OTR in Turkey - Day Nine - From Konya to Cappadocia

The trip from Konya to Goreme, where we had our hotel for our stay in Cappadocia, took about 3 hours. 

Along the way we stopped at the Sultanhani Caravanserai. Sultanhani is one of the largest and best-preserved caravanserais from the Seljuk period. Built in the 13th century, it served as a rest stop for travelers and merchants along the historic Silk Road. The architecture features a grand entrance with intricate stone carvings and a large courtyard surrounded by rooms for guests. The design reflects the Seljuk architectural style, combining functionality with decorative elements. The caravanserai was not just a place to rest; it also served as a hub for trade and cultural exchange.

After visiting Sultanhani Caravanserai, we went straight to Goreme, our base for exploring Cappadocia.

Goreme is the main tourist hub, with over 100 hotels, with rooms suitable for any budget. Goreme is one of those places were you could meet people from literally any country in the world.  And it is crowded, at least in high season very crowded. Driving in the small, cobbled streets is going to exercise your patience, even more that your attention and same for parking.

I cannot say I like it. And at the same time I would not easily suggest to look for an alternative. It is certainly a good place to watch the balloons at sunrise, possibly even from your hotel room; there are plenty of travel agencies offering everything, from the bus tours, to horse rides, walks in the valleys, even camel riding. If you do not have a car there are literally hundreds of restaurant at walking distance and and there are also a few nightlife opportunities. But when we left I did not feel that I would have liked to spend a few more days: our four nights were definitely enough.

However, Cappadocia is indeed gorgeous, a unique place that well deserves a few days to at least scratch the surface of its beauty. And I would definitely recommend to have your own car, to be able to visit it at your pace, trying as much as possible to escape the crowds.

We spent three and a half days in Cappadocia and I must admit that it was not enough to visit even the main attractions at a slow pace.