13 Instagrammable Places in Cappadocia, Turkey
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If you’re on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen photos of the stunning landscapes found in Cappadocia, Turkey. This beautiful region in central Turkey is more than your run-of-the-mill tourist destination, it’s a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, history lovers, and photographers alike.
If Cappadocia is on your travel radar, then you’ll want to know the best photo spots. This post is your insider’s guide to uncovering the most Instagrammable places in Cappadocia, Turkey.
From the Göreme Open-Air Museum to the surreal landscapes of the Rose Valley, Cappadocia is full of captivating photo spots. So read on for the best Cappadocia Instagram spots!
Best Cappadocia Instagram Spots
Devrent Valley
Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is one of Cappadocia’s most underrated Instagram spots. This lesser-visited valley is full of striking rock formations unique from those found anywhere else in the region.
With formations resembling animals, mythical creatures, and practically any other shape your imagination can conjure, Devrent Valley is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
The best time to visit is during the golden hour just before sunset. The rock features and shapes will be accentuated by the warm glow of the setting sun, making your photos pop.
Rose (Red) Valley
The Rose Valley, also known as the Red Valley, is one of the most popular hiking areas in Cappadocia. Along with the fairy chimneys characteristic of the region, Rose Valley also holds colorful sand formations and hidden rock churches.
The red-hued rocks are unique in Cappadocia, and Rose Valley is the only place you’ll find these striking colors.
Along with the colorful landscape, this valley is home to some ancient Byzantine rock churches. As you hike the valley, you can explore the churches. Many are large and spacious inside, and the light through the windows makes for great photos.
Galerie Ikman
Galerie Ikman is a family-owned Turkish carpet boutique that has taken the Instagram world by storm. It’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking one-of-a-kind and striking photos for their Instagram feeds.
With eye-catching arrays of colorful Turkish carpets and hanging lanterns, Galerie Ikman is the perfect place to capture dreamy, romantic, and fun Instagram photos.
If you want to take photos inside the store you’ll need to make a purchase. However, for a small fee, you can book a photo session in their made-for-Instragram carpet room.
Depending on the package you choose, the warm and welcoming owner can help take your Instagram game to the next level. A skilled photographer, he’ll even employ a drone to capture stunning aerial shots of you sprawled out lavishly on the carpets.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
When it comes to capturing the magic of Cappadocia for Instagram, a hot air balloon ride is the quintessential experience. Viewing the other-worldly landscape from above is a photographer’s dream come true.
As the sun rises over Cappadocia, the sky fills with colorful balloons. You’ll soar through the air and look down upon the lush valleys and fairy chimneys, and see the patchwork of ancient villages and cave dwellings from a birds-eye perspective.
As the sun rises, the landscape comes alive with color, making for the perfect Instagram-worthy shots. Hot air balloon rides are offered year-round, meaning you can take part in this iconic experience even if you visit Cappadocia in winter.
Love Valley
Love Valley, named for its phallic-shaped rock formations, is another top Instagram spot in Cappadocia.
The landscape here is arguably the most iconic scenery in the Cappadocia region, and the Love Valley rock outcroppings are some of the most famous landmarks in Turkey.
While you can take photos within Love Valley itself, some of the best photo spots are from the Love Valley overlook. Here you can capture the entire valley as your photo backdrop, or capture yourself in the iconic “heart swing” overlooking the valley.
Ihlara Valley
While much of the Cappadocia landscape is dominated by a rocky landscape, the Ihlara Valley offers something completely different. This lush, green valley on the outskirts of Cappadocia provides a different background that’s perfect for varying up your Cappadocia IG photos.
The Ihlara Valley is bisected by the Melendiz River, and while hiking through the valley you’ll find many wonderful spots along the river to snap photos. One of the best places to grab a photo is at the riverside cafe, Diker Aile Çay Bahçesi. Here you’ll find quaint bungalows, built on stilts above the water. The bungalows, lined with carpets and adorned with pillows, make the perfect spot for posing with a cup of Turkish tea.
The Ihlara Valley is far from the main tourist areas of Cappadocia, and the best way to get there is via car. Thankfully, renting a car and driving in Cappadocia is easy to do.
Pasabag
Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, is yet another place for Instagram enthusiasts to capture the unique rocks that Cappadocia is known for.
The valley is famous for its extraordinary “fairy chimney” rock formations. Many of the Pasabag fairy chimneys were carved by the locals centuries ago to create rock houses. Today, these magnificent structures are open to visitors to explore at will.
At Pasabag you can climb into old rock houses, walk amongst the fairy chimneys, and snap lots of great photos. For the best photo opportunities, visit early in the day for the best lighting and to avoid the crowds.
Uchisar Castle
The tallest fairy chimney in Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle, is one of Cappadocia’s most iconic landmarks. This unique structure resembles a slice of swiss cheese made out of rocks. Full of holes, Uchisar Castle was once an important hideout where locals sought safety from invading armies.
The views from the top of Uchisar Castle are some of the best in Cappadocia. The only way you’ll get better is by taking a hot air balloon ride.
If your balloon ride gets canceled or is out of budget, head to the top of Ushicar Castle for the next best thing. Here you’ll have sweeping panoramas of Cappadocia and be able to photograph the valley from above.
Local Cave House
One of the most popular hotels in Cappadocia is the Instagram-worthy Local Cave House. Located in Goreme, this gem of a hotel is most famous for its scenic pool.
If you stay at Local Cave House, you’ll have unlimited access to their pool area, complete with loungers and a picturesque fairy chimney backdrop. It’s an Instagram-perfect setting that will enchant your followers.
The hotel only has 12 rooms, so it’s best to book well in advance of your stay if you want to be able to snap photos at this famous IG spot. In addition to the pool, the hotel offers rooms with private terraces where you can watch the hot air balloons take off at sunrise, all while enjoying a delicious Turkish breakfast.
Sultan Cave Suites
Another popular hotel for Instagrammers visiting Cappadocia is Sultan Cave Suites in Göreme. This hotel has become synonymous with breathtaking rooftop photo shoots. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the quintessential Cappadocia rooftop breakfast photo.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace is exclusively available to guests, meaning you’ll have less competition for capturing the perfect IG shot.
Decorated with Turkish carpets, colorful pillows, and sometimes boasting a guest appearance from Izmir, the hotel dog and local celebrity, this is the best rooftop terrace for capturing yourself with the hot air balloons in the background. The hotel even provides a breakfast spread to pose with!
Booking your stay well in advance is essential. This popular Cappadocia hotel books up months out, and you don’t want to miss a chance to stay at this stunning cave hotel.
Goreme Open Air Museum
The Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of cave churches, monasteries, and Byzantine frescoes. This captivating site is the best place to learn the history of Cappadocia and also happens to be one of the region’s top Instagram spots.
While you can’t take photos inside the rock churches, the exteriors offer many opportunities for photographers. Whether you’re capturing the entrance to a rock church or the beautiful Cappadocia fairy chimneys, there’s no shortage of Instagram opportunities.
Zelve Open Air Museum
Similar to the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Zelve Open Air Museum is full of rock-cut dwellings. Unlike the one in Goreme, however, Zelve was a village occupied until the 1950s. Exploring the remnants of this bygone village is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life in Cappadocia when locals resided in homes carved from the rocks.
The honeycomb of caves carved into the rock faces makes for beautiful photos. The large area that makes up the former village is full of jutting rock outcroppings, greenery, and other unique natural features that photographers will love. It’s truly a must-visit for avid photographers and Instagrammers.
Sunset Point, Goreme
Göreme’s Sunset Point is a popular spot for watching the sun rise and set over the valley. One thing that makes this area so unique is the bird’s eye view it offers of the hot air balloons filling and rising over the valleys.
For just a few Turkish Lira you can walk up to the viewpoint on your own, or alternatively, you can book a tour that will drive you to the top.
One of the best ways to get the perfect IG photos at Sunset Point is to book a professional photo shoot. Many tour companies provide a colorful ballgown, hotel pickup, and a photographer who will help you capture envy-worthy photos of yourself with hot air balloons as your backdrop.
This is arguably the most iconic Instagram photo you can take in Cappadocia, and one no influencer should leave without getting.
Final Thoughts on the Most Instagrammable Places in Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, rich history, and unique charm have led to its popularity among photographers and influencers. From the iconic fairy chimneys and ancient cave churches to enchanting hotels like Sultan Cave Suites and Local Cave House, it’s a place where every corner reveals an Instagram-worthy shot.
Instagrammers will love the variety that Cappadocia offers them, from ancient cave dwellings at the Zelve Open Air Museum to spellbinding sunsets at Goreme’s Sunset Point. This destination offers adventure, history, nature, and amazing photo and video opportunities.
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