48 hours in Cappadocia – A 2 day Itinerary
I’ve been to Cappadocia many times and I can confidently say it’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever seen.
When I lived in Europe, I took every opportunity to explore this incredible part of the world, spending months roaming through Turkey. Two days in Cappadocia is really not enough, but it’s certainly better than nothing!
When talking to travellers who are trying to decide what do with only two days in Cappadocia, my advice is always the same: make sure you spend some time exploring Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia! The area’s unique rock formations and stunning landscapes are truly unforgettable.
Take a hot air balloon ride for an incredible view of the fairy chimney rock formations—a bucket list experience for sure!
To truly appreciate the beauty of Cappadocia from above, balloon rides are definitely a must-do activity. And don’t forget to visit Kaymaklı Underground City while you’re there—it’s quite an impressive feat of engineering that you won’t want to miss out on.
In short, there’s plenty that can be done with just two days in Cappadocia if you plan well! With careful planning and luck, you can easily fit a few attractions into your schedule without feeling rushed or missing out on something special. So go ahead, book your tickets now and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Cappadocia is the new Cinque Terre. It was always a beautiful region in the centre of Turkey with its mystical rock formations, underground cave dwellings, and rich history of craftsmanship. But thanks to Instagram, everyone knows about it and everyone wants to visit.
If you’re at all on the fence and are still wondering, “is Cappadocia worth visiting?”, the answer is yes. The questions you should be asking yourself are how long to spend in Cappadocia and how will you fill your Cappadocia itinerary.
48 hours in Cappadocia is the perfect amount of time. One of the main reasons why you should consider staying longer is to give yourself more time to catch one of the quintessential air balloon rides at sunrise in Cappadocia just in case there is bad weather.
Of course, there are always extra things to do in Cappadocia if you have the time to spare and the money to splurge. There are valleys you can hike where you can see the magical ‘fair chimneys’ and there are ancient monuments. But if you want to know the minimum of how many days to spend in Cappadocia, two days in Cappadocia is perfect.
This 48 hours in Cappadocia itinerary will cover all the best things to do in Cappadocia including what to eat and where to stay in Cappadocia. It has all the best activities and recommendations so you can have an amazing trip to this fairytale land in the middle of the Turkish countryside.
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The Best Time to Visit Cappadocia
July and August are in the peak season for tourists in Cappadocia but it’s definitely not the best time to spend 48 hrs in Cappadocia. Temperatures often soar to 40°C (104°F) in the daytime and many of the hotels don’t have air conditioning. Plus, the hotels book up months in advance and are much more expensive.
Two of the best times to visit Cappadocia are late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). Daytime temperatures will be warm but not stifling. Even though the nights will be cold, the weather will still be ideal for hot air balloon ride take-offs. Hotels will be less busy and therefore less expensive.
However, don’t write off spending 2 days in Cappadocia in winter from November to February if you find a good deal. Temperatures are around -1°C (30°F) in the coldest months of December and January where you will find the valleys covered in a light dusting of snow.
Balloon rides are a year-round activity so as long as you pack properly, you can do all the same activities in December as you can in June. Plus, the wake-ups for sunrise won’t be so early!
How to Get Around Cappadocia
Just in case you didn’t know, Cappadocia is a region made up of small villages or towns. They’re all nearby each other staying in one town doesn’t give you an advantage over staying in other towns. You will likely fly into Istanbul, Ankara or Antalya and catch a regional flight or bus to a nearby city.
The main method of public transport in Cappadocia is the bus. It’s cheap and you can usually catch a bus to any of the local villages every hour, but it’s a slow service that you may not want to hang around for.
You could rent a car in the towns of Göreme or Ürgüp but it’s relatively expensive and gas or petrol is very pricey in Turkey. If the weather is good, many tourists will opt to rent a scooter instead.
Day tours tend to be one of the best and most popular ways of seeing the region or you could hire a private driver if you are in a large group.
Shuttles to and from your accommodation are often included in hot air balloon rides so you shouldn’t need to worry about that. Taxis are expensive so they aren’t a reliable option for your entire trip, but worth it if you only want to hire private transport for one or two journeys.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
There are four main villages you should consider staying in during your 48 hours in Cappadocia: Göreme, Uçhisar, Ortahisar, and Ürgüp.
They’re all either in or on the outskirts of Göreme National Park, which is where you want to be in Cappadocia. You should also stay in a cave hotel too as that’s one of the things this region is famous for.
Kamelya Cave Hostel in Göreme – Located only 100m from the local bus station, you can stay at this cave hostel for as little as €10 a night in the off-season.
There are light and airy private rooms as well as underground dorm rooms, plus breakfast is included and the staff could not be more accommodating and friendly. If you are travelling to Cappadocia as a solo backpacker, Kamelya Cave Hostel is the perfect place to make friends.
Monastery Cave Hotel Cappadocia in Ürgüp – This is one of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia and has all the comforts and amenities of any other hostel with the novelty of being a cave.
You’ll find cosy rooms lined with Turkish carpets in this friendly, family-run hotel. It’s a short distance away from the main activities, restaurants, and bars so Monastery Cave Hotel is ideal if you want to stay somewhere a little quieter.
Millstone Cave Suites in Uçhisar – Want to splash out on a luxury four-star suite? Millstone Cave Suites over upscale yet rustic accommodation at a fraction of the price that you’d pay in big cities for the same service.
You can eat breakfast on their rooftop terrace overlooking the fairy chimneys, relax in their onsite spa, and taste delicious local and international cuisine in their dining room.
Overview Of 2 Days In Cappadocia Itinerary
Day 1 in Cappadocia
- Morning Hot air balloon ride
- Hike through Göreme National Park
- Catch the sunset from your hotel’s rooftop terrace
Day 2 in Cappadocia
- Explore Cappadocia’s main villages
- Uchisar Castle
- Shop for Lanterns at Galerie Ikman
- Underground Byzantine cities
- Horse riding through the valleys
Things To Do in Cappadocia
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Taking an air balloon ride is the top thing to do in Cappadocia. You might be wondering why Cappadocia even became synonymous with hot air ballooning, and it’s a fair question. One of the main reasons is the climate.
Hot air balloons fly in Cappadocia around 220 days of the year, year-round. It also has absolutely stunning views for miles around from all angles. Plus, it’s a fairly large and flat area that allows for around 200 balloons to fly at the same time.
Book your hot air balloon ride in advance so you’re not disappointed and book it on the first day of your trip so you can try again the next day if the weather is unfavourable. Choose one that includes a shuttle to and from your accommodation.
Most do, but that’s something to keep in mind as you don’t want to be scrambling for a taxi at four in the morning because they all fly at sunset! And check the reviews so you know you are flying with a reputable company.
Watch the Hot Air Balloons From Your Rooftop
When you’re wondering how many days in Cappadocia is enough, this is the main factor you should keep in mind.
You want to have enough time in Cappadocia to fly in a balloon on one day and watch them fly on another day.
So, scout out your hotel’s rooftop in advance or one of the scenic viewpoints from your hotel (ask the staff) and set your alarm clock! Wrap up warm because the mornings in Cappadocia can be cold when it’s not summer.
Shop for Turkish Carpets and Lanterns
There are lots of amazing craftspeople in Cappadocia who make the most amazing, handmade souvenirs.
There are lots of art and carpet shops in Göreme, especially, so you should shop there before you leave. Galerie Ikman is a very Instagrammable shop, so much so that the owner will only let you take photos if you buy something. Which is fair enough!
If you’re worried about how you’re going to fit an entire rug in your suitcase, some are very light and thin. Plus, you can invest in a travel vacuum bag that will help you save space when you travel.
Hike Through Cappadocia’s Valleys
You cannot visit Cappadocia without hiking through the many valleys in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the top ones are Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Love Valley, Monks Valley, and Ihlara Valley. Guided hikes here are so popular, that every tour company in the area follows set hiking routes labelled Green, Red, or Blue tours.
They all include a selection of valleys so you can experience a few during your trip to Cappadocia.
Taste Local Turkish Cuisine
Because Cappadocia is becoming more and more popular with international travellers, there are lots of restaurants serving international cuisine. But you should still make an effort to try the local fare!
Turkish food is a combination of Mediterranean cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine. Expect mezze platters, yoghurt-based dips, kebabs, grilled meat and fish.
Cappadocia’s signature dish is manti which is a little like ravioli in a tomato-based sauce. You should also try baklava cake while you are in Turkey too.
Places To Visit in Cappadocia
Göreme National Park
Also known as Göreme open-air museum, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you will find Cappadocia’s strange rock formations called the ‘fairy chimneys.’
These towering rocks were caused by erosion and they cover around 39 square miles of landscape in the middle of Cappadocia.
You can take photographs and see the rocks up close by joining one of the green, red, or blue tours through the valleys.
Uchisar Castle
This rock fortress is one of the tallest buildings in the Cappadocia region so it’s the perfect place to see panoramic views of the area (except, perhaps, from a hot air balloon!).
It is a centuries-old castle built into the rock like many of the cave buildings here. What is most impressive about the castle is its sheer size and scale as it can be seen for miles around.
Derinkuyu Underground City
There are many underground cities in Cappadocia. And even though Derinkuyu Underground City is 35 km from Göreme, for example, it is well worth booking a tour or a private transfer to visit it.
Built during the Byzantine era, this is an impressive eight-level underground city with many tunnels and rooms open to the public.
This underground city, and others like it, were built to house thousands of people (this one can hold 20,000) to protect them from invaders, wars, and religious persecution. They have an incredible ventilation system and really are unbelievable places.
Tours To Do in Cappadocia
You will already be booking hot air ballooning experiences and hiking guides through the valleys as these are the top two things to do in Cappadocia.
But there are two lesser-known experiences that are quintessential to the region that you have to book during your stay.
Traditional Pottery-Making Experience
Skilled artisans and handcraftsmanship are revered in the Cappadocia region. This applies to the traditional Turkish carpets, yes, but mostly to the ceramics and pottery created in Cappadocia.
That’s why trying a traditional pottery experience is one of the best things you can do when you visit the region.
You will learn about the craft, its history, and its importance to Cappadocia from a local who will teach you how to make a pot. Even better; if you do a good job, you can take your creation with you!
Horseback Riding Through the Valleys
You can hike, ride a scooter, or ride an ATV through the many valleys in Göreme National Park. But the most romantic way to experience the fairy chimneys in the region is by riding past them on horseback. Book a sunset tour for an experience you are unlikely to forget!
Recommended tours in Cappadocia
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairychimneys
- 2 Days 1 Night Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Plane with Optional Balloon Ride
- Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Drinks
- Sunset Horsebackriding-Tour through the Valleys of Cappadocia
- North Cappadocia Red Tour with Goreme Open Air Museum
- Cappadocia Sunset and Night tour with dinner
48 Hours in Cappadocia
Day 1 in Cappadocia
So, you know what to do in Cappadocia in 2 days, but this is the best way to plan your Cappadocia itinerary! Book your hot air balloon ride for the first day of your trip. Then, if it is cancelled due to bad weather, you have another shot.
It normally lasts a couple of amazing hours before you return to your accommodation. Then, have breakfast and possibly a nap depending on how early you had to wake up!
In the afternoon, book a hike through Göreme National Park. You will probably see the Love Valley and the most iconic rock formations there, but there are very cool rock formations in all of the valleys.
Try and stay awake to catch the sunset from your hotel’s rooftop terrace or one of the easily accessible viewpoints in the village where you are staying.
Day 2 in Cappadocia
Managed to ride in the hot air balloon on your first day? Great! You should still get up early to watch the hot air balloons lift up with the sunrise. You will not regret it.
Afterwards, head back to your hotel for breakfast and a nap.
Once you’re feeling more awake, explore Cappadocia’s main villages. Head out to Uchisar Castle, shop for carpets and lanterns at Galerie Ikman, and take a local pottery-making class.
If you have time, check out one of the underground Byzantine cities in and around Cappadocia. But make it back to your hotel in time for sunset.
Yes, it’s just as beautiful the second time around and you could watch it while horse riding through the valleys if you want to add an extra dash of romance to the last night of your trip.
I hope that this 2 day Cappadocia itinerary has been useful and you’re able to really enjoy your trip!
FAQs About cappadocia itinerary 2 days
is 2 days enough in cappadocia
Cappadocia is a beautiful and unique destination with plenty to do, but two days may not be enough time to experience all that it has to offer.
With a two day stay, you can easily cover the most popular attractions such as Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Uchisar Castle and Devrent Valley which will give you a good overview of this remarkable region.
If your schedule allows for it, you may want to consider extending your stay a bit so that you can explore more of the area.
To get the most out of your trip, we recommend dedicating one day to sightseeing in Cappadocia’s main highlights and then using your second day for one of the many outdoor activities such as hot air ballooning or hiking which are must-dos when visiting Cappadocia!
is it better to stay in cappadocia or goreme?
Cappadocia and Goreme are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, and both offer unique experiences that make them worth visiting.
Cappadocia is known for its unique rock formations, “fairy chimneys” and underground cities that can be explored by foot or with a hot air balloon, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventurers.
Meanwhile, Goreme is renowned for its exquisite frescoes and churches carved into the rock face. With its picturesque streets, shops and restaurants, it’s more suitable for those looking to relax.
So which one should you choose? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for: whether it’s a thrilling adventure or a peaceful escape. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then Cappadocia is the right choice. But if your goal is to relax and soak up some culture, then Goreme should be your pick.
Ultimately there’s no wrong answer—both places offer unforgettable experiences!
can you do cappadocia in 2 days?
Yes, it is possible to do Cappadocia in 2 days. However, you would have to be selective about the places you visit and activities you do in order to make the most out of your time there.
From Goreme Open Air Museum to Zemi Valley, there are plenty of attractions that can be covered in one day if you plan ahead carefully.
It might also be a good idea to book a tour guide who can help you navigate the area and show you some of the hidden gems that cannot be found on a map.
Final Thoughts: 2 days in cappadocia
From the hot air balloon rides to the underground city, a two-day trip to Cappadocia is sure to provide you with an experience worth remembering.
Whether you choose to explore the local culture and cuisine or take in the incredible landscape, this region will offer a unique view of Turkey that’s sure to stay with you long after your journey has ended.
As you plan your itinerary for this magical place, make sure not to miss out on any of Cappadocia’s attractions!
Mix and match tours during your time here or book a pre-planned package so you can get the most out of your two days in Cappadocia. Whichever route you choose to take, the memories made here will last a lifetime.
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