On my first visit to Cappadocia in Goreme, Turkey in November 2009, I was like a hot rash all over it. The summer had been officially over yet it was still thriving with backpackers arriving on the overnight bus from Istanbul. Travelers from all over the world seemed to be going there with eager excitement to see the lunar scenery, cave hotels, ancient churches and spectacular sunrise views of twenty or more hot air balloons in the sky for themselves.
I was constantly astonished at the strange rock formations I first spotted while driving into the area. Staying in a cave hotel was also a quirky experience and since the town was fairly small and I walked most of it in just one afternoon, it was feeling relaxed with a canny knack.
I returned again in 2012 and 2015 and while the vibes of my first visit had worn off, it still felt friendly and an perfect place to feel safe for a female solo traveller. Whether the quantity of genuine cave hotels had diminished or the resort was larger, it seemed more uniform and not so rustic, but at the right time I was in the right place, with a blurry feeling that Goreme was my second home.
Is Goreme a decent place to lodge a hotel?
Because it is Cappadocia’s tourism hub, every prospective tourist has a large range of hotels to choose from, including authentic cave hotels or manmade buildings with luxury or budget amenities. However, at the height of summer, book your accommodation certainly beforehand, as Goreme gets incredibly busy.
If you’re dependent on public transportation, have a cheap budget and don’t seem to mind the tourist atmosphere, then yes, it’s a good place to stay overnight but I prefer the traditional town of Ortahisar and the Castle Inn in particular. It is one of the best hotels I have been staying at.
Goreme Restaurants & Nightlife
Truly I think most of Goreme ‘s restaurants are unhygienic or just unprofessional. One restaurant, located on a veranda overlooking the road to the open air museum, was filthy and I frequently disrupted the workers just to get served from their gossiping.
Another restaurant forced me out of the door as soon as I walked in because the chef and the owner obviously had a huge argument and both had gone out. Food quality in others was just horrific.
Restaurants that know what they’re doing and don’t wing it, it seems, are in the Urgup region. Don’t expect nightclubs open until 5 am, either. Goreme’s all about sitting down to dine or getting cheap food to go.
If you are hampering after an active night-life with nightclubs open until 5 am in the morning, instead head to Bodrum, Istanbul, Antalya or other seaside resorts. People who travel with children will also find a shortage of activities to keep children entertained.
In Goreme, things to do
While there are no attractions in the center of Goreme itself, the surrounding areas are pretty good and there are things to do …
Travel high on a hot air balloon ride
Visit the cave churches at the open air museum in Goreme
The surrounding Pigeon and Love Valleys are perfect for hiking fans
In the evenings, 3 to 4 hour riding treks are popular
A short bus ride takes you to the resorts around, like Uchisar and Urgup
Travel to Panoramic Viewpoint for a stunning view of Goreme town
Visit the town of Avanos to compete in pottery shows
Tours Green / Orange / Blue
Local agents carry out three tours. Green and red tours are ideal for visitors who will take you to underground towns and valleys like Ihlara. Aside from that, take plenty of pictures because it is incredibly difficult to explain the Goreme and Cappadocia landscape to your friends back home. To believe you they will see the images.
With every return visit, Goreme and Cappadocia still surpass my standards and I have never met someone who has not enjoyed it. Place it on your bucket list sure.
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