Best things to do in Urgup

Get a bird's eye view of the natural rock formations at Goreme National Park. As a World Heritage Site, the park's ancient structures have been protected from development. Many have been left untouched, though some were carved out and used as churches during the Roman period. More recently, some have been transformed into housing and restaurants. The park covers 40 sq km (15.4 sq mi), and while it may seem untraditional, the best way to see it is from above. Consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the entire park and, along with the landscape, you'll likely see dozens of other balloons in the distance. Ask your hotel for a suggestion on who to book with, as there are many companies throughout Cappadocia that organize these rides.

View the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys of Pasabag, where hermits once hid. Here you'll see the chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and a hermit's shelter, built within one of the fairy chimneys with three heads. St. Simeon was living in seclusion in the 5th century, when rumors began that he made miracles happen. As the rumors spread and St. Simeon became the object of unwanted attention, he began to live at the top of a 2 m (7 ft) column, later moving into a 15 m (49 ft) column, descending rarely to retrieve food and drink brought to him by disciples. Eventually the hermits of the region distanced themselves by cutting into the fairy chimneys and hollowing them out, creating rooms 10-15 m (33-49 ft) high, instead of living on top of the columns. Wear comfortable footwear with traction for your visit, as the steep path up the hill can be rocky. Enjoy the panoramic views of the area from the top of the hill. The area is easily accessible via a local bus from the city, but note that public restrooms require a fee for use, and that there is no information posted about the history of the area, so inform yourself prior to your arrival or go with a tour company.

See Cappadocia's unearthly landscape while floating nearly 300 m (1,000 ft) above ground during a hot air balloon ride from Goreme. Start your journey with a complimentary buffet breakfast, then step into the basket with your fellow passengers and take to the skies as the sun rises over the area's unusual rock formations and valleys. Shorter tours allow you to snap impressive aerial photos of weird chimney-like structures and rock-cut churches, while longer full-day tours include time on the ground for exploring some of the area's highlights, such as the historic tunnels at Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City. These tours can last between 1 hour and 1 day.

Step into the ancient dwellings and sanctuaries of Goreme Open-Air Museum, a World Heritage Site carved into Cappadocia stone and featuring historic Byzantine wall paintings. This outdoor museum consists of the remains of rock-cut churches, most of which date from the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries. The site also has remnants of underground towns from the 4th century. Go on a walking tour of the valley's intriguing landscape to discover this stunning natural and man-made complex. Plaques along the way give you adequate information for exploring the area on your own. Don't forget to wear sensible shoes.

Experience a striking and surreal landscape at Güvercinlik Vadisi (Pigeon Valley), with its plethora of dovecotes carved into the cliffs and various rock formations rising from the valley. Years ago, pigeons were an indispensable form of communication in this remote region, and their droppings were used as a fertilizer. You can hike along a number of signposted trails, all of which offer superb views. Several paths pass friendly teahouses, providing a place to rest and refuel. Wear sensible shoes to help ensure your safety and comfort when traversing the hills.