DIY Cappadocia Guide: Red, Green & Blue Tours + Goreme Tips

Cappadocia is a land of wonders, and there’s no better way to explore its breathtaking beauty than with a self-guided road trip. From iconic hot air balloon views to unforgettable tours, this Cappadocia DIY Guide will walk you through how to make the most of your journey. Whether you’re exploring the Red, Green, or Blue Tours or enjoying the charm of Göreme, this DIY guide has everything you need—including parking tips, travel times, and how to avoid crowds!

The Best Place and Time to Watch Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia

It could not be missed in our DIY Cappadocia Guide! To witness Cappadocia’s world-famous hot air balloons, make sure to wake up before dawn. Most flights launch around sunrise, between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., depending on weather conditions. Göreme offers some of the best viewing spots, including the hill marked by a Turkish flag, just above the town. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the valley and balloons in full flight.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, Sword Valley is a hidden gem about 4 km from Göreme. This secluded spot provides equally stunning views of the balloons soaring over the landscape without the crowds.

Book your balloon flight below:

Staying in Göreme: A Unique Experience in a Cave Hotel

Cave hotel Tip – if you would like to stay in a cave hotel beware of the rooms that are located under the streets – cars cause vibration that often leads to dust falling from the ceiling of your cave room. You might find a bit uncomfortable being woken up this way.

A wonderful place to stay is Cappa Cave Hotel. Rated 9.1 on booking website, this place not only offers a great NOT under-the-street cave room experience and outside swimming pool but also a rooftop restaurant with affordable prices and tasty food – among many others you can order a famous burning Claypot dish. As a bonus, you receive an unforgettable welcome from the staff, who are happy to chat and share the balloons and trip tips. We have stayed in room 102, it is worth mentioning that there is an air-conditioning that is helpful with regulating the room’s humidity. If we come back to Goreme we will definitely stay there again. Photos do not fully capture this magical atmosphere. You can book your stay HERE. This post is not in any way sponsored.

DIY Cappadocia guide tours: Red, Green and Blue

After some rest, we are ready to explore more. Exploring Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and historical sites by car offers flexibility and the opportunity to experience the region at your own pace. The area is traditionally divided into three main tour routes: the Red, Green, and Blue Tours. Below is a DIY guide for each, including key stops, brief descriptions, parking costs, and optimal visiting times to avoid crowds.

DIY Cappadocia Red Tour – Northern Cappadocia

1. Uçhisar Castle: A natural rock fortress offering panoramic views of Cappadocia.
   • Parking: Approximately 10-15 Turkish Lira (TRY).
   • Best Time: Early morning (around 8:00 AM) to avoid crowds.
2. Göreme Open-Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches with frescoes.
   • Parking: Around 15-20 TRY.
   • Best Time: Visit at opening time (9:00 AM) or late afternoon after 3:00 PM.
3. Çavuşin Village: An ancient village known for its rock-cut dwellings and churches.
   • Parking: Free in most areas.
   • Best Time: Mid-morning, between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
4. Paşabağ (Monks Valley): Renowned for its fairy chimneys and hermitages.
   • Parking: Approximately 10-15 TRY.
   • Best Time: Late morning, around 11:00 AM.
5. Devrent (Imagination) Valley: Features unique rock formations resembling various animal shapes.
   • Parking: Free.
   • Best Time: Early afternoon, around 1:00 PM.
6. Avanos Town: a picturesque town in Cappadocia, is famous for its ancient pottery tradition and the stunning Kızılırmak River. One of its highlights is the historic suspension bridge, a swaying pedestrian bridge that offers a fun and slightly thrilling walk with beautiful river views. Cross it to explore local pottery workshops, where artisans create masterpieces using techniques passed down for generations. Avanos is a must-visit for those looking to experience Cappadocia’s rich culture and scenic charm!
   • Parking: Varies; some areas offer free parking, while others may charge up to 10 TRY.
   • Best Time: Afternoon, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

CLICK HERE for a link to the ready Cappadocia Red Tour Google Maps Route

Who Should Choose the Red Tour? The Red Tour is ideal for travelers interested in Cappadocia’s historical sites and panoramic vistas. It’s suitable for those with limited mobility, as the sites are relatively close to each other and require minimal walking. Please check the entry fees to each place as they tend to change quite a lot.

DIY Cappadocia Green Tour – Southern Cappadocia

1. Derinkuyu Underground City: The largest excavated underground city in Turkey, extending to about 60 meters deep.
   • Parking: Approximately 15-20 TRY.
   • Best Time: Early morning, around 9:00 AM.
2. Ihlara Valley: A 16 km long gorge with rock-cut churches and a flowing river.
   • Parking: Around 10-15 TRY.
   • Best Time: Mid-morning, between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
3. Belisırma Village: A quaint village located along the Melendiz River, ideal for a lunch break.
   • Parking: Free in most areas.
   • Best Time: Around noon, coinciding with lunchtime.
4. Selime Monastery: A vast monastery complex carved into rocks, offering insights into monastic life.
   • Parking: Approximately 10-15 TRY.
   • Best Time: Early afternoon, around 1:00 PM.
5. Pigeon Valley: Named after the pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, offering scenic views.
   • Parking: Free.
   • Best Time: Late afternoon, around 4:00 PM.

CLICK HERE for a link to the ready Cappadocia Green Tour Google Maps Route

Who Should Choose the Green Tour? The Green Tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy hiking. It covers more extensive distances and includes attractions like the Ihlara Valley, which involves a significant amount of walking. This tour is recommended for travelers seeking to explore Cappadocia’s natural landscapes and is best undertaken with a professional guide due to the complexity and distance between sites.

DIY Cappadocia Blue Tour – Central Cappadocia

1. Mustafapaşa (Sinasos): A charming Greek village known for its stone houses, old Orthodox churches, and peaceful atmosphere.
   • Parking: Free
   • Best Time: Early morning, before 10:00 AM.
2. Keşlik Monastery: A rock-cut monastery with beautiful frescoes, a chapel, and a refectory, surrounded by nature.
   • Parking: Free
   • Best Time: Mid-morning, between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM.
3. Belisırma Village: Sobesos Ancient City: A Roman-era archaeological site with intricate mosaics, ancient baths, and tombs, offering insight into Cappadocia’s past.
   • Parking: Free
   • Best Time: Late morning, around 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
4. Şahinefendi Village: A traditional village with stone houses and beautiful rural landscapes. A great place to relax and explore local life.
   • Parking: Free
   • Best Time: Around noon, making it perfect for a lunch break.
5. Soğanlı Valley: A secluded valley with rock-cut churches, ancient frescoes, and unique fairy chimneys. It’s a peaceful alternative to the more popular Ihlara Valley.
   • Parking: 10-15 TRY.
   • Best Time: Early afternoon, between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
6. Kaymaklı Underground City: One of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, with tunnels, living areas, and storage rooms. Easier to navigate than Derinkuyu.
   • Parking: 15-20 TRY.
   • Best Time: Late afternoon, between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM.

CLICK HERE for a link to the ready Cappadocia Red Tour Google Maps Route

Who Should Choose the Blue Tour? The Blue Tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy history, quieter sites, and exploring local villages. It is ideal for those who want to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations while avoiding large crowds, making it perfect for those who appreciate cultural heritage and hidden gems.

Is it worth visiting Cappadocia?

To visit Cappadocia, we rented a car in Antalya and drove to Goreme, which took around 7 hours one way. Although it wasn’t as convenient as flying, we agreed it was worth it. Having a car allowed us to explore the region at our own pace, away from the crowds. Cappadocia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and unforgettable experiences. Its surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloons make it feel like a different world. From underground cities to scenic valleys and cave hotels, the region promises adventure and relaxation. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunrise with hot air balloons filling the sky—Cappadocia is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination! We hope that our Cappadocia DIY Guide will help you to organize your time in Cappadocia. Have a wonderful trip!

To explore more see our other posts: Dubrovnik 1 day guide, Helsinki Finland in 1 day, The best pubs in Riga, Latvia.

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