Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia

Roxanne Castro
May 16, 2020
3 min read

How about reliving your own fairytale version in one of the historical sites in the world? Cappadocia is a perfect place to make your imaginations run wild. From underground caves, colorful valleys, hot air balloon rides to amazing rock formations, it’s time to explore!

I’m sorry I‘m not much of a historian and I wished I was so I could have detailed it more. Kapadokya (now called Cappadocia) means land of beautiful horses as per our Tour guide. I tried to check the bus or taxi for transportation around the city but it seems impossible for me and to avoid hassle, I booked two day excursion with travel agency.

NOTE #1: Better to arrange excursions and transfers as it is not easy to take a bus and taxi if you have only two days and if you would like to maximize it.

I commend Meltem from Neopolis Travel / Turkey Istanbul Tours for extra mile customer service and for a detailed travel plan customized to my needs.

Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia was added to UNESCO as one of the World’s Heritage Site in 1985. It is considered cultural and natural (mixed). The place reflected the time of Byzantine Period and of course showed nature’s wonders through its landscape.

Goreme means cannot see as per our tour guide. Years ago, there are volcanoes erupted in the area and spewed ashes all over. The ashes solidified into rock and many years followed, erosion took place which turned to various shapes or formations which are now famous as fairy chimneys or valleys. Below are some of the sites we visited and photos:

1) Ozkonak Underground City

NOTE #2: If you are going to bring a bag, make sure it's light. If you book a tour, you will climb up a hill, stone, go underground, slip through small holes and in the end you will for sure have a memorable treasure: EXPERIENCE

2) Pasabag (Monk’s Valley)

3) Red and Rose Valley

NOTE #3: Wear flats and perhaps hiking shoes not only because of the terrain but if you want to take good photos, you need to climb up through hills and stones.

4) Devrent Valley

NOTE # 4: Make sure to be creative as much as you want! This place will let your imaginations become alive!

Do you see a woman, a bull or an animal with wings?

5) Goreme Open Air Museum

Goreme is a big place so for sure I was able to see only some of the historical sites. I would recommend for you to include it in your itinerary if you wish to visit Turkey!

Pardon me for the photos, my time isn't right because sky was a bit gloomy. I was hoping it was magical experience with the hot air balloon ride but of course I did not get my happy ending due to bad weather. Still, I would say it’s a fairytale experience to see its lands. Look how happy I am! Simple things do matter to me. Yes its a bit shallow joy but for me, its WOW!