Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a quiet balcony, the sky still dark, with just a faint line of pink on the horizon.
You’re wrapped in a warm shawl, watching as the sleepy town slowly stirs to life.
Then—like magic—the sky begins to blink with tiny bursts of light.
One by one, hot air balloons ignite their burners, casting golden glows across the valley below.
By 7 a.m., the sky is dotted with dozens of balloons rising gracefully, like bubbles in a glass of champagne.
This is Cappadocia, Turkey—and it’s unlike anywhere else on Earth.
A Landscape Right Out of a Storybook
Thanks to new direct flights from Stansted launching soon, it’s now easier than ever to reach this dreamlike corner of the world.
Cappadocia’s scenery could be lifted from the pages of a fantasy novel.
Its defining features? Hundreds of natural stone towers called “fairy chimneys”—quirky, towering rock formations shaped by millions of years of wind and rain carving into soft volcanic rock.
To really appreciate their beauty and history, a visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum is essential.
Here, you’ll find ancient cave churches and monasteries carved directly into the stone, some dating as far back as 1,200 BC.
Inside these ancient places of worship, the walls are adorned with frescoes in deep blues, rust reds, and warm yellows—made with natural dyes from lapis lazuli, walnut shells, and even onion skins.
Sleeping Inside the Stone
Staying in Cappadocia is an experience in itself.
Many of the old cave dwellings have been transformed into hotels and restaurants.
My own stay was at Argos, a place that defies the term “cave hotel.”
It’s more of a village made from timeworn caves, chapels, and even a former monastery.
Some rooms here come with hot tubs placed beside the bed, while others—like mine—feature cozy underground pools and crackling fireplaces.
After dinner, I found it impossible to resist relaxing by the fire with a glass of local wine.
Sipping Cappadocia’s Best Wines
Speaking of wine—Cappadocia takes it seriously.
Thanks to rich volcanic soil, the region is perfect for growing native Anatolian grape varieties.
Argos houses the largest wine cellar in Turkey, boasting 70,000 bottles and even incorporating a former chapel.
During a wine tasting, I sampled six regional wines, including a crisp white Emir with hints of gooseberry, and a bold, juicy red Kalecik Karası.
Each sip told a story of the land it came from.
Food from the Heart of Anatolia
If you’re a food lover, you’ll find plenty to savor here.
The must-try dish is manti—tiny lamb-filled dumplings drizzled in a rich, peppery sauce.
Another local specialty is testi kebab, a hearty lamb stew slow-cooked in a sealed clay jug, then cracked open at your table.
Both dishes are humble yet deeply comforting, carrying centuries of culinary tradition in every bite.
Adventure in Every Direction
Cappadocia isn’t just for quiet souls and foodies—it’s also a haven for explorers.
The area is threaded with walking trails through Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, Red Valley, and Rose Valley.
Horseback riding is another favorite activity, a nod to the region’s name, which comes from the Persian “Katpatuka,” meaning “Land of Beautiful Horses.”
Just outside my hotel sits Uçhisar Castle, a towering rock structure that offers panoramic views for those who make the climb. But if shopping is more your style, the nearby village is lined with craft stores.
Locals sell handwoven rugs and hand-thrown pottery, including modern takes on Hittite sun jugs, traditional circular wine vessels used thousands of years ago.
A friendly shopkeeper jokes, “Here, women can’t marry unless they can weave a rug, and men unless they can make ceramics.”
Relaxing Like Royalty
Argos isn’t just about wine and views—it’s also home to Turkey’s largest cave spa.
This serene network of massage rooms, aromatic steam chambers, and peaceful pools left me feeling lighter than air.
By the time I left, I felt completely unknotted—like mousse in human form.
A Farewell to Remember
On my final evening in Cappadocia, I didn’t need the hot air balloons to feel awe-struck.
The view of Mount Erciyes blushing pink under the setting sun was a final reminder that this region is, quite simply, breathtaking.
It’s a place that captures your senses and doesn’t let go.