Cappadocia's wondrous lunar landscape was formed around 70 million years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. The unique landscape has become an iconic Turkish site and between its cave houses, outdoor pursuits and even wine country, it is not hard to see the draw. The majority of the best places to stay in Cappadocia are cave hotels, but there are a few hotels on our list that our worth coming out into the light for, especially if you value contemporary luxury and space.

Where to stay - which town?

Göreme

• Right in amongst the fairy chimneys and cliffs crenelated like honeycomb, Göreme is so beautiful that it really does defy description. It's not entirely unspoilt, as a destination this beautiful is bound to attract visitors, but it somehow manages to retain the feeling of being a traditional village. Our pick of the hotels in Goreme all feature accommodation hewn from the rocks, complemented by traditional furnishings and excellent restaurants.

Ürgüp

• Ürgüp is one of the region's largest towns and has many upmarket hotels and fine restaurants. Ürgüp is also a good spot to explore this whole region from and you're near Ortahisar where there's a castle, monastery and folk museum. Most of the best accommodation in Ürgüp is in the town's honey coloured buildings or in the back alleys of the Old Town where there are some prime examples of the local architecture.

Uçhisar

• Uçhisar has some of the best views of the whole of Cappadocia, from the top of its castle you can see pretty much the whole region. Uçhisar is also a great base for exploring the region, and it is also known for great restaurants and wonderful Ottoman style markets.

With the increasing popularity of this region, you'll find that the best places to stay in Cappadocia get filled up very quickly. So, do your homework and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

Some of our Cappadocia Collections:

• Luxury Hotels in Cappadocia

The Best places to stay in Cappadocia

Stay in a Cave Hotel

• The Fairy Chimney Inn is one of the best places to stay in Cappadocia if you're looking for a traditional Turkish cave hotel experience. Rooms are decoratively sparse, but have wonderful rugs and local textiles. There are impressively carved fireplaces and many nooks and crannies. Some rooms sleep up to six, so this is also ideal for families.
• Kayakapi Premium Caves is a stunning and unique hotel comprising of restored historical caves carved into the soft stone cliffs of Kayakapi neighbourhood in Göreme National Park.
• For something more off-the-beaten-track, book the charming Gamirasu Cave set within a system of caves in the rural Turkish village of Ayvali. The elegant rooms are full of character with antique furnishings and exposed vaulted ceilings.

A Cave Hotel Above Ground

• If you don't like the idea of sleeping below ground but you still want a cave hotel experience, the Sultan Cave Suites are an excellent compromise. This regal house is cut into the side of a cliff, so while some of the 30 rooms are cut into the rock they're not below the earth - the impressive views of Göreme are a bonus as well.
• The Hezen Cave Hotel is perfect if you like your accommodation rustic but chic and with plenty of exposed stone. And, most importantly, above ground.

For Beautiful Views

• Serinn House is another wonderfully chic hotel in a beautiful rustic setting. The minimalist decor makes the most of this near fort-like building. It also boasts rooms with terraces from which you can admire the countryside.
• If you're looking for a high end hotel experience book the Cappadocia Cave Resort. This is a big hotel - there are 79 rooms - built into the hillside with stunning views of the valleys below. As well as the theatrical setting this resort has several fabulous restaurants, cavernous rooms and suites and an impressive spa.

Most Romantic

• Looking for somewhere romantic? Book the Museum Hotel. Another cave hotel, the Museum Hotel is especially warm and magical - probably because these are some of the most opulent caves you'll have ever seen. With charming antiques, subtle lighting, large warm spaces and hot tubs. The Museum Hotel also has one of Cappadocia's best restaurants.
• Ürgüp’s Sacred House Hotel is a renovated grand townhouse packed with character. Individually styled rooms feature arches, exposed stonework, domed ceilings and particularly impressive bathrooms.

For Families

• Argos in Cappadocia is a collection of beautiful stone houses and suites set into a hillside. There are 53 luxurious rooms with stone walls and sumptuous furnishings - some of the rooms have hot tubs and terraces with spectacular views over the surrounding landscape. There's even a three bedroomed separate mansion with private pool - ideal for a family or small group.
• Kale Konak is a traditional Turkish building occupying one of the highest points in Uçhisar. There are 14 large rustic, almost medieval feeling, rooms (families should book a suite which can sleep up to four), plus stunning views. You’re right by the castle and close to numerous restaurants.

For Great Value

• The Taskonaklar is a charming complex of 18 rooms and suites with excellent views and reams of history. Expect stone walls, killim rugs, fireplaces and stepped terraces, and all at a great price.

For an Apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Most people travelling to Cappadocia will arrive in Turkey via Istanbul Ataturk Airport. From there it’s possible to transfer to either Kayseri Erkilet Airport, which is around 70kms from Göreme and 60kms from Ürgüp, or Neveshir Kapadokya Airport, which is around 40kms from Göreme and 30kms from Ürgüp. You can also travel by rail from Istanbul, or Kayseri Airport is on a busy railway route and there are good links from all across Turkey.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Cappadocia is the kind of destination with year-round appeal. April through June are excellent if you’re looking for the best weather conditions - July and August are probably too hot for a lot of us. During winter you can also ski in Erciyes.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to the best places to stay in Ürgüp?
• Or best places to stay in Göreme, or Uçhisar?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.