A Couples’ Guide to Cappadocia: Hot Air Balloons, Caves, and Romance
In this episode, we dive into eight reasons why Cappadocia deserves a spot on your travel bucket list—from its surreal landscapes and cave hotels to unforgettable experiences like hot air ballooning at sunrise. Let’s explore the region’s incredible food, unique spa and hamam traditions, underground cave cities, and outdoor adventures that make it such a magical destination. Whether you’re planning a couples getaway or dreaming up your next big trip, this episode will leave you ready to book a flight to Turkey!
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Our episode sponsor this week is Destinations Morocco! If you are thinking about a trip to Morocco, contact Destinations Morocco and let them do the trip planning for you.
They offer:
Private and small group tours, no more than 6 people (or whatever number makes sense)
Handcrafted itineraries that respond to your interests and priorities
Adaptability during a tour that allows for changes and spontaneity
Personal service throughout: private guide and driver, 24/7 support in Morocco and the US
Emphasis on luxury accommodation, food and cultural experiences
You can also learn more about them on their podcast, Destination Morocco Podcast.
If you’ve ever seen photos of Cappadocia and wondered if it’s really that magical in real life…the answer is a big YES. This region in central Turkey feels like stepping onto another planet—towering rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, incredible food, and one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life!
Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, an adventurous escape, or a scenic addition to your Turkey itinerary, here are eight reasons you’ll want to add Cappadocia to your travel bucket list.
1. Landscapes Unlike Anywhere Else
Cappadocia truly feels otherworldly. Everywhere you look, you’ll see:
Towering honey-colored rock formations
Fairy chimneys that look like something from a storybook
Hundreds of carved-out caves tucked into cliffs and mountainsides
Sweeping valley views that change colors with the sun
You can even enter many of the cave dwellings, which makes exploring feel like discovering an ancient world. It’s a destination where every turn reveals a photo-worthy view.
2. Delicious Local Food (Including Clay-Pot Stew!)
Food lovers—Cappadocia will not let you down. A few favorites:
Clay pot stews - Slow-cooked meats or veggies sealed inside a ceramic pot with bread dough, baked, and cracked open right at your table. Yes, you can eat the bread. Yes, it’s amazing.
Kebap - Expect tender beef or lamb served over pita, potatoes, or fries with tomato and yogurt. You’ll want to try it more than once.
Vegetarian options - Plenty of stews, salads, and sides to choose from.
Creamy, incredible hummus - Some of the best I’ve ever had! Both in Istanbul and here.
3. Spa + Hamam Experiences
Cappadocia is one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath (hamam). At our hotel spa:
We did a couples hamam treatment
The scrubbing + bubbles were heavenly
We tried a clay mask add-on… and let’s just say I do not recommend the saran-wrap portion. We were so sweaty and it was too intense!
I recommend just doing a traditional hamam
We finished with massages (Reflexology for me! It was amazing!)
Tip: Stick to a traditional hamam. Simple, authentic, and so refreshing.
4. Stay in a Real Cave Hotel
We stayed at Argos in Cappadocia, a stunning boutique property built into an ancient mountain filled with cave rooms. Here’s what made it special:
Many rooms are carved directly into rock
Others (like ours) have beautiful terraces with sweeping views
A delicious breakfast buffet is included
The property has trails and caves you can explore onsite
There’s an outdoor pool for warm-weather months
Note: Some cave rooms don’t have windows. This is something to consider if you prefer natural light.
5. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Hot Air Balloon Ride
This was the life highlight of the entire trip. Floating above Cappadocia at sunrise is an experience I cannot recommend enough.
What to expect:
Soft, gentle takeoff
About an hour in the air
Dozens of colorful balloons filling the sky
Sunrise washing the valleys in gold
Skilled pilots (ours landed the basket directly on a trailer!)
Larger baskets actually feel more stable and safe
We flew with Royal Balloon and loved them.
Important tip:
Stay 2–3 nights so you have backup mornings. Weather cancellations are common.
6. Underground Cave Cities
Cappadocia isn’t just caves above ground—there are entire underground villages carved beneath the earth. Exploring them was absolutely fascinating.
Inside the caves you’ll find:
Narrow, crouch-through tunnels
Multi-room chambers
Areas where families once lived with their animals
Hidden passageways created for safety from enemies
Even if you’re a little claustrophobic, it’s worth doing (I survived!). It’s a travel experience you truly can’t get anywhere else.
7. Local Pottery Workshops
Cappadocia is known for its high-quality clay, which means lots of beautiful handmade pottery. We visited a workshop where:
We watched artists hand-craft intricate pieces
One person from our group tried the wheel
We explored a showroom filled with incredible designs
Most of us ended up bringing something home
If you’re into unique souvenirs, you’ll love this stop.
8. Endless Hiking + Outdoor Adventures
If you love being outside, Cappadocia is a dream. Some ideas:
Love Valley Hike — stunning views and towering rock formations
Trails around your hotel — many properties sit right against the valleys
Horseback riding
ATV tours
Camel rides
Because most activities are outdoors, spring and fall make the best seasons—pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Cappadocia is the perfect couples trip or adults-only getaway. With its unreal landscapes, delicious food, cave hotels, hot air balloons, pottery workshops, and incredible spa experiences, it’s a destination you’ll be dreaming about long after you leave.
Reach out anytime with questions, and follow along on Instagram @thistraveltribe for more tips, reels, and behind-the-scenes travel inspiration!