappadocia Offers Incredible Hiking Through the Valleys

If you love being outdoors, Cappadocia is a dream. The region is full of hiking trails that wind through valleys and caves. You’ll pass fairy chimneys, abandoned chapels, and old pigeon houses carved into the stone.

Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Ihlara Valley, and Zemi Valley are just a few to check out, each with its own vibe. Some are short and scenic, while you can also opt for ones that take a few hours.

The best part is how quiet they are though. You’ll often have the trails to yourself, and everything is free of charge. Being able to avoid crowds and see the raw nature Cappadocia has to offer truly is one of the things that makes it so special.

11. It's Epic for Adventure Lovers

While many people think of Cappadocia as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, it is also great for thrill-seekers! From parasailing over the valleys to riding through the mud in monster trucks, you can explore the outdoors in some seriously fun and exciting ways.

12. It Has a Strong Local Culture and Authentic Crafts

Cappadocia has a distinct identity, and you can feel it in the food, the crafts, and the way people interact. In towns like Avanos, you’ll find traditional pottery workshops where artisans still use kick wheels to shape clay from the river.

Local food is hearty and comforting, with specialties like testi kebab (cooked in a clay pot) and manti (turkish ravioli that is made by hand).

Shops are full of handmade goods, from gorgeous carpets to colorful ceramics. You won’t find global chains here, and that’s certainly a huge part of the charm. We're not big shoppers, but shopping in Cappadocia is super fun, and is a great way to support the locals!

Here are some fun cultural experiences we recommend:

 Pottery making classes

 Turkish lamp workshop

 Turkish coffee workshop on sand

 Anatolian cooking class

 Perfume making workshop

13. It Still Has That “Wild” Feeling in Places

Despite being one of Turkey’s most visited regions, Cappadocia hasn’t lost its sense of rawness. While certain areas like Goreme and Uchisar are certainly a bit more tourist, you’ll still find places that feel completely untouched. The further you get from the main towns, the more space and solitude you’ll find.

Sunrise hikes where you don’t see another person, valleys with no signs, and open landscapes that stretch (what feels like) endlessly- these are the kinds of moments that stay with you long after the trip ends, and where you truly find the hidden gems in Cappadocia that await. 

The region is wide, unique, and still has a low population, which is a big part of why Cappadocia is so special.

Why is Cappadocia So Special? Final Thoughts & Tips

Well, we're pretty sure by now you know why we love Cappadocia, and are no longer wondering what makes this area of the world special. In case you missed anything though, here is a bit of a recap:

 The landscapes are stunning, and you can find quite a variety of unique ones!

 Every day the sky fills with hot air balloons at sunrise - truly one of the top bucket-list experiences in the world you can have!

 It is one of the most beautiful places to photograph - don't forget your camera and drone!

It is an amazing destination for special horse experiences. Don't miss out on the running horses photoshoots, which are uniquely Cappadocian.

 They have really cool underground cities to explore. It's also one of the best ways to enjoy Cappadocia in the rain.

 There are super amazing sunrise and sunset spots to experience. Stay tuned for our dedicated article soon!

 It has so much history to learn about.

 The area is easily accessible to see on your own. You can also join plenty of tours with a variety of transportation options.

 There are incredible hiking areas which aren't too challenging.

 It's an epic destination for adventurers looking for fun and unique activities in Cappadocia.

 There is a lot of culture and many crafts to shop for. Don't miss out on the pottery, perfume-making, and Turkish lantern making classes!

 It still has a wild feeling to it in many areas. While some areas are touristic, it's easy to find hidden gems in Cappadocia.

What's Next?

Now that you've experienced all of the top restaurants and food of Cappadocia, you'll probably want to know all of the fun things to do and see in the region! Here are some other guides we've written which will help you plan an incredible trip in Cappadocia:

 How to Get to Cappadocia

 20 of the Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

 29 Unique Activities & Tours in Cappadocia

 The Top Hotels in Cappadocia

 22 Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

 The Best Valleys in Cappadocia

 What to Do in Cappadocia When it Rains

 What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

 The Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia

 Cappadocia Food Guide

So now do you understand why Cappadocia is so special? We hope that all of our reasons have inspired you to book a trip to one of our favorite destinations in the world.

Want to learn more about traveling around the region of Cappadocia? We have a ton of other Cappadocia travel guides - with plenty of others coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, as well as exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to start planning the most magical trip to Cappadocia? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, crafting you specially-curated itineraries and hand-picking the most unique properties for you. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email so we can get started with your free consultation!

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