Cappadocia in winter is one of the nicest places on Earth. We’ve visited the area 4 times already and are convinced that winter is the best time to visit. Don’t get us wrong, Cappadocia is unbelievable all through the year. Therefore, no matter when you visit, your mind will be blown. There isn’t a single place like this in the entire world.
The geological formations look stunning under the snow. The same can be said of the caves, mosques, churches, and fortresses scattered throughout the area. The white from the snow and the different browns, pinks, and yellows provide a show like no other. Lovely ancient trees, rivers, and charming guests complete the feast.
Why Visit Cappadocia in Winter
Cappadocia with Snow is Stunning
Cappadocia in winter has low temperatures. And we love it! Thanks to the weather, you can see Cappadocia under a blanket of snow. Trust us: you won’t believe how beautiful it looks. Cappadocia in December, January, and February has an average maximum temperature of 44 F (7°C), and a minimum average of -22 F (-6°C). The weather is dry though.
Temperatures go up a bit in Cappadocia in March and can reach 55 F (13°C). Snow starts to fall in December and peaks in February. However, with an average of 4 inches on the ground, it’s easy to walk around. All you need are proper shoes and a thick coat. Besides, it never snows more than 2 days in a row, followed by sunny days.
No Crowds
According to official statistics, over 3.8 million tourists visited Cappadocia in 2019. Can you blame them? The area is stunning! We’ve been during the summer and couldn’t believe the crowds. Fortunately, everything changes in winter. Since fewer tourists visit the area, you will be able to enjoy it in peace.
Wondering what to do in winter? You can walk around the park, visit the caves, explore castles, check out temples, eat delicious food, bike, or hop on a balloon. Doing nothing but admiring the views is another great option. In any case, you can do pretty much what you could do in any season but with a lot of space. Cappadocia is so delicately beautiful it should be on every Turkey itinerary!
Lower Prices
As you can imagine, winter means lower prices. The latter is particularly true regarding hotels. Since so many tourists visit in summer, hotels can charge pretty much what they want. However, to attract guests in winter, they have to lower their prices considerably. You can get unbelievable deals in some of the best hotels in the area.
Regarding restaurants and coffee shops, you won’t have trouble finding the one that suits you. Anatolian cuisine is considered amongst the best in Turkey. We love it and always end up eating too much! What could be better than enjoying their pot casseroles after walking across the snow? You won’t have to elbow yourself to order. Take your time and indulge.
Things to Do in Cappadocia in Winter
1 Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
A walk around the Goreme Open Air Museum is mandatory. You won’t believe your eyes! The museum is a collection of geological formations, caves, and churches that will take your breath away. The museum is less than 1 mile (1.5 km) from the center of town. Therefore, you can walk there in less than 20 minutes.
The first building you will encounter on the road is Tokali Church. The entrance booth is a couple of feet further up, so you have to pay first and go back to see it. Once inside the museum, all you have to do is walk, searching for caves, cones, chapels, and views. Arguably the nicest church in Goreme is the Dark Church (Karanlin Kilise), inside the Open Air Museum.
2 Hike in Nature close to Goreme
Goreme is in the center of the Goreme National Park. UNESCO included the park in its World Heritage Site List for two reasons. Millions of years of erosion created the breathtaking geological formations that dot the area. Locals call it fairy chimneys. Besides, it is one of the largest and richest cave dwellings in the world.
To enjoy the park, you have to walk. The Red and Rose Valley Hike is one of the best in Cappadocia. It’s a 3-mile (5 km) walk through unbelievable nature. Take your time and enjoy the epic views. If you are lucky and it snowed, bring proper shoes. The other fantastic trek is through the Love Valley. Again, a walk through 3 mile (5 km) of heaven of Cappadocia.
3 Visit Cavusin Castle
Cavusin is the village 2 miles (3 km) to the north of Goreme, in the heart of Cappadocia. Both towns are next to each other. You will recognize it from the incredible Cavusin Castle. The castle is the structure that presides over an extensive collection of chapels, caves, and dwellings. Walk there, and explore the area.
The Cavusin valley is also part of the UNESCO Listed park and rock formations. However, since the town is smaller, it feels more rural. Look out for three churches: Cavusin, St. John the Baptist, and Yuksek. Don’t worry if you get hungry or thirsty. There are several restaurants in Cavusin to chill. Please remember not to bring any plastic inside the park.
4 Explore Downtown Avanos
One of the least visited places is Avanos. The lovely Greek town is a hidden gem just 5 miles (8 km) from Goreme. Though popular amongst locals, most tourists miss it altogether. Don’t make that mistake and visit Avanos, the most famous pottery village in Anatolia. Stop by Tas Bridge to admire the views.
Avanos’s obsession with pottery goes back thousands of years to the Hittite Empire. The town is on Turkey’s longest river, the Kizilimark. Old Greek mansions and trees line its cobblestone streets. You have to visit Guray Museum. This incredible Cave Museum of Ceramics holds a collection of ancient and contemporary masterpieces.
5 Climb Urgup’s Temenni Hill
Urgup is the biggest town inside Goreme National Park. Though not as cute as Goreme and Cavusin, it is for sure worth a visit. Urgup has fairy chimneys and an incredible fortress in its center. Temeni is the massive stone hill in the middle of Urgup. It’s an easy walk up to enjoy brilliant views of the city and beyond. You can have tea on the top.
Since winter in Cappadocia can be cold, you can also enjoy an original Hammam in Urgup. The city’s best one is on the road leading to Temeni Hill. It’s been offering incredible baths and massages for over 280 years! Don’t forget to check the old mansions and mosques that dot Urgup. The city is the transport hub in the area, so take your time and explore it.
6 Take a Photo of Ortahisar Castle
Ortahisar Castle is one of the nicest in Cappadocia. It means middle castle and looks amazing. Ortahisar village is 5 miles (8km) southeast of Goreme. Since it’s kind of in the middle of the way to Urgup, it’s very easy to stop there and admire the views. From the top of the castle, you can see the entire area.
Keep walking until you reach Ortahisar Panorama Viewpoint. If you can’t find it, ask around. Locals will be more than happy to help you. The views from there are unforgettable. You’ll be able to see the Capadoccia Mountain Range in all of its glory covered in snow. The tallest mountain you’ll see is a volcano. Mount Erciyes is a sight to behold!
7 Discover the Greek Village of Mustafapasa
Mustafapasa is the least developed village in Cappadocia. There aren’t many hotels or restaurants. To us, that’s a plus. The town used to be mostly Greek until the population exchange of 1923. You will see old Greek mansions and churches in the center. Greeks called it Sinasos, the city of the sun. In any case, you can see what Cappadocia looked like before the tourists arrived.
Not much has changed in Mustafapasa during the past decades. Thus, the atmosphere is relaxed and authentic. We were lucky to stumble upon an unbelievable carpet shop in a superb historic building. Carpedocia by Neco has a dazzling collection of handmade carpets. Our friendly host Neco is an expert in traditional carpet weaving. If you are into carpets, this is the place.
8 Climb Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle stands tall over Cappadocia. It’s the rock formation you can see far in the distance from Goreme. The area is a must. Uchisar is some 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Goreme. You can also go from Urgup, some 8 miles (12 km) east. You can take a minibus or a taxi there. However, you have to stop before you reach the center of town.
Pigeon Valley is on the outskirts of Uchisar. The road goes at the edge of the cliff and provides incredible views of caves, valleys, and thousands of pigeon holes. Continue to the center of town and climb all the way to the top of Uchisar Castle. We recommend going in the afternoon to enjoy a killer sunset.
9 Go on a Day Trip to Underground Cities and Ihlara Valley
Every visit to Cappadocia must include a tour to Derinkuyu, Turkey’s most famous underground city. The underground city is some 22 miles (35 km) south of Goreme. We are talking about an extensive system of passages, churches, and dwellings. Some have three levels and original frescoes. You won’t see anything like it anywhere in the world.
Derinkuyu is part of a longer tour that takes you to Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery. Since it’s a big area, to do it on your know could take several days. That’s why we advise you to hire a tour. We’ve taken both of the itineraries offered several times and had a great time. It’s the fastest and best way to see the area’s top attractions.
10 Admire Cappadocia from Above
We’ve saved the best viewpoints in Cappadocia for last. For mind-blowing views and an unforgettable experience, you have to climb the hills near Goreme. The last time we went it snowed a lot, but we managed to reach the base of the highest peaks in the valley. It was quite an effort, and we loved it!
However, if you don’t feel like such an effort, the next best thing is to hop on a balloon. Balloons have conquered Cappadocia. You will see them early in the morning and in the afternoon. Though hiking is the most environmentally friendly option, a balloon ride is an unforgettable experience. It’s cold up in the air, so bring a thick coat and enjoy!
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
The Azure Cave Suites is without a doubt one of the best hotels in Cappadocia with a view. You get the best of both worlds: a cave and views! The hotel is up on the hill in Cavusin and offers luxurious cave suites. Since it’s at the end of the little town, you can walk directly amongst the geological formations. If it’s snowing, all you have to do is admire the views from your bed! The service is impeccable! Book suite 9 for a jetted tub and epic views.
Another great option is the Caravanserai Cave Hotel. It’s a lovely small hotel with views at the end of Goreme. Therefore, you can walk directly from the hotel to enjoy the area. Likewise, the center of Goreme is just 10 minutes away. Your hosts will be more than happy to assist you with all your needs.
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