TURKEY // In this rock-cut Turkish dreamland, surreal views pile on top of quirky historical details until you almost believe the local guides who tell you that Star Wars was filmed among these cave churches. But Cappadocia, with its curvy valleys of smooth rock and underground cities, is way more impressive than a Hollywood film. It all began around 12 million years ago with a series of megalithic volcanic eruptions, which produced the ash that hardened into soft tuff rock. Several millennia of erosion formed the sinuous valleys dotted with 'fairy chimney rock formations, resembling mushrooms, phalluses, camels, Napoleon's hat, the Virgin Mary and anything else you can imagine. Adding a human touch, Byzantine Christians turned these remote valleys of central Turkey into monasteries. The finest is preserved by the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where the colourful religious frescoes in the fairy chimney chapels look as good as new. You can also tour the upper levels of the underground cities carved by the troglodyte monks, who went to ground there when marauding Islamic horsemen passed through. Cappadocia was for centuries a farming region, where the holes peppering the fairy chimneys and cliffs were pigeon houses, used to collect the birds' droppings for use as fertiliser. These days, boutique hotels offer rock-cut hammams and cave suites. Days here are filled with singular experiences, starting with a dawn hot-air balloon flight over the wavy valleys and knobbly formations, such as Uchisar Castle. Explore the valleys on foot or horseback, and ride a scooter to the old Ottoman Greek village of Mustafapasa. Come sunset, position yourself on a viewpoint or hotel terrace to see how Rose Valley got its name.

Why is Cappadocia so famous?

This region is a popular tourist destination because it has many areas with unique geological, historical, cultural and religious features. Touristic Cappadocia includes four cities of Nowshahir, Kayseri, Aksaray and Nigde.What is the best month to visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia is late spring and early autumn. April, May, early June, late September and October. The weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists around than in the summer months. During the summer months, they release over 300 balloons into the sky every morning.

Is Cappadocia a city?

Many visitors think Cappadocia is one city and are surprised to find that it is actually a large area that touches 5 provinces of Turkey. In fact, the central area of Cappadocia is made up of small towns spread around different hills and valleys, which makes this area very beautiful.

How long to stay in Cappadocia?

It is difficult to determine how many days to spend in Cappadocia. You can see the highlights in two days and get under the skin a little more in three days. But if you want to explore the region more comprehensively and make time for a great day trip, we suggest spending 4 days in Cappadocia.

What is unique about Cappadocia?

One of Turkey's most well-known natural wonders is the extraterrestrial landscape of Cappadocia, famous for its incredible cliffs and amazing hot air balloons in the sky. Not only is the geography of Cappadocia unique, but the history of this amazing place is deep, rich and complex.