Outdoor & Sport Activities in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is home to a wide variety of both relaxing and thrilling outdoor activities. Most famous as a base for hot air balloon rides, the Anatolian province is as striking on the ground as it is from the sky.

Adrenaline junkies can race through the region on a quad bike, while animal lovers can spend their days making four-legged friends as they trot through Cappadocia on horseback.

From hiking through sun-filled valleys to speeding down snow-dusted ski trails, this corner of Turkey has something for every member of the family.

Outdoor and sport activities in Cappadocia come in all shapes and sizes, so select several to try out for an unforgettable trip.

Hot air balloon rides

Cappadocia is famous for its plethora of colorful balloons that litter the landscape as the sun rises across a watercolor sky each morning.

Not only is this one of the most popular places in the world to soar through the sky, but also one of the most spectacularly scenic.

While the dozens of companies offering these spellbinding flights may cause you to assume that hot air balloons have been drifting through the Cappadocian skies for centuries, this outdoor activity is relatively new.

Beginning in the 1980s, balloons were originally used as a marketing tactic by a cassette company to sell more products.

However, this phenomenon took off and many tourists wanted the opportunity to float gracefully over the hills, and valleys of central Anatolia.

On a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, you’ll hop into a basket and lift off to experience the Turkish landscape from above.

Witness the UNESCO-listed fairy chimneys — the result of volcanic eruptions — that make this corner of Turkey so unique, and make extraordinary memories as you fly.

Quad tours

Alternatively, hop on an ATV and zoom through the deep valleys of Cappadocia. Navigate the fairy chimneys of Sword Valley, marveling at their history that dates back millions of years.

Continue speeding through White, Red and Rose Valleys, as well as Love Valley — named after the multitude of marriage proposals that have happened there.

As you race through Cappadocia at sunset on a quad tour, you’ll learn about early human civilization and the inhabitation of the region’s many caves.

Scout out traditional stone buildings in the charming village of Cavusin and discover the unexplored terrain of Cappadocia’s countryside all from the seat of an ATV on a jeep tour.

Horse riding

Trot, canter or gallop through vineyards and valleys, away from the tourist thrum on a horse riding tour.

If you’re a lover of all things equestrian, the natural way for you to see the valleys of Cappadocia is from the sturdy seat of a horse’s back.

These mighty mammals have a strong bond with humans and have been used for transportation since around 3,500 B.C.

The name “Cappadocia” translates to the “Land of Beautiful Horses” in Persian and is so named because of the wild horses that once roamed its vista freely.

Hiking

Another way to experience the region is through an invigorating hike. These treks enable you to reconnect with mother nature as you wander through a variety of landscapes.

On a hiking tour in Cappadocia, you may get lost amid the towering cliffs of the Ihlara Valley. Alternatively, you can delve into human history as you explore the fairy chimneys where Christians sought refuge for their beliefs.

Discover ancient ruins, visit abandoned dwellings and creep through monasteries as you navigate Cappadocia on foot. One of the most popular hikes in the region descends to the underground city of Kaymakli.

It is thought that the original caves here were formed back in the 7th or 8th century B.C. by the Phrygians. This city was settled by many different cultures over the following years, even as recently as the 20th century.

During this time, Kaymakli served as a home to the Rûm people, avoiding persecution from the Roman Empire.

Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or a couch enthusiast, hiking is an outdoor activity you can participate in with ease.

Camel riding

If you’re seeking an outdoor activity that transports you back in time, try camel riding. While these animals are not native to Turkey, they have been living (and thriving) in the area since Ottoman rule.

First brought to the country to engage in camel wrestling, these mammals now enjoy a much more pleasant life, showcasing the beauty of Cappadocia to tourists on a camel-riding safari.

Camels are gentle and placid creatures, who love to be nuzzled, and stroked by visitors before making their way across the valley’s rough terrain.

While you can opt for a midday ride through the territory’s deep gorges, camel riding tours are even more special in the warm glow of sunset.

Erciyes Mountain

Located in the Kayseri province, Erciyes Mountain is a stratovolcano that dominates Turkey’s skyline from a height of over 3,900 meters.

The volcano was formed during the Miocene era, between 5 and 23 million years ago, and has been dormant for almost 9,000 years.

Despite Turkey’s blazing sun, Erciyes Mountain provides a cool respite from the fiery temperatures of Cappadocia because of its dramatic elevation.

One adrenaline activity sure to feature as a highlight of your trip is skiing down the powdery slopes of Erciyes Mountain. Whether you’re a total novice or a snow master, you’ll be able to discover the thrills of skiing on this great volcano.

Alternatively, jump on a board and try snowboarding down the long slopes of Erciyes with a professional guide to help you perfect your technique.

Boat tours

Those seeking an action-packed adventure in Cappadocia can select a combination boat tour.

Hopping on a jet boat, your vessel will speed through the waters of a dazzling lake, where you can admire the surrounding hills and enjoy the nail-biting adrenaline pumping through your veins.

Alongside sailing, you’ll also try ziplining over 150 meters through the sky, giving yourself a bird’s eye view of the scenic countryside. Discover the wildlife often found hiding in these parts on a wildlife safari.

From snakes and lizards to wolves, you’ll find there is an abundance of fauna to be found in these lands.