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Visiting Cappadocia in winter is like walking through a fairy tale – and visiting is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list (and since I’m a huge baby about the cold, that’s saying something!). This Cappadocia itinerary will help you get the most out of your 3 days in Cappadocia.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a pretty big region that sits in the center of Turkey. Most visitors start and end their journey in Istanbul (check out all the cool winter things to do there) and incorporate a trip to Cappadocia. Here’s how to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia:
By Air
The best way to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia is by flying. It only takes about an hour, leaving you tons more time to experience all the Cappadocia things to do. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines each have several flights into Cappadocia each day, but they can fill up so book early if you can.
There are two airports in Cappadocia: Kayseri Erkilet Airport and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport. Nevşehir is the closest airport to Cappadocia attractions and is the best airport in Cappadocia to fly to. Kayseri is farther from the tourist areas and shuttles can take four times longer to get you to your hotel than if you fly to Nevşehir. Pro tip: Book your airport transfer in advance for peace of mind when you arrive.
By Bus
Traveling to Cappadocia by bus is probably not going to save much money over a flight, and it’s long – anywhere from 10 to 12 hours. But if you’re traveling on a budget, an overnight bus may be the way to go.
As long as you aren’t traveling during a popular holiday in Turkey, you can easily buy a ticket at the bus terminal in Istanbul on the day you want to travel. Alternatively, ask your hotel reception for help in booking and reserving a ticket. Unfortunately, the online sites are unreliable and challenging to use for non-Turkish speakers, so I don’t recommend going that route.
By Train
Train tickets are just as hard to buy online as a bus ticket. Plus, getting to Cappadocia by train takes the longest because there is no direct Istanbul to Cappadocia train. You’ll have to take a 4-hour train to Ankara, a 7-1/2 hour train from Ankara to Kayseri, and then a 2-hour transfer to your hotel.
By Car
Turkish roads are well marked, with good signage, so getting to Cappadocia by car is relatively easy. This can be a convenient option if you want to make any stops on the way (the Ottoman village in Safranbolu and the Hittite ruins in Hattusa are really cool things to see in Turkey). Just be aware that gas is expensive in Turkey, so this will be a pricier option, especially if you’re on your own.
Psst: If you’re feeling pressed for time or don’t want to DIY your trip to Cappadocia, consider booking a 2-day or 3-day tour from Istanbul instead!
Why Visit Cappadocia in Winter
I don’t normally choose snowy winter destinations to visit, but after seeing Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys dusted with snow, I was hooked. Not a cold weather traveler either? Here are a few reasons to consider it as a winter destination.
- It’s empty: Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the peak summer season. And, yeah, there are still a decent number of tourists who have discovered the magic of a Cappadocian winter, but you won’t have to work as hard to get that cute Instagram pic without hordes of people in the background!
- It’s cheap: Winter is the cheapest time to visit anywhere in Turkey (including Istanbul – don’t forget to plan some time in Istanbul if you can!). Hotels, flights, tours, you name it and it’s discounted. Win!
- It’s gorgeous: Yeah, snow and cold aren’t exactly my favorites, but they certainly make for spectacular views and photos.
Note: I can’t speak to what it’s like to visit Cappadocia in December – I’m guessing that with the holidays, it won’t be quite as cheap or empty compared to January and February.
What It’s Like to Travel to Cappadocia in Winter
Cappadocia in February is cold and when I visited, they happened to have record low temperatures (much to my chagrin). This was one of my first ever winter trips and I didn’t own much winter clothing (in case you can’t tell, I’m wearing 5+ layers). Winter starts in November and sometimes lasts until March. Cappadocia in January is the coldest time of year, with temperatures at or below freezing and a solid dusting of snow.
So, yeah, Cappadocia winter temperatures are cold, but if you pack the right gear (see my winter packing guide for help with this) and do a little planning, the cold shouldn’t keep you from having a really great time. This packing list has been carefully cultivated after years of winter travel and many hard-learned lessons – it’s legit!
If you’re still not convinced, the best time to visit Cappadocia is spring or fall. Prices will be higher and the city will be more crowded but it’ll still be better than going in the summer (I know this first-hand too!).
Best Things to Do in Cappadocia When It’s Cold
I’m going to give it to you straight: it’s highly likely that you’re going to need to book a tour to explore Cappadocia. Unless you have a ton of time to spend exploring Cappadocia slowly, then you’ll need a tour to help you get around in the city since public transportation is minimal. That’s the position my friend and I found ourselves in when we decided to spend a couple of days in Cappadocia. We probably could have figured out our way around with buses and taxis but, given that we only had two days in the city, that wasn’t really an option. Oh, and it was freezing so we really weren’t keen on walking, either.
There are tours (like this awesome one) that include multiple-day itineraries plus transportation. They’re great options if you’re pressed for time. But if you want more flexibility, you can also find tours for specific Cappadocia activities.
3 Days in Cappadocia Itinerary: Day One
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If there is only one must-do activity on your list, it should be riding in hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Because Cappadocia winter can be unpredictable, I would schedule this on your first morning there. That way, if the trip gets canceled because of the weather, you still have two more days to reschedule it.
If you’re wondering whether or not a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is worth the splurge, the answer is a resounding YES. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s so peaceful to float over the valleys, and there’s nothing on earth like seeing the sunrise over the fairy chimneys. Just be sure and bundle up – it’s going to be cold up there. I strongly recommend booking ahead, which you can do here.
See the Goreme Open Air Museum
Your balloon tour will include transportation to and from your hotel, so definitely take some time to warm up and eat breakfast before heading out to see the Goreme Open Air Museum. The museum was once a fully-functioning city carved into rock. You’ll get to explore about fifteen ancient churches and marvel at the frescoes inside. There’s practically no signage, so going with a guide is really the only way to understand what you’re seeing. I highly recommend spending the small additional fee to view Karanlik Kilise – also known as the Dark Church, and don’t miss the Tokali Church just down the road.
Pro tip: Consider getting the Cappadocia museum pass while you’re here. It’ll get you into a lot of the other Cappadocia attractions for free or at reduced rates.
Lunch at Café Safak
If you’re not familiar with Turkish food, Café Safak is a great place to start. The proprietor is really friendly and is happy to help answer any questions you have. Her lentil soup is a must-try and the manti might just be the best in all of Turkey.
Hike through the Fairy Chimneys
There are incredible landscapes all around Cappadocia, and you’ll be able to explore a lot of them on a Cappadocia 3 day itinerary, but the fairy chimneys to the northeast of Goreme are one of the most magical sights I’ve ever seen. They look cool in pictures but are captivating in person. You’ll spend more time here than you think you will. I certainly did.
Visit a Rug Shop
Rugs in Turkey are works of art. You could easily spend an hour wandering through the rug shops in Goreme, but don’t miss Tribal Collections, especially if you’re planning on purchasing one. The collections are nothing short of stunning and you won’t be pressured to purchase anything if you just want to look.
If you’re in it for an epic Instagram photo, Galerie ikman is the most popular spot. They charge a fee but have a spectacular setup and an eye for epic shots.
Dinner at Soffy’s Cafe
No Cappadocia itinerary is complete without trying testi kebab (it sounds like “tasty” for a reason!) at Soffy’s Kitchen. This kebab can be lamb, beef, or chicken with a variety of vegetables. It’s prepared and cooked inside a pottery jar that’s cracked open right at your table. You get dinner and a cute lil show – win!
Cappadocia Itinerary: Day Two
Explore Pigeon Valley
If you thought the scenery was beautiful on the first day in Cappadocia, just wait until you reach Pigeon Valley. Located south of Goreme, these rocks are dotted with small caves that are used as homes by pigeons and sparrows.
And there are pigeons everywhere! If you want to get up close and personal with them, go buy some pigeon food from one of the vendors at the entrance to the valley. You can also find some nice souvenir stands here too.
Get to Know the Village of Uçhisar
Cappadocia winter provides a convenient excuse to pop into a cafe in Uçhisar village and warm up with a cup of Turkish coffee or Çay (a totally addictive local tea). These little shops are so cozy, I could spend all day in one. But there are too many other great places to see!
Once you warm up a bit, Uçhisar is a fun place to explore. There are a ton of shops that sell local crafts, rugs, and the pottery the region is famous for. The Kapodokya Onyx Center is a really cool place to see the local stonework.
Grab Lunch at Olimbera
You certainly can’t go wrong with popping into one of the village cafes in Uçhisar for lunch. But Olimbera in Urgup is a really great, off-the-beaten-path cafe. It’s a small, homey place with traditional Turkish food. It really is all good here, so if you’re not sure what to order, check out my guide to Turkish food before you go.
Climb Around a Few Castles
The Uçhisar and Ortahisar Castles are actually located in Urgup and are well worth the short 10-15 drive. These are tall rock fortresses with the best views in all of Cappadocia. Okay, except for the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, but for this one, your feet are planted firmly on the ground.
Ortahisar Castle is harder to climb than Uçhisar and although they’re both fun things to do in Cappadocia, I’d pick Uchisar for a hike.
There’s a small entrance fee for Uçhisar Castle that isn’t covered by the museum pass but trust me, it’s worth it (did I mention the view?). There are caves below the castle that you can explore, and a lot of the trees are decorated with ornaments. It’s really stunning.
Wander the Halls of Aynali Kilise
If you aren’t too tired, stop by the Aynali Kilise on the way back to Goreme. It’s a small, underground church that’s actually one of the oldest in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for the large round stones that were once used to block the doorways from invaders.
Dinner at Nazar Borek Café
This little café is a hidden gem in Goreme. It’s tucked up a hill, but it’s worth the walk. The menu at Nazar Borek Cafe is extensive, though they do run out of things. There are usually a few items that aren’t on the menu – be sure to ask about those because they’re delicious!
Experience Sufism with the Whirling Dervishes
Sufism was born in Konya, Turkey, and continues to remain part of the culture today. Sufis perform religious ceremonies that involve fast-paced whirling and chanting rituals that help them get closer to God. It’s an awe-inspiring sight and definitely worth seeing. Book this experience in advance to make sure there’s availability on the night you want to go.
Cappadocia Itinerary: Day Three
Linger Over Hotel Breakfast
There’s breakfast, and then there’s Turkish breakfast (called kahvalti): an impressive and massive spread of all kinds of dishes and sides. There’s no rule or system to exactly what goes into kahvalti, but it usually includes eggs, olives, fresh vegetables, cheese, bread (simit) and so much more. The Turkish take that whole breakfast as the most important meal thing very seriously. You should too.
Explore an Underground City
No itinerary for Cappadocia should be complete without a trip to an underground city. Kaymakli Underground City was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
Kaymakli is the largest underground city in Cappadocia, though there are some areas you won’t be able to enter. It’s a maze of underground tunnels that were used as shelter during enemy attacks. It’s truly astonishing to see the living spaces, chapels, and storage areas for food and animals.
The tunnels can get a little tight and some of the ceilings are really low so it might be a challenge at times for anyone with a fear of confined spaces. You’ll definitely want to hire a guide to help you navigate the spaces and to fill you in on the history. There’s no museum here and nothing to help explain what you’re seeing.
Marvel at Pottery in Avanos
It’s a 30-minute drive from Kaymakli to Avanos, and the road will take you past the fairy chimneys again. Avanos is THE place to go in Cappadocia for pottery, and you’ll see why at the Guray Museum.
The Guray Museum, like pretty much everything in Cappadocia, is located inside caves, so don’t be discouraged when you see the entrance. Inside is an epic collection of pottery that ranges from ancient artifacts to more modern pieces that are truly works of art.
Even the museum shop is more museum than a store. There are usually potters giving demonstrations, and there’s a good selection of pieces to buy if you’re looking for souvenirs. I’m not a big museum person, but I definitely recommend this one. Skip the line and book your ticket in advance here.
Take a Break by the River
Even if you’re not super hungry for lunch, Kiyi Café is a good place to take a break. It’s got a great view of the river, and the best coffee and cake in town.
Try your hand at a Craft
A lot of places in Cappadocia offer lessons in their ancient crafts. So I figured, why not learn to make a carpet? It was incredible to feel the raw silk they use, and by the end, I felt a much deeper appreciation for the weavers. Those looms are no joke!
Museums and shops all over Avanos offer lessons in making pottery, rugs, and more. If there is a specific class you want to take as part of your Cappadocia itinerary, you can also ask your hotel to make arrangements for you.
Hike the Fairy Chimneys (Yes, Again!)
If you still have time after exploring Avanos, head south to Pasabag. This part of Goreme National Park is known as the Valley of the Monks and it’s filled with more fairy chimneys. Because let’s face it, the fairy chimneys are unreal and who wouldn’t want to end their trip getting to see them one more time?
Just up the road from Pasabag is the Church of St. John the Baptist. Inside are some beautiful carvings and frescoes, and unlike the churches at the Goreme Open Air Museum, you can take all the pictures you want!
Watch the Sunset over Dinner at Aysel’in Mutfagi
What could be better than eating dinner while watching the sunset? How about eating in a restaurant with delicious food and a glass-in room so you can watch the Cappadocian sunset while also staying warm? Aysel’in Mutfagi has a super friendly staff and a wide selection of Turkish food. If you can’t get enough of the testi kebab, it looked really good here, but I would’ve happily eaten their Hünkar Beğendi for the rest of my trip.
Reminder: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip in case things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is World Nomads cause they’re awesome and easy to deal with. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!
Best things to do in Cappadocia Turkey in 4 days and beyond
If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Cappadocia, I can tell you that I could happily spend four or even five days in Cappadocia. Here are a few extra things that could easily be added to a 3 day Cappadocia itinerary:
- Hike the Devrent Valley: South of Uchisar are more unique rock formations that look more sculptural (the camel-shaped one was my favorite). There are tons of trails through the Devrent Valley, and the Zelve Open Air Museum is close if you want to explore more caves.
- Go for a horseback ride: There are miles and miles of rock formations to see in Cappadocia, and this horseback sunset tour is a great way to see places that many tourists don’t get to see because they’re just so that much farther than you can reasonably walk – especially in a Cappadocia winter. I prefer horses to quad bike tours because they’re better for the environment and much more peaceful.
- Take a cooking class: You’re pretty guaranteed to fall in love with Turkish food (I know I did!) so why not learn to make some when you get home? This cooking class includes shopping for ingredients (so you’ll know what to buy when you get home), the actual lesson, and of course, an excellent handmade meal when you’re done!
- Visit the Cappadocia Living History Museum: You’ll get a good overview of the history of Cappadocia during your tours, but at the Cappadocia Living History Museum in Avanos, there are displays that show what life would’ve been like in Cappadocia over the centuries.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
Many hotels in Cappadocia are located in caves, so even budget hotels in Cappadocia are really cool. They’re not all super well insulated but staying in one of the cave hotels in Cappadocia is worth putting on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt to sleep!
If it’s your first time in Cappadocia, I highly recommend staying in Goreme or Uchisar. These villages are safe, have tons of options for food and shopping, and are really convenient to everything in this Cappadocia itinerary. My recommendations are below:
Stay in Peace Cave Hostel (Budget-Friendly)
I’ve stayed in a lot of hostels and the Stay in Peace Cave Hostel is one of the best I’ve encountered. The beds were really comfortable and the hosts were really attentive and helpful.
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Koza Cave Hotel (Mid-Range)
I love that Koza Cave Hotel has made a commitment to sustainability both in its construction and day-to-day operating. But they also don’t skimp on amenities – some of the rooms have fireplaces or jacuzzis. The view from the terrace is unbeatable and its location on the edge of Goreme means it’s really peaceful at night.
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Museum Hotel (Splurge)
So there’s luxury, and there’s the Museum Hotel in Uchisar. This hotel has everything you could possibly want in a hotel: unique rooms, an amazing restaurant and terrace, a concierge who seems to know what you want before you do, a spa… I could go on. This is hands down the best cave hotel Cappadocia.
Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
So there you have it: the best Cappadocia itinerary for 3 days in Cappadocia, with some bonus ideas of what to do if you’re lucky enough to get more time in the region. It really is like stepping into a fairy tale.
Tell me: What do you think of this Cappadocia itinerary? What else would you do on your Cappadocia trip?
More Turkey Resources
Planning a trip to Turkey soon? Check out ALL my posts on Turkey below:- Turkey Travel Guide
- IstanBRR: The Best Things to Do in Istanbul in Winter
- Fairy Chimneys and Fairy Tales: Cappadocia in Photos
- The Foodie Guide to Turkish Cuisine
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This is really beautiful! I would love to learn the local handcrafts here! 🙂
Thank you! It’s absolutely astounding during winter despite the freezing temperatures. Yes, we had a great time learning about the local crafts! I honestly had no idea about the process of making carpets, for example, and it made me appreciate them so much more!
I hate tours too in general, but this one seems like worth it! Gorgeous shots. I love the one of Ortahisar Castle!
Yes, this one was totally worth it! And thank you! Let me know if you ever have any questions about Cappadocia 🙂
Wow, it does look magical! Love the title. 🙂
Thanks Nikita! 🙂
It was honestly SO cold but the photos and limited number of tourists made it totally worth it!
Indeed enchanting, these are stunning sights!
Definitely! Especially in the winter 🙂
Oh wow, I am excited but also dreading this visit. The fact that the cave hotels are poorly insulated, means it is going to be mad cold to sleep in! Damn
Haha I highly recommend some sweatpants and a sweatshirt to sleep.