Cappadocia is a truly unique place to be with its otherworldly rock formations and valleys that has captivated travelers worldwide. Most visitors come here to float above the valleys in hot air balloons or explore the underground cities. Which is why many of these beautiful activities and places often go unnoticed. For those seeking unique experiences, Cappadocia offers plenty of underrated things to do that are truly one of a kind.
From a Mad Max style bike ride across the valleys to seeing the Sema ritual in a medieval Seljuk caravanserai, these are the unique things to do in this land of fairy chimneys and underground cities. For those who enjoys exploring the road less traveled, this list is just what you need.
Whirling Dervish Cappadocia
Most people tend to experience the Dervish dance in Istanbul, sometimes even for free at restaurants. That said, the whirling Dervish dance in Cappadocia offers a completely different experience. It’s a magical performance that takes you back to a time of caravans and merchants.
Taking place in a caravanserai, an accommodation built during the Seljuk era (11th century) for the merchants and their animals, this whirling dervish dance in Cappadocia isn’t just a feast for the eyes but also for the ears and the mind.
The Sema (the Dervish ritual) is a 1-hour performance that starts with music, singing of prayers, followed by the swirling dance. Seeing this dance in the caravanserai adds a more magical feel, thanks to its lack of modern technology, ancient decor, and dim lighting. The only modern technology present in the room is the light.
The room is designed in such a way that the performer’s voice and instruments sound loud and clear without modern equipment or the need of any mic to enhance it.
The whirling dervish dance in Cappadocia is a must-see and truly one of the most unique experiences in the area. It’s an activity you shouldn’t miss and must be in your list of things to do in Cappadocia. For the best experience, we highly recommend this Dervish show in Cappadocia as our journalists have experience it firsthand.
Tuz Gölü – Salt Lake Cappadocia
When in Cappadocia, the fairy chimneys, the Red and Rose valleys, and the hot air balloons are what typically stand out—and for good reason. Which is why Tuz Gölü is undoubtedly one of the most unique and a different experience in the region.
This Salt Lake (locally known as Tuz Gölü) is one of Turkey’s underrated natural attractions, renowned for its beautiful pink hues. Located around 2.5 – 3 hours away from Cappadocia, , it is the second-largest lake in Turkey, spanning approximately 1,500 square kilometers.
What makes Tuz Gölü captivating are its natural pink-hued waters and the crystal-white salt left behind once the lake evaporates during the summer months. The striking colors are a result of the lake’s hypersaline environment. This makes it an important breeding ground for several bird species, most notably flamingos.
These birds, along with other migratory species, depend on the lake’s unique environment for survival, making it an internationally important wetland and a protected area under Turkey’s governance.
Visitors and travelers are advised and encouraged not to venture out near wildlife or destroy the ecosystem with trash. You should stay in designated areas or respectfully away from the waters and salt crystals to help preserve the ecosystem.
Getting to Tuz Gölü is easy as private tours take you there or there you can rent a car and drive there yourself.
Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour
You might be wondering why ATV tours is on a “unique” list. There seems to be plenty of tours offering them in Cappadocia. Don’t let it fool you into dropping out from this movie-like experience. Most ATVs take place during sunrise and midday. Only a few of them provide a sunset tour which is what makes it unique.
You should not miss riding an ATV between Cappadocia’s brown valleys and fairy chimneys at any cost! It’s a real Mad Max experience as you kick up the dust, jump through bumpy roads and twist and turn through desert plains and sandy hills with the rest of the riders.
Sunset ATVs beat most of the ATV crowds as riders and other ATV groups tend to thin out towards the evening. The Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour takes you through the sword valleys, fairy chimneys, and other valleys that the land is famous for. The tour stops in each spot for you to explore, take pictures, and hop back on the motorbike to ride through the hills.
We recommend this highly rated ATV tour as it comes with a pick and drop, fluent English-speaking guides and a small group of riders making the experience more intimate and fun.
Cappadocia Paragliding
Most of the travelers that come to Cappadocia is all set on getting to the skies in a hot air balloon. That’s the reason paragliding here feels different. An underrated and definitely the most unique thing to do in Cappadocia, paragliding offers an unforgettable perspective of the region’s dramatic valleys and distinctive rock formations.
Soaring above the fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and the vast expanse of rock formations gives you a bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia’s enchanting terrain. For adventure-seekers, paragliding in Cappadocia is an exhilarating activity that combines the excitement of flying with the awe-inspiring views of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
We recommend this paragliding option as it comes with an expert instructor, hotel pick up and drop off in Goreme and Urugup.
Eating Pot Kebab
No trip to Cappadocia is complete without sampling its signature dish: Testi Kebab or pot kebab. This iconic local dish has been part of the region’s culinary tradition for centuries. Testi Kebab has roots that stretch back to ancient times in Cappadocia, possibly as early as the Hittite period (around 2,000 BC).
Historians believe that the Hittites used clay pots to cook meat and vegetables, trapping the moisture to create a tender and flavorful dish. This cooking method became a tradition in the region, especially during the Seljuk period, when local pottery and cooking techniques merged.
The clay pots used for Testi Kebab became integral to the dish, allowing the meat to slow-cook in its own juices and absorb the flavors of the spices and vegetables.
By the time the Ottoman Empire took hold, Testi Kebab had become a popular dish among locals and travelers. The dish typically uses lamb or chicken, slow cooked with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Today, Testi Kebab remains a staple in Cappadocian cuisine. You can enjoy this delicious dish at Sedef Restaurant in Goreme where they serve one of the tastiest Testi Kebabs.
The exciting part of the dining begins when the waiter brings the clay pot to your table, cracks open the pot, releases the steam and delicious aroma. Inside, you’ll find tender meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a savory broth, all ready to enjoy with fresh bread or rice. The dish offers a comforting, hearty meal, perfect after a day of exploring the area’s natural wonders.
Avanos Pottery Town
A visit to Avanos is a journey into the heart of Cappadocia’s pottery tradition. This charming towns sits at the banks of Kızılırmak River, and is renowned for its centuries-old pottery-making techniques, dating back to the Hittite period. There are many private tours from Cappadocia that takes you to Avanos paired with other must visit sites in the city.
Local artisans continue to craft intricate pottery using traditional methods passed down through generations, and visitors can watch these skilled craftsmen at work.
In Avanos, you can try your hand at a workshop and learn the art of pottery. The town’s workshops offer you the opportunity to create your own pottery in decorative piece or as a practical item.
Aside from pottery, Avanos is a picturesque town with cobblestone streets, cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere. As you explore, you’ll find local shops selling beautiful handcrafted ceramics in all shapes and sizes, from decorative tiles to intricately designed vases and bowls.
The town is a perfect blend of cultural heritage and creativity, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s artistic traditions.
While most people stick to Goreme or Uchisar during their trip to this otherworldly town, heading out to Avanos is a truly unique experience in Cappadocia.
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