Activities

We have put together the following information to help you make the most of your time here in Cappadocia. We hope that some of it will be of use to you and if you need to know something that we haven’t covered please ask us, that’s what we are here for.

Like anywhere Göreme has had to meet the needs of tourism by opening tour agencies, restaurants and souvenir shops, despite this, it has managed to keep its authentic charm. You are still able to see farmers heading off to their gardens with horse and cart.

A short stroll will take you up into any of the many valleys where you can spend days enjoying the awesome landscape. We think Goreme is a great little place with plenty to offer everyone. We hope that you leave with fantastic memories of your time spent here in Cappadocia and with us here in Sato Cave Hotel.

Exploring Cappadocia

What is there to do?
Daily Tour
Even though most of the tourists who come to Göreme are backpackers and generally not interested in tours, suprisingly approximately 80% will end up joining a daily tour. The reasons being convenience, cost and comfort. The tour takes in the main sights, includes all entrance fees, lunch, pickup service from our pension. You also get the knowledge of an excellent English speaking guide! During the day you will cover about 220km and it works out to be a good value for your money.

All of the companies offer the same tour going to the same places and they have a set price. We have chosen the company we book through because they have a good guide and are just always professional, they will also pick you up fom the pension. See the daily tour page for more details.

Hot air balloons
For the best views of Cappadocia, you need to go up. What better way to go up than in a hot air balloon. A wonderful experience that is so smooth and quiet. You will descend into valleys and even be able to touch the top of the trees as the pilots are so experienced.

An amazing opportunity to see nature as it’s most breathtaking over the most spectacular ballooning landscape in the world.
Flight take place at dawn and you have a choice of a 1¼ or 2 hour flight followed by the traditional champagne toast. Transport to and from the pension is included in the price.

If you are interested, let us know in advance we can make the necessary arrangements for you as it gets more and more popular every year and harder to find space on the flights. This is the thing you may do once in a life time.

Turkish bath- Hamam
One of the things that most people like to do during their stay in Turkey. Some people are little worried that the masseures may have wondering hands, don’t let that put you off, if you choose the right place you will have no worries of things like that. There are two hamams close by and both are good. It’s a very relaxing experience and you are guaranteed a great night’s sleep after it.

Horse Riding
Another way to discover the valleys is on horse back. Morning and afternoon rides go daily and last approx 2 hours. You don’t have to be an expert, learners are welcome as the guides are experienced riders and will show you everything that you need to know. The horses are fit and generally well behaved.
Once again you will need to book for this, the day before is best so they know what sort of numbers to expect. Can’t guarantee you might not be a little saddle sore later!

Camel riding
For something a little different! Just before you get to the Open Air Museum, you will come to the car park and if you walk throught this you will come to the camels. They are there everyday and you don’t need to make a reservation.

Turkish night
It has been proved to be really popular fun night out, especially in a group. The nights programme includes Turkish folk dancing with Turkish music and of course belly dancer! You might even get to have a try yourself as they always invite volunteers from the audience in all shapes and sizes. It includes food, entertainment and drinks, soft and alcoholic, which is unlimited. After watching all that dancing, you will be able to get up and have a boogie yourself at the end of the night. You do need to book for this.

Hire a bike
You can always bet the public transport and hire a bike instead. If you have loads of energy you could choose to hire a mountain bike and hit the hills. For an easier ride, there are the scooters which are always good fun. We recommend Hitchhiker Bikes which are located opposite the bus station. Their bikes are in good condition and you must wear a helmet. Be aware when you hire a bike from any company that you are liable for any damage done to the bike.

Shopping
As you will be aware by the time you get to Göreme, there are loads of lovely trinkets to be had in Turkey. It seems everywhere you turn there is something different to tempt your hard earned cash out of your pocket! Cappadocia is a great place to shop for a number of reasons. Firstly, the sellers here in general are a little laid back and most of them aren’t going to try and drag you into their shops, sure they will say hello as you walk past but they aren’t going to follow you down the street shouting ‘ hello lady!’ Secondly, nearly all the tourists that stay here are backpackers so they have a budget, the prices tend to reflect this.

Some of the best bargins to be had are Ceramics as Cappadocia is the pottery producing region. There are loads of beautiful plates and bowls to choose from.
Carpet prices are also more resonable. Take the time to enjoy the carpet experience even if you are not really interested in buying, it can be lots of fun just looking and drinking endless cups of tea! Some seller really love what they do and providing you choose the right shop you can learn heaps about the carpets and Turkey itself.

Silver jewelry comes at a good price and there is heaps to choose from, something that’s easy to carry and can make for good presents.
Most days of the week there are small village markets dotted around Cappadocia, these are great for fruits, veg and spices. This is where the locals do their shopping and most things have marked prices. It is a good way to spend a few hours which have a great atmosphere. We can let you know what’s on where.

All the above are just few examples of how you can fill your time here in Cappadocia. We are sure that you will find some more great ways yourself as well – happy looking!!

The Sato Team

CAPPADOCIA DAILY TOURS

Ihlara Valley Tour
9:30am - 6:30pm

Goreme Panaroma;
Beautiful goreme valley. Photo stop with an explanation given as to how the area was formed.

Underground Cities;
You will visit Derinkuyu, the largest underground city. One of the most remarkable places to see and a must for any visitor to Cappadocia.

Ihlara Valley;
Descend down into the valley and walk 3 km through the gorge besides the Melendiz stream and visit cave churches that contain frescoes.

Lunch; After your walk through the valley its time for a bite to eat in the village of Belisirma.

Selime Village;
Photo stop and a visit to the monastry seeing the rock face that’s pockmarked with windows and doors of the former troglodyte habitations.

Pigeon valley; and ancient pigeon houses.

Onyx demonstration; a visit to watch the process and shopping for the ones interested.

The price includes all private vehicle transfers, a professional guide, all entrance fees and lunch. All companies charge the same price. Let us know if you are interested in booking a tour so that we can arrange it for you with pick up from the door.

Other Available Tours

For more details of this program, ask to see the booklet. You do need to book in advance for this as there are limited numbers on the boats.

MOUNT NEMRUT TOURS
You have an option of a 2 days or 3 days tour, both includes a sunset at the top of the mountain and a stop at the village of Harran famous for its mud-brick ‘bee-hives’ houses.
Mount Nemrut is located in the Adıyaman province and its elevation is 2,150 metres. Mount Nemrut is referred to as the 8th wonder of the world with its 8-10 meter high statues (stone heads) which cannot be seen anywhere else. You will also be able to see a king’s tomb which is yet to be explored and the oldest and biggest horoscope in the world.

Included in the price is transport by minibus or bus depending on the number of bookings. English speaking professional guide, accommodation, all meals and entrance fees.

Once again you will need to book this in advance!