Magical, Entranced, Captivating
Caves, star-lit skies, and hot air balloons. I was expecting a flying carpet to appear any minute…
Sleeping in a cave hotel was on my bucket list for a while and I’m glad I experienced it. There is an authentic feel to it, as if nature has welcomed you into an embrace, only with some additional luxuries.
As the cave hotels are situated quite far from the main town, you will need to get a taxi into the centre (approx a 30 minute ride), which can be tricky during peak heat times of the day. For this reason, it is recommended to head out before 12pm or after 4pm.
We stayed in a family-run hotel; the hosts were accommodating and went above and beyond to make us comfortable. The views from the roof terrace were absolutely magical!
Highlights:
- Quad Bike safari in Cappadoccia
- Staying in a cave hotel
- Sunrise views with hot air balloons
- Halal McDonald’s cravings satisfied (if you know, you know)
- Food: Testi kebab (loved the way it is served – look at that flame!)
Top Tip: Purchase souvenirs and snacks from the shopping area of Armutlu/Nevsehir – everything is well-priced.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Antalya
We also spent a few days in Antalya; the Airbnb was a beautiful three-storey villa. That was honestly the highlight for me (so I spent most of the trip indoors swinging on the hammock). The weather was humid and uncomfortable so I didn’t enjoy being out and about.
The cable car (Tunektepe Teleferik) did give decent panoramic views across the city though, with clear blue skies and sunshine.
Most food in Turkiye is delicious, wherever you go. I wasn’t disappointed with anything I ate. I generally prefer skewers of meat over the donner. For dessert, you must try the baklawa, dondurma and helvaci!
It is easy to get around central Antalya by foot. Only hire a tour guide for day tours or something further out.
We took a day trip to Pamukkale (via an organised tour), a town in western Turkiye, known for mineral-rich thermal springs cascading down travertine terraces. It looks pretty on Google, so it is sold by nearly every tour company for its natural beauty. However, it was deceitful: the water had evaporated, so there weren’t many springs, it was horribly crowded, and the staff in the area were miserable and unpleasant. Suffice to say, I wouldn’t recommend it! If you still want to check it out, there is an entrance fee (cash only).
Overall Rating: 6/10
Crossing Continents 