Talk Türkiye to Me

November 7, 2025

Authored By:

Amanda K.

Exploring Cappadocia, Türkiye: Hot Air Balloons, Hidden Cities, and a Taste of Local Life

I just got back from my first-ever trip to Cappadocia, Türkiye, and… wow.
Amazing. Electric. Stunning. Terrific.

There aren’t enough good things I can say about this country. Between the dreamlike landscapes, the food that rivals anywhere in the world, and the people who radiate kindness, Türkiye completely stole my heart.

Here’s how I traveled from Madrid to Cappadocia, where to stay, what to eat, what to see, and a few personal tips to make your trip as unforgettable as mine.

Getting from Madrid to Cappadocia

While there are direct flights from Madrid to Türkiye, our schedules and budget led us to choose a more affordable route.

We bought a one-way train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona through the Omio app, then flew out with Pegasus Airlines. Our flight included a short layover in Izmir before landing in Kayseri, one of the main airports for reaching the Cappadocia region.

From Kayseri, we booked a private car through GetYourGuide to Uçhisar, where we stayed for the weekend. The hour-long drive wound through otherworldly terrain before we arrived at Wanderlust Inn — a cozy, clean hostel with an incredible host, Hasan, who became our guide for the weekend.

On our way back, we flew home with a layover in Istanbul. I won’t sugarcoat it — the Istanbul airport is massive, crowded, and a bit chaotic, so come prepared with patience (and snacks).

Watching Balloons From the Ground

Must-Do’s in Cappadocia

We came to Cappadocia with one main goal: the hot air balloons.

We booked our sunrise flight through GetYourGuide with Rainbow Balloons, and it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. We were picked up at 5:40 a.m., and by 6:00 we were soaring above the valleys as the sun rose over dozens of colorful balloons. It felt like a dream — the kind of moment my 12-year-old self would’ve never believed possible.

The next morning, we visited Dream Hotel, which has an incredible viewpoint for watching the balloons from the ground. We followed that with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Wish Terrace, a restaurant attached to a hotel with stunning views. Pro-tip, try the apple tea, it is delicious and I definitely came home with a bag. The server and her mother cooked an unforgettable meal of fresh vegetables, cheeses, breads, jams, dips, baked goods, and Turkish eggs. I’ll be thinking about that breakfast for years.

Other must-do experiences in Cappadocia:

Horseback riding at sunset: Cappadocia means “the land of beautiful horses,” and this ride through the valleys at golden hour is breathtaking.
Turkish bath (hammam): Warm, relaxing, and rejuvenating — perfect after a long travel day.
Evil Eye Tree: Visit one and hang your own evil eye charm for protection. It’s a beautiful Turkish tradition to carry home with you.
Rug factory tour: Watch artisans handcraft traditional Turkish rugs — each one tells a story and reflects generations of pride in their work.
Underground cities: Ancient, fascinating, and humbling, these hidden cities were once safe havens for those practicing their religion in secret.
Local hikes and bazaars: Explore Cappadocia’s unique terrain, visit open-air markets, and try as many Turkish treats as possible.

Also — eat everything. I’ve officially decided that, next to Italy, Türkiye might just be my second-favorite food country.

Apple tea at breakfast

Tips for Traveling in Cappadocia

We seriously lucked out with our hostel host, Hasan, who doubled as our guide and helped us explore Cappadocia affordably.

If you’re planning your own trip, I highly recommend staying at Wanderlust Inn, or at least contacting your hotel ahead of time to arrange a guide or rental car. The main towns are walkable, but you’ll need transportation to reach the best sights.

A few practical tips:

Bring cash. Taxis and many small shops don’t accept cards.
Support local businesses. Tourism is booming in Cappadocia, but many shops are still family-run. Supporting them directly makes a huge difference.
Pack layers. Mornings can be chilly, especially before sunrise balloon rides, but it warms up quickly throughout the day.

The people of Cappadocia are incredibly proud and welcoming — being a respectful, mindful traveler makes the experience even more meaningful.

With a worker at the Rug Factory

2-Day Cappadocia Itinerary

Day 0 – Travel

Day 1

Sunrise hot air balloon ride
Turkish breakfast at Wish Terrace
Visit the Evil Eye Tree and local bazaars
Explore underground cities
Visit a rug factory
Dinner at a local restaurant
Turkish bath

Day 2

Watch the balloons from a viewing point
Turkish breakfast
Hike through the valleys
Lunch
Visit an onyx factory or historical church
Sunset horseback ride
Dinner
Hookah bar to close out the trip

Day 3 – Travel Home

Live, Love, Learn: My Takeaway

Live: Watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon reminded me how important it is to live in the moment — to chase experiences that make your heart race.

Love: I fell in love with the warmth of Turkish hospitality. Every meal, smile, and conversation made me feel at home in a new culture.

Learn: Traveling to Türkiye taught me how much personal growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone — and how connection can be found even halfway across the world.

Horseback riding in the Valley

Helpful Links

Take this as your sign to visit Türkiye.
Between the food, the history, and the landscapes, this country will capture your heart — and your stomach — in the best way possible.

Evil eye charms

Turkish breakfast at Wish Terrace

Watching Balloons at Dream spot

Talk Türkiye to Me

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