Aksaray, Kayseri and Nevşehir may rightly be called cities, but the most interesting places are the towns of Cappadocia (map).
Farming, viticulture, wine-making and pottery-making are still important here, but tourism is now more important.
Aksaray
Among the larger cities in the region, it's at the crossroads of the major north-south and east-west highways. Although it has several interesting historic structures, for most travelers it is a transportation nexus. More...
Avanos
A pretty town on the Kızılırmak (Red River), its inhabitants have made their living from the malleable river clay for years, shaping everything from pots and roofing tiles to statues. The Seljuk Turkish caravanseraicalled the Sarı Han is on the town's outskirts. More...
Derinkuyu
"Deep Well" is the appropriate name of this small town that has one of Cappadocia's deepest and most elaborate underground cities. More...
Göreme
Only a kilometer from the famos Göreme Open-Air Museum, the town of Göreme (GUR-reh-meh) is visually striking with its "fairy chimney" volcanic cones. It's a good base for your visit here because of its large number and variety of lodgings and eateries. More...
Güzelyurt
Dramatically situated amid mountains, this ancient town on the way to Ihlara boasts a historic mosque-church, some cave churches, a verdant town square, and a fine inn in a former monastery. More...
Ihlara Valley
A stream runs through a dramatic gorge, its walls punctured by cave churches and chapels. Descend the 360 steps from the rim to the stream, or spend a day or half-day hiking through. Best way to do it is on a day-long excursion to the Underground Cities, Güzelyurt and Ihlara. More...
Kaymaklı
With Derinkuyu, Kaymakli is among the most elaborate and dramatic of Cappadocia's numerous Underground Cities. Visit it on a day-trip excursion including Güzelyurtand the Ihlara Valley. More...
Kayseri
An hour's drive east ofthe heart of Cappadocia, fast-growing Kayseri is the region's largest city, with its busiest airport. Unabashedly commercial, it harbors more than a dozen fine medieval Seljuk Turkish buildings. More...
Ortahisar
"Middle Castle" (as its name translates) may be right in the middle of Cappadocia, but it is largely bypassed by visitors, which is what makes its good to visit: all the character without the crowds. More...
Mustafapaşa (Sinasos)
Called Sinasos by its Ottoman Greek residents under the empire, this interesting town (which now boasts a university) is among Cappadocia's undiscovered gems, with one of the region's finest hotels and most intriguing restaurants. More...
Nevşehir
Capital of the province with the same name that forms the heart of Cappadocia, Nevşehir has an ancient citadel and a good archeological museum. More...
Niğde
A historic town and provincial capital, Niğde receives few tourists, which is a pity, as it has some fascinating old buildings and a history to match. Aladağlar National Parkhas splendid scenery and waterfalls. More...
Soğanlı Valleys
The Göreme and Zelve valleys are usually busy with visitors, but the larger Soğanlı valleys are less so. It's good to hike through the valleys with little "competition." More...
Uçhisar
Everybody knows Uçhisar...or at least sees it: the craggy rock pinnacle is the highest point in Cappadocia's moonscape. The town around the natural stone "castle" is quite nice, with wonderful hotels and restaurants. More...
Ürgüp
Nevşehir may be the provincial capital, but Ürgüp is really the chief town of Cappadocia, with interesting scenery,excellent charming inns and Cappadocia's most reliably good restaurants. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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