Where to Stay in Cappadocia: Best Cave Hotels and Locations

Turkey’s most famous region, Cappadocia, lies in central Anatolia, halfway between Ankara and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its spectacular landscape, with thousands of fairy chimneys spread all over the valleys and mountains, cave churches and underground cities, it is a prime tourist destination popular all year round.

Though we are talking about a large area, there is only one relatively big city: Nevşehir. Due to its size and the wide range of cave hotels, it is very important to choose well where to stay in Cappadocia. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy this beautiful region. We have selected the best cave hotels in seven different towns in Cappadocia.

The Best Places to Stay

The center point and the best place to stay in Cappadocia, is the Göreme National Park, one of the nicest national parks in the world. Most hotels are in three towns, Ürgüp, Göreme, and Uçhisar. You can book daily excursions to all interesting locations from any of these three towns, just ask around. Ürgüp is the largest town, serviced by many local and regional buses. Most of the infrastructure for mass tourism is here.

Göreme is centrally located, with good travel infrastructure. Most cave hotels and guesthouses are here. Uçhisar is the smallest, with relatively limited public transport. It is located on the cliff overlooking Göreme and the valley around it. All three are beautiful towns, with delicious Anatolian food, shops, coffee houses and activities. However, there are other incredible places to spend the night in Cappadocia. Çavuşin, Ortahisar, Mustafpaşa, and Avanos are just some of them.

Göreme

Göreme is the epicenter of the Göreme National Park. Although historically known as Korama, local authorities changed its name for practical reasons. The town is literally next to several interesting attractions. Thus, you can walk or bike between them.

With a wide variety of cave hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, Goreme’s infrastructure is amongst the best in Cappadocia. The whole place is a perfect symbiosis of nature and architecture. Several hills surround Goreme, and there are cave hotels for all tastes and budgets. Gorgeous views are everywhere, and you can enjoy them from different angles.

The Best Cave Hotels in Göreme

Since we’ve been to Cappadocia several times and love hotels, we keep moving around to try new ones. The Caravanserai Cave Hotel in Göreme is one the best cave hotels in Cappadocia. Located close to the center of the lovely town, it blends perfectly with the landscape. Most of their rooms are in a cave, and there is a large open-air terrace with fabulous views.

If you are looking for something different, check out the Aren Cave Hotel and Art Gallery. Besides tastefully designed rooms and views, they also host an art gallery. If you like lavish green gardens, then your place is the Roc of Cappadocia. Their rooms are nice, and the garden overlooks the valley.

Uçhisar

Uçhisar is some 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Goreme, within the national park. Unlike Göreme that sits on the valley, Uçhisar is perched high on a rock. The most interesting area is the old town close to the cliff. You will find three castles here, including the imposing Uçhisar Castle.

The views from the quirky castle are unforgettable. The rest of the town is modern and not especially interesting. Many package tours stop here, giving the town a bit of a touristy feel. The good thing is that the famous Pigeon Valley is just a step away, and you can walk to it.

The Best Cave Hotels in Uçhisar

Hotels in Uçhisar are slightly more expensive. Since there are fewer options than in Göreme, it might feel a bit more exclusive. A nice hotel close to the Castle is the Caldera Cave Hotel. They have large rooms and a grand terrace with views of the castle and the chimneys.

If you are looking for something a bit more upscale, stay at the Petra Inn Cappadocia. Their rooms are spacious, and there is a nice terrace with views. For luxury queens, we recommend the gorgeous Taskonaklar. Most of their rooms have balconies overlooking the landscape, and some even a bathtub. Isn’t that nice? 

Ürgüp

Home to almost 20 000 inhabitants, Ürgüp is the largest city in Göreme National Park. In fact, it is the only real city. It is located some 5 miles (8 km) east of Göreme in a flat monotonous terrain. Nevertheless, its city center is nice with several rock formations and cave houses.

You will find the Old Town in the center. Its centerpiece is the Temenni Hill with the Tomb of Aslan Gazi. Though it might offer the best shopping facilities, Ürgüp lacks the charm of both Göreme and Uçhisar. On a positive side, you can walk to the beautiful Three Graces Fairy Chimneys.

The Best Cave Hotels in Ürgüp

The area around Ürgüp is where groups stay, so this is where the big hotels are. That said, the old town area is home to some of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia. Located right next to the old town, the Kemerhan Cave Suites is a perfect place to get some rest. Most rooms are inside a cave and there is a nice garden.

If you want to splurge a little, stay at the lovely Dere Suites Cappadocia. They offer elegant spacious rooms and some of the nicest views in Ürgüp. If you are into historical architecture, stay at the cool Aya Kapadokya. This 19th century house features cave rooms, arched rooms, a chapel, and two wineries! 

Çavuşin

There are several villages and towns with decent accommodation options inside the Göreme National Park. Some 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north of Göreme, we find the tiny village of Çavuşin. You will find several attractions here, including the famous Fairy Chimneys Valley.

The imposing Çavuşin Castle dominates the village center. It’s a collection of caves and churches dug into the stone. St. John the Baptist Church is here. Çavuşin Church is at the village entrance, on the way to Avanos. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from. Çavuşin is our second favorite place to stay in Cappadocia.

The Best  Cave Hotels in Çavuşin

Çavuşin hosts some of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia. Our favorite hotel in all of Cappadocia, the Azure Cave Suites, is here. It’s up on the hill, at the beginning of a wonderful hiking path. The hotel offers luxury cave rooms, some of them with a private Jacuzzi. For breathtaking views, go ahead and book the king room with a balcony. You get the best of both worlds: a cave, and epic views.

Another fabulous hotel in Çavuşin is The Village Cave Hotel. Since it’s at the end of the road, it feels rural and peaceful. Dug directly into the rock, the rooms overlook the magnificent Çavuşin Castle. The best ones come with a private terrace!

Ortahisar

Just 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Göreme, we find another charming town: Ortahisar. The small town surrounds the Impressive Ortahisar Castle. The 86 meters tall structure is known as Cappadocia’s Middle Castle. The town also hosts several churches worth visiting: Sarica, Tavşanli, Üzumlü and Balkan River Churches.

Ortahisar is one of the most scenic towns in Cappadocia. The old town surrounding the fortress is where all the action is. Nice restaurants, shops, and museums dot its curvy streets. The hill just south of the city center offers one of the best views in the area.

The Best Cave Hotels in Ortahisar

In Ortahisar, we recommend staying at the Elika Cave Suites. You can’t beat its location right next to the castle. The beautifully restored historic building excels in style and class. The rooms are big and tastefully decorated. Be sure to ask for a room with a view. Your hosts will be more than happy to oblige.

The other fantastic hotel in downtown Ortahisar is the Hezen Cave Hotel. It is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the castle, which you can see from its terrace. In fact, some of the rooms overlook the castle, while others have private green patios.

Mustafapaşa

Further away from Göreme and some 4 miles (7 km) southeast from Ortahisar, you’ll love the old Greek village of Mustafapaşa. Known as Sinasos during Ottoman times, it was the center of seafood trade. The atmosphere in the whole village is unique, and it’s not overly touristic.

Colorful and ancient Greek houses dot Mustafapasa. There are also old churches, mosques, and other grand buildings like schools and museums. Cave hotels, shops, and restaurants populate the village center. Close to the village, there is an outstanding valley with cave churches, Gomeda.

The Best Cave Hotels in Mustafapaşa

Our absolute favorite hotel in Mustafapaşa is the Seraphim Cave Hotel. We are talking about a luxurious 19th-century cave palace restored to include modern-day conveniences. The hotel has the biggest garden of any hotel in Cappadocia. The interior is as dazzling as the exterior. The big rooms are richly decorated. For extra comfort, book a room with a private Jacuzzi. You’ll need it after a day of exploring the area.

Another great Hotel in downtown Mustafapaşa is the Hanedan Cappadocia Suites. It offers large suites with a living room area. The cave rooms come with a vaulted ceiling, while the stone rooms come with a view. If you want to pamper yourself, book the cave suite that comes with a private cave pool!

Avanos

Avanos is the only real city in Cappadocia, other than Ürgüp and Nevşehir. It is unique for two reasons. It is the only city in Cappadocia with a river. Besides, Avanos is a large pottery center famous all around the country. There is an excellent ceramic museum with an impressive collection of old and new works.

Avanos’ city center feels like a village. It is right next to the river with a fortress in the middle. Cave houses and traditional Greek mansions dot the surrounding hill. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants and a nice market. The Kizilirmak River, also known as the Red River, is Turkey’s longest.

The Best Cave Hotels in Avanos

There are just a handful of cave hotels in Avanos. That’s why everything feels more relaxed. The most renowned one is the Sofa Hotel in front of the Tourist Information Office. This one is undoubtedly one of the best affordable cave hotels in Cappadocia. Their traditionally decorated rooms have original rugs and antiques.

Mira Cappadocia may not be a cave hotel, but it’s also one of the best affordable hotels in Cappadocia. Located on the slope of Avanos hill, it feels like a typical cave hotel. They offer colorful rooms of different sizes, and there is a large courtyard. Some rooms have balconies.

Other Great Places to Stay in Cappadocia

If you are thinking of where to stay to avoid the crowds, think no more and stay in Güzelyurt. This little town is far from the hustle and bustle, yet it’s just a step away from Ihlara Valley and the Derinkuyu Underground City. In Güzelyurt, stay at the Antique Gelveri Cave Hotel (please note that it’s closed in winter).

If you are visiting with a car and are looking for an off-the-beaten-track location, we recommend the fabulous Gamirasu Cave Hotel. The hotel is in the Ayvali village, some 3 miles (5 km) south of Mustafapaşa. All of their rooms are caves. There’s even an onsite ancient cave church! Their seasonal outdoor pool offers incredible views.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Cappadocia

In Cappadocia, most of the luxury hotels are either in Uçhisar or in Ürgüp. Nevertheless, there are a few in Göreme and other cities and towns. The Sultan Cave Suites is probably the fanciest cave hotel in Göreme. This lavish hotel features elegant rooms, a panoramic terrace with views, wine cellars, and a cultural center.

In Uçhisar, it’s difficult to choose the nicest hotel since there are plenty of great options. However, what sets Argos in Cappadocia Hotel apart is how its architecture blends perfectly with the landscape. The hotel hosts top design rooms and other facilities. Our clear favorite in Ürgüp is the Sacred House, an outstanding 250-year-old Greek villa, winner of the title Boutique Hotels Design for 2014. 

Our Recommendation

In our opinion the best place to stay in Cappadocia is Göreme. Ürgüp, Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Ortahisar, Mustafpaşa, and Avanos have a relatively small number of interesting places within walking distance, while Göreme offers plenty. Göreme has an excellent tourist infrastructure, amazing cave hotels, and is served by all possible excursions.

Most independent travelers stay here, while other places cater more to package tourism. Its close surroundings are the most dramatic ones: fairy chimneys and wonderful views all around. Finally, there is a great variety of restaurants offering delicious Turkish and international food. Let’s not forget the coffee and tea houses with loads of sweets!

When to Visit Cappadocia

Though you can visit Cappadocia year-round, some months are better than others. The weather in summer can be too hot and dry, and there are just too many tourists, so we recommend avoiding Cappadocia in July and August. April, May, and June, just like September and October are great months to visit. The weather is warm, but not too hot, and there aren’t too many tourists.

To us, winter in Cappadocia is one of the best seasons to visit. There are very few tourists, prices are low, and the weather can be more than decent (it rarely gets too cold in Cappadocia). Additionally, if you are lucky, you can enjoy this fairy tale landscape covered with snow. What an outstanding experience!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia Map