Turkey’s Cappadocia is an extraordinary place! With its totally unique accommodations, peculiar landscapes, and magical displays of hot air balloons; you are bound to be in awe every morning!
Despite the increase in popularity, Cappadocia is quite often mistaken for being the name of a town as opposed to a region of Turkey. When you notice how large the area of Cappadocia is, it may then beg the following questions…
Which town should you book your accommodation in? Can you walk between the two? Where are the majority of the attractions and restaurants in Cappadocia?
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Is it better to stay in Uçhisar or Göreme?
There are two common places to choose from in Cappadocia; Uçhisar or Göreme. In this guide, the pros and cons of each have been described to allow you to make an informed decision between the two. Which is the most appropriate for your stay?
Accommodation
Cappadocia contains a vast collection of very unique hostels, hotels, and apartments to enjoy your stay. It won’t take you long to scroll through Airbnb before you’re overloaded with tabs of options on your web browser!
To keep it simple, Göreme generally has the budget and mid-range hotels, and some hostels. Uçhisar, on the other hand, has a greater selection of luxurious accommodations that can boast better views.
Location
Göreme has the greatest location. It’s the better starting point for most active endeavours such as hiking, mountain biking, and sessions on ATVs. With this in mind, there are numerous companies to choose from in Göreme that offer all sorts of activities for competitive prices. There may not be as much choice, with competitive prices, in Uçhisar.
The whole town is within a convenient distance from most points of interest in Cappadocia, so Göreme is also the preferred choice for travellers who would be relying on public transport. It’s where the bus station is located, and taxis are in much more abundance.
Uçhisar is only 5 minutes from Göreme by taxi, and 45 minutes by foot. This may sound manageable to most, but as many activities in Cappadocia revolve around sunrise, you may not fancy trekking between the towns while it’s dark.
On the flip side, a major advantage for Uçhisar is the panoramic views that are visible from the east side. If you choose the right accommodation or take a walk up to the top of Uçhisar Castle, then you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of the valleys, Göreme, and the one-of-a-kind landscapes.
Another point to consider is where the hot air balloons are more easily visible. They take off from various locations that are closer to Göreme and float overhead than opposed to in Uçhisar where they are more distant. Although they are still visible from Uçhisar, having accommodation in Göreme will allow you to feel more immersed in the hot air balloon display during sunrises. Your location will not be a problem during the morning that you enjoy your own flight, as the hot air balloon companies organise crew vans to pick up and drop off passengers from both Uçhisar and Göreme.
Both Uçhisar and Göreme are easily accessed via airport shuttles. These are best organised through your accommodation before you arrive.
Atmosphere
Göreme is a larger town compared to Uçhisar; it’s the main town of the region. This being so, Göreme thereby has more to offer in terms of eateries, as well as overall having a more prominent presence of tourism. This may be of particular interest to any solo traveller.
Unlike Göreme, Uçhisar has a much more modest character with less traffic and fewer tourists. Although the location still has a lot to offer, the town has managed to preserve a slower pace. This is perhaps one that is better suited to those looking to relax whilst enjoying the luxuries that their accommodation has to offer.
Read Also: Sunrise in Uçhisar - Spectacular Spots in Cappadocia
Final Thoughts on Uçhisar vs Göreme
At the end of the day, your decision between Uçhisar and Göreme will depend on a couple of factors…
Have you hired a car for your stay, or do you intend to rely on public transport?
Are you travelling alone? Would you prefer to be around the hustle and bustle?
Do you hope to participate in a lot of activities?
Though whatever you choose, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience!
In My Experience
I had booked the Capiedra Hotel in Uçhisar without much prior knowledge of the area. Upon arrival, it was apparent that there was not a lot happening in Uçhisar. Whilst studying a map, I could see that I would have to venture to Göreme multiple times to visit various attractions including the popular trails. This distance had the potential to feel isolating at times. And I must admit, there were a few evenings where I was a little envious of all that Göreme had to offer in terms of restaurants and nightlife. However, on the whole, I much preferred the more ‘local’ vibe in Uçhisar.
For the most part, Uçhisar’s location did not hinder any adventures that I had planned. The hotel staff were always available to organise any tour, hot air balloon flight, or taxi service. Plus, there is also a taxi rank in the centre of Uçhisar.
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Conclusion
To summarise, all the action, choice, and bargaining power is undoubtedly in Göreme. Though you may want to consider Uçhisar if you are seeking a more quiet, luxurious, or even cheaper accommodation that is further from any crowds. It will not be necessary to stay in both to gauge a sense of Cappadocia. Pick one, and stand by your decision! You’re going to have an amazing time – regardless!
Let’s go!
@katie.maree
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