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These 10 Cappadocia Cave Hotels Are Simply Amazing

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

Looking for a list of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey? Well, we have you covered with all the details of a trip to this Turkish dreamland in this guide! If you’ve ever been asked, “Hey buddy, what cave did you crawl out of?” it’s usually because you’ve done something particularly crude or insensitive. Hence, you’re a caveman.

The few times that question has been posed to me, I lacked an appropriately witty and guilt-deflecting retort. Still, after a trip to Turkey’s Cappadocia area and staying at a few of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia, that’ll no longer be the case.

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

Located in central Turkey’s Anatolia region, Cappadocia consists of a towering plateau studded with dramatic volcanic peaks, of which Mount Erciyes is the tallest at nearly 13,000 feet. Thanks to its inland location and elevation, the region receives little rain and is considered semi-arid. It’s also subject to very hot summers and cold winters.

With its magnificent natural rock formations, fascinating history, and unmistakably unique architecture, choosing a place to stay in Cappadocia may seem a bit overwhelming, but fear not; no matter where you stay, you’ll likely be thrilled, as nearly all the cave hotels and suites are a melding of the historic and contemporary, natural and manmade, and comfortable and cave elegant.

Below are a few of the 10 best cave hotels in Cappadocia, helpful links, and a few things that should be on your Cappadocia itinerary too.


The Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels


Where is Cappadocia?

Love Valley In Cappadocia — Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia
Love Valley

Cappadocia is almost smack dab in the middle of Turkey. Since Turkey is in the center of the world, I would say that Cappadocia is almost the exact center of the world. But I’m no geographer. If you want to hop on a bus tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, you can plan to widdle about 10-12 hours of your life away. Fortunately, we found a cheap $25 flight with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul and never looked back.

The two main airports that reach Cappadocia are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Both are serviced by Turkish Airlines, and neither are located directly in Cappadocia. You must take the bus to Goreme once you land at the airport. Once you exit the airport, dolmus are waiting outside to take you where you need to go.

There are options to set this up in advance, but we had no problem arriving and telling the drivers that we were going to Goreme.  The cost was 10 Turkish lira and took about an hour. There is the main bus station in town which will connect you to Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Izmir, Pamukkale, Konya, and Antalya.


Where to Stay in Cappadocia?

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

Goreme is “the place to be” for tourists in Cappadocia. It is where the balloons can be most easily viewed, has hundreds of guesthouses and restaurants, and is the jumping-off point for many day trips. Goreme is completely walkable in 10 minutes and there is one grocery store, although it is very limited.

There is a main bus stop smack dab in the middle of Goreme for entry and exit points. The other main towns around Goreme are Uçhisar and Ürgüp. Both can be reached by dolmus, taxi, or an enjoyable hike. Goreme is also where all the best Cappadocia cave hotels are as well!


The Best Cappadocia Cave Hotels!


1.) Museum Hotel Cappadocia

Museum Hotel Cappadocia
This place is one of the BEST Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

With a list of awards and accolades too long to mention, the Museum Hotel is a place that will make memories that last a lifetime; it’s definitely one of the best luxury cave hotels in Cappadocia.

With 30 spectacular rooms and suites, Museum Hotel is part natural and historical museum and part ultra-exclusive Cappadocia resort. In 1998, the hotel’s owner undertook an extensive renovation to transform the caves and existing buildings into a hotel unlike any other. Not an easy task, considering the nearby competition.

Generally accepted as the first true Cappadocia luxury hotel in the area, it sparked an arms race of sorts as the other hotels scrambled to catch up, which they’ve largely done. Located in Uchisar — a few kilometers from Goreme — the hotel features unmatched amenities and views of the valley and surrounding country. There’s an outdoor pool that’s open year-round too; it’s even heated in the winter months.

Check the Rates:


2.) Ottoman Cave Suites

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

Operated by a Turkish family whose goal is to make your stay at Ottoman Cave Suites a memorable one, the hotel offers flowing rooms carved into the surrounding stone walls, decorated with traditional Turkish kilims, which are traditional woven tapestries made in countries that were ruled or influenced by the Ottoman Empire. The rooms feature in-floor heating, seating areas, fast Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee and tea. Some of the rooms have spas, private balconies, and fireplaces, so check carefully before you book.

This cave hotel in Cappadocia provides a breakfast menu from which you can order traditional Turkish food, or a continental buffet if you’re not feeling particularly adventurous. If you fancy a bit of exercise and exploration, put on your comfy shoes and head into town. Just listen for the chatter of the locals and follow your nose to one of the many quaint cafes in the area.

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3.) Kayakapi Premium Caves

Kayakapi Premium Caves

Though the words ‘cave’ and ‘premium’ aren’t often associated with one another, however, you’ll see that in the case of Kayakapi Premium Caves, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Located less than a mile from the town center of Urgup, Kayakapi Premium Caves are among the most historic, comfortable, and elegantly appointed cave hotels of any in Cappadocia.

Just a half-mile from Urgup’s town center, the rooms are set in ancient and lovingly-restored caves. Featuring in-room coffee machines, flat-screen televisions, and in-floor heating, it’ll be the perfect place to collapse and soothe those tired feet at the end of a long day of taking in the area’s majestic scenery and rich history.

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4.) Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

As you’ve probably already guessed, the cave hotel competition is pretty stiff in Cappadocia. With so much history, hospitality and exotic elegance at your fingertips, it may seem like there are just too many wonderful choices.

If, however, after lots of gut-wrenching deliberation, you’ve decided that Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel will be your home away from home on your Turkish adventure, then rest easy, because it’s among the most historic cave hotels in Cappadocia.

The hotel’s humble beginnings date back centuries when brave souls called the subterranean labyrinths home. Though the accommodations were surely more spartan back then, you’ll find they’ve done a remarkable job keeping that historic feel, while appointing the rooms with the right amount of contemporary amenities so you won’t forget that it’s the 21st century.

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5.) Artemis Cave Suites

 Artemis Cave Suites

A boutique hotel in the town of Goreme, guests agree that Artemis Cave Suites is one of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia. Described as ‘perfect, breathtaking and convenient,’ and featuring many of the same in-room amenities as other cave hotels in the area, Artemis Cave Suites stands out for its tranquil garden and the terraces from which breathtaking views of the city may be viewed.

Watching the sunset from the rooftop garden shouldn’t be missed. The staff can tell you about local tours and sites, and can even book them for you. This is one of the best hotels in Goreme you can stay at.

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6.) Sultan Cave Suites

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

If you’re looking for where to stay in Cappadocia that will help you create an amazing Instagram photo it’s Sultan Cave Suites.

You’ve likely seen this hotel tagged before as it’s made the rounds on social media by a few large grammers. In the town of Goreme, perched atop a hill with the picturesque town resting peacefully below, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different era when you step outside your room at Sultan Cave Hotels in Cappadocia.

The views are especially dramatic when viewed in the shadowy and fading light at sunset, preferably with a glass of wine in hand. Visitors specifically commented on the mystical rooms, helpful staff, and the stunning photo-ops from the rooftop terrace, especially with a sky full of hot air balloons in the distance. Ask the staff at the front desk when is the best time to catch the balloons, as it’s something you won’t want to miss; they’re often only present early in the morning.

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7.) Terra Cave Hotel

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

With recent renovations complete, Terra Cave Hotel’s rooms look like they’ve been carved from the underlying rock through ages of natural erosion. Though that may partly be the case, the skillful craftsmen in this area of Turkey certainly helped the process along a little bit, and the end product is a stunningly elegant mix of the natural and manmade worlds that complement each other perfectly.

You’ll appreciate the room’s amenities, like contemporary bathrooms with walk-in showers, fireplaces, seating areas and speedy Wi-Fi that’ll allow you to send stunning photos to jealous in-laws and plan your adventures for the following day. All of these little features makes this one of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia.

Close to central Goreme, the town’s attractions are a short walk or bike ride away, as are horseback and balloon tours – the latter of which will give you views that seem otherworldly.

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8.) Kelebek Special Cave Hotel

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel

Another one of the most fantastic cave hotels in Cappadocia. With amenities that are even a cut above many of the surrounding hotels, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel is another one of the best Cappadocia cave hotels in Cappadocia. Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and traditional Turkish bath, you may be tempted to grab a good book, ring room service for a pot of coffee, and cancel your plans for the day. The suites are roomy by cave suite standards; many of them have fireplaces and private balconies which give unrestricted views of the surrounding town, landscape, and blue Turkish sky.

Decorated in a mix of traditional and contemporary, the rooms are built for comfort. There’s also a sauna on-site and massages can be booked with experts, whose hands will turn those tense muscles into jelly in no time, after which you can enjoy a glass of wine or Turkish coffee at the hotel bar.

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9.) Cappadocia Cave Suites

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

With an indescribably unique feel, you may just feel like it’s the 17th century and you’re on a secret mission for the sultan with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Perhaps that’s a bit dramatic, but the point is that a night in one of the rooms at Cappadocia Cave Suites may make you forget your boring life, if only for a few hours.

The thoughtfully and luxuriously appointed rooms and bathrooms will pamper you, and some of the larger and more expensive suites have separate living rooms and fireplaces, which will come in handy on a chilly Turkish night after a long day on your feet.

The on-site restaurant offers an accommodating mix of Turkish and international dishes, so even the pickiest eaters will be able to find something they like. The hotel is located near both regional airports and the concierge can schedule a shuttle bus to either when it’s time to check out.

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10.) Travelers Cave Pension

Best Cave Hotels in CAppadocia

Is it possible that there’s enough room in the quaint downtown of Goreme to fit another world-class cave hotel? If that’s a question you’re asking, then, believe it or not, there is, and it’s the Travelers Cave Pension.

Boasting an orderly and visually pleasing set of angular rooms, set on terraces with wonderful views of the rock formations for which the town of Goreme is famous, the Travelers Cave Pension is located within walking distance of all the town has to offer.

With amenities like flat-screen televisions, contemporary bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, there are also Turkish baths and restaurants nearby, and the same tours and activities are available here. For something different and exhilarating, try an ATV tour, which is becoming more popular.

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Things to do in Cappadocia


Goreme National Park

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

With so many things to do in Cappadocia, boredom won’t be an issue. One of the first things many visitors do upon arrival is to book a tour of Goreme National Park. Chock-full of awe-inspiring rock formations and ruins of ancient cave dwellings, this site will give you invaluable insight into the local culture.

It can be hot and crowded in the summer months, so remember to bring a water bottle and comfy travel shoes. There are descriptive plaques at the sites, so you’ll know what you’re seeing, and there are even restaurants and cafes, though they’re on the pricey side.

Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. A Cappadocia must-do, the museum is a monastic settlement from the 10th century, and home to a collection of amazing churches crafted from the area’s volcanic rock. Many of the churches sport amazingly detailed and still-vibrant murals on their walls and ceilings, some of which depict biblical stories.

Avanos Pottery and Ceramic Shops

The Avanos pottery and ceramic shops are family-run artisan shops in the town of Avanos, many of which have been in continuous operation for many generations.

On the shores of the longest river in Turkey – the Red River – it’s the red clay so prevalent in the area from which the craftsmen create their masterpieces, which include jars, vases, jugs, and mugs, to name a few. It’s the place to get souvenirs for family and friends.

Master your Mountain Biking

The valleys have great trails set up for mountain biking, and ranging from beginner to advanced. Mountain biking proved to be a great budget-friendly option for the day.  There are plenty of bike shop rentals around town, just make sure you find a reputable company and always test the bike beforehand.

Take a Balloon Tour in Cappadocia

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia

For those brave souls who aren’t afraid of heights, an excursion in one of Goreme’s many hot air balloons will give you jaw-dropping views of the surrounding town, valleys, and rock formations. Remember to take a hat, sunglasses and of course your camera! Book a tour here!

Book a Turkish Night

What better way to cap a great day off than with a traditional Turkish night. The dancer’s garb and hypnotic moves – not to mention the music, architecture, and aura – will have you checking the calendar in your phone to see if time hasn’t gone a few centuries in reverse. Found in many of the local cave restaurants, the dance shows are another absolute must-do in Cappadocia.

Head to Cavusin

Cappadocia on a budget

We chose this as an alternative to the underground city of Derinkuyu. Derinkuyu is 35 km south of Goreme and is not convenient to get to without a tour or your own transport. So instead, we chose to bike to Cavusin. A half hour hike from Goreme will bring you to this little town.  

The town is very small and charming in itself, but it also is the site of the Church of St. John the Baptist on top of a hill. This is the biggest church in Cappadocia and deserves some exploring. (It’s also free to enter and offers stunning views from the top!) Highly recommend!

Devrent Valley

A visit to the Devrent Valley will be a nice change from so many wonderful cultural activities. Don’t expect to find ancient churches or cave ruins here; this wonderful spot is home to natural rock formations only.

Resembling the surface of the moon, or perhaps Mars, the landscape is characterized by towering monoliths, many of which look like animals, though you’ll need to use every ounce of your imagination to see the resemblance. There’s even one that looks like the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, according to local lore.

Go Hiking!

Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia - Hiking in Cappadocia

There are so many excellent hiking trails around Cappadocia you could spend weeks here and never get tired of the view. We were only here a week, but almost every day, we managed to get out on some amazing hike. A few of our favorites are Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, Red Valley, and Sword Valley.

Don’t ever go hiking without a camera, a full water bottle, good shoes, and a light jacket. It may be hot during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, it gets chilly. The best thing about hiking is it’s free and a workout!


Getting to Cappadocia

There are two airports that service Cappadocia: Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). We took a $30 flight from Istanbul into Nevsehir with Turkish Airlines, which to us was a much better option than a long overnight bus for roughly the same price. NAV was a tiny airport that only has a few flights per day. Once you exit there are dolmus’s waiting outside to take you where you need to go.

There are options to set this up in advance, but we had no problem arriving and telling the drivers that we were going to Goreme. The cost was 10 Turkish lira and took about an hour. You can also take a train or bus to Cappadocia, we chose not to do this in the interest of time. We chose to fly after finding a sick deal on Skyscanner!


Getting out of Cappadocia

Cappadocia Dark Sky

Cappadocia is smack dab in the middle of Turkey.  You have two options to get out – fly or bus. We chose to take the night bus to Pamukkale with Suha bus company for 50 lira. The bus ride was 10 hours long and surprisingly wasn’t terrible.

If you go with this option just note that all buses drop you off at Denizli, where you will have a free transfer to a smaller caravan to take you directly to Pamukkale.


The People of Cappadocia

Hiking on Another Planet Called Cappadocia

The “cave people” of Cappadocia are some of the nicest we’ve met in all of Turkey, and truly make Cappadocia the best place in Turkey. Quite regularly locals were inviting us in for tea and to chat.

One local man that we met told us that we were free to go into his house (he left it unlocked) while he was at work and take a look around and enjoy ourselves! I know there have been reports in the past about theft and crime in Goreme, but we felt completely safe and at home.


Food in Cappadocia

Cappadocia on a budget: hotels

Is the same everywhere. Clay pot meals and lentil soup is what the area specializes in and cost about 25 lira for a chicken clay pot, small salad, and lentil soup.  After a week here I think I can safely say that I never want clay pot chicken again. We got a brief break from the clay pot meals at Fat Boys Bar, which served a couple traditional western dishes for reasonable prices.

Splurge alert: If you want to live a little more refined then check out Seki Restaurant in Uchisar for a nice glass of wine.  A glass of house wine will run you about 20 lira, but the views are incredible and the wine is delicious


Coffee in Cappadocia

There are three main coffee shops servicing Goreme. Coffeedocia, Pasha Cafe, and Oze Coffee.  We went to Coffeedocia because the name was cute…but it turned out to be extremely overpriced and average coffee.

Pasha Cafe has a nice outdoor seating area with a fire, but prices were outrageous even by New York standards. We chose to get our daily caffeine fix and Oze Coffee, right in the center of town, and even make specialty lattes for 8 lire.


How Many Days Do You Need in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia Monolith

That’s really all up to you! We spent a full week in Cappadocia because we were enjoying the hiking so much. However, I would say you could do a lot and get a food feel for the area with 3 days in Cappadocia.

Personally, I could have stayed longer doing more hikes, but if you only want to see the balloons and a few other things 3 days in Cappadocia is suitable.


Plan and Pack for Cappadocia


Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance

Things to do in Nara

We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.


Book a Tour

Sometimes, it’s nice to let someone else do the work! 


Travel Water Bottle

Plastic pollution is a problem in Turkey so it’s best not to contribute to the problem of buying plastic water bottles everywhere – plus the water from the taps here is perfectly safe to drink. We’ve shifted to using an insulated aluminum water bottle as it handles the hot sun well.


Tevas vs Chacos Hurricane
Hiking Sandals

These were great to have! You’ll do a lot of walking around Turkey in the extremely hot sun. Hiking sandals allow for your feet to breathe and they do not collect sand when trudging through the desert. You bet we’ve reviewed the best hiking sandals for travelers!


Travel-Adaptor
Adapter

Remember that Turkey uses the Europlug. Make sure you find a good adapter like the one I have to keep you charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land.


Natasha Alden

Natasha Alden

Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Reader’s Digest. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page.