Cappadocia, meaning ‘the land of beautiful horses’ is a region in central Anatolia, famous for fascinating rock-cut formations, which over the past 10,000 years, have been hewn in to houses, churches, monasteries and entire cities, both above and below ground.
Goreme, one of the many villages in the region, and our personal favourite, has to be seen to be believed.
While tourism has definitely infiltrated the village, with many local homes being converted in to traditional cave hotels and restaurants, the local flavour has not been lost.
Here are our Top 5 Things To Do In And Around Goreme Village…
1. A BALLOON FLIGHT
Cappadocia has been named the best place in the world (equal with the Serengeti in Africa) for balloon flights. As you soar over the unbelievable Cappadocian moonscape at sunrise, it’s easy to see why! You will go low enough to touch the tops of trees and wish a good morning to the villagers who are laying apricots on their rooftops, ready to dry them in the sun, and then soar high above Cappadocia, up to 500 metres into the air.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, an early morning walk to ‘sunset point’ gives you a fabulous vantage point from which to watch the majestic balloons floating in the still, morning air. More often than not, you’ll also get a great view from out the window of your hotel room!
2. WALK THROUGH NEARBY VALLEYS
Cappadocia boasts enough scenic walking tracks to keep any traveller occupied for weeks! We think some of the best trails start and end right in Goreme village.
The walk through Zemi valley is short, easy and ends at the fantastic Open Air Museum (also a must-visit for travellers), and a stroll through the aptly named ‘Love Valley’ (you need to visit to discover why) is easily done in an hour or two. There are more strenuous and longer hikes through Red and Rose valley, both showcasing beautiful pink hues and some of the regions finest examples of rock cut churches, often completely hidden from view until right in front of you!
On most walking trails, you’ll encounter local farmers tending to crops, changing landscapes – from dusty, barren and dry to green and verdant in just 5 minutes, plus the odd enterprising salesman who will sell you a freshly squeezed orange juice.
Most hotels will provide walking maps and advice, but better still, take a Guide who will lead the way, meaning you don’t spend the afternoon with your nose buried in a map!
3. VISIT AN UNDERGROUND CITY
As fabulous as Goreme village is, there’s more to Cappadocia!
The region is littered with magnificent underground cities. Possibly dating back to Hittite times, these cities were definitely inhabited by the 7th Century BC. In peacetime, the people of Cappadocia lived and worked above ground, using the caves underground for storage, however, when invasion threatened, entire communities moved underground. You’ll see bedrooms, kitchens, livestock rooms and even wineries, all underground. Take a Guide, and learn the troglodyte techniques for ensuring they weren’t discovered by invaders.
It’s fascinating to be part of living history, as more and more rooms, and even entire cities are being discovered each year.
4. ENJOY LOCAL CUISINE
Food in Cappadocia is different to the food in different regions of Turkey.
You’ll see heavier, heartier stews and hot pots, and will notice a more middle-eastern influence with the liberal use of spices.
One of the most popular dishes of the region is the Testi Kebab – not as bad as it sounds! This is a stew, mostly beef or lamb, slow-cooked and served in a small terracotta pot. At restaurants, you’re encouraged to smash into the pot yourself – a false move and your stew will be extra crunchy with shards of terracotta!
The best place in town for an authentic testi kebab is Dibek restaurant, set in a 475-year-old cave that has been in the same local family for generations. Mehmet’s grandmother will slow cook the testi in the original Tandir oven for four hours (order by lunchtime!), while Mehmet and his father wait tables. The family also makes wine, which is an excellent accompaniment to the meal! Meals are served on round tables on the floor, with plenty of cushions and carpets to keep you comfortable.
Fat Boys Bar & Restaurant is THE spot in Goreme for people watching and casual meals. With classic Turkish dishes as well as Aussie favourites (thanks to the Aussie-Turkish couple who own it), this place is popular with travellers and locals. It’s the best place to have a meal or a drink, smoke a nargile (shisha pipe) and watch the passing parade of locals.
5. LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
A big part of Goreme’s appeal is that, despite tourism, it is still a living, breathing village, full of charm. We highly recommend venturing off the main road and in to the winding narrow streets behind, to uncover all sorts of gems.
A friendly barber offering a blade shave or a group of women on the street, stirring a giant pot of red peppers over a fire, making a batch of biber salcasi, red pepper paste, for the winter. Perhaps the ladies perched on a bench rolling yaprak sarma , stuffed vine leaves, will invite you over for a taste, or the men smoking cigarettes and playing backgammon will gesture for you to join them for a strong çay. You may come across Australian Ruth’s carpet shop, where you’re always welcome for a cuppa and a chat, amongst the dazzling display of rugs, and may even walk out with one!
There’s so much more to discover in Goreme and Cappadocia, and we highly recommend a visit!
Fast Facts
- Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and other reputable airlines fly in to Istanbul, with good connections from Australia.
- There are two airports servicing Cappadocia, Nevsehir and Kayseri, both reached by 1 hour flight from Istanbul, with National airline, Turkish Airlines.
- There are brilliant cave (and non cave) hotels to suit all budgets and tastes, just ask as for more information.
- Private and small group tours of Cappadocia can be arranged by Mosaic Travel. Contact us for more information.
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