CENTRAL ANATOLIA
This vast region is the historic and geographic heart of Turkey, home to the capital Ankara, the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, and the spiritual city of Konya. Discover a land of ancient empires, unique rock formations, and the rich cultural legacy of the Seljuks and Ottomans.
Why Visit Central Anatolia?
Unreal Landscapes: Explore the surreal fairy chimneys and underground cities of Cappadocia—a truly unique world heritage site.
Deep History & Faith: Walk through the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya and discover the Hittite ruins near Ankara.
The Beating Heart of Turkey: Experience a cross-section of modern Turkish life, from the contemporary capital to traditional Anatolian towns.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit Cappadocia. The weather is perfect for hot air ballooning, hiking, and exploring historical sites without the summer crowds.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation, especially in Ankara and Konya. Expect cold, snowy winters, particularly on the higher plateau.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot and dry, making daytime exploration challenging. While popular, be prepared for intense heat and higher prices, particularly in Cappadocia.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is internationally famous for its unique rock formations, called ‘fairy chimneys,’ and its extensive network of underground cities and cave churches. The main towns, such as Göreme and Uçhisar, are hubs for hot air balloon rides and hiking.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the magic of Cappadocia, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Book well in advance, and plan for at least three nights to account for potential weather cancellations.
Ankara
As the capital of Turkey, Ankara is a sprawling, modern city with a surprising amount of history. It’s home to the impressive Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which holds world-class artifacts.
Your Smart Tip: Don’t miss the old quarter (Ulus), where you can explore the ancient citadel and enjoy views over the modern city. This area offers a great contrast between old and new Turkey.
Konya
Konya is one of the most religiously conservative and historically significant cities in Turkey, best known as the home of the 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi. The city’s centerpiece is the Mevlana Museum (Rumi’s mausoleum), the spiritual center of the Whirling Dervishes.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Mevlana Museum early in the morning for a more peaceful and reflective experience. Respectful dress is essential here and throughout the city.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region has a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, often reaching into the high 90°F (mid 30°C). Winters are long, cold, and often snowy, especially at higher elevations.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Dress: While Ankara and tourist areas in Cappadocia are more liberal, dressing modestly is advised, especially in Konya and smaller towns. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting mosques.
Shoes Off: You must remove your shoes before entering mosques and many homes.
Respect: The founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is highly revered. Always show respect for his image and legacy.
Bargaining: It is common to lightly bargain in local markets (bazaars) and for souvenirs, but prices in modern shops are fixed.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$30), mid-range hotels ($60–$100), luxury ($120+). Cave hotels in Cappadocia may be slightly higher.
Food: Street food/lunch menu ($5–$10), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: City bus/metro ticket ($1), intercity bus ticket ($15–$30), high-speed train (Ankara-Konya $20–$40).
Activities: Hot air balloon ride ($150–$300+), museum entrance fees ($5–$15).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $50–$80 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $90–$150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions, including a non-balloon tour).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, hot air balloon ride).
Getting Around
By Intercity Bus: The network is excellent, comfortable, and affordable, connecting all major cities and towns. It’s often more convenient than the train.
By Plane: Flights connect Ankara with major cities, a good option for covering long distances quickly.
By Car: A car is highly recommended for exploring the valleys and remote areas of Cappadocia, offering maximum flexibility.
Must-Try Food
Testi Kebabı: A stew of meat and vegetables cooked slowly in a sealed clay pot, which is cracked open tableside—a Cappadocian specialty.
Ankara Tava: A flavorful dish of lamb or beef slow-cooked in a pan with vegetables.
Etli Ekmek: A Konya specialty, similar to a very long, thin pizza topped with minced meat and vegetables—literally “meat bread.”
Iskender Kebabı: Thin slices of döner meat served over pita bread, topped with hot tomato sauce and melted butter.
Mantı: Small Turkish dumplings, often filled with ground beef and served with yogurt and a sauce of red pepper and melted butter.
Gözleme: A thin, savory pancake cooked on a griddle, filled with spinach, cheese, or potatoes.
Pide: Turkish flatbread with various toppings, baked in a stone oven.
Kabak Tatlısı: Sweet pumpkin dessert, often served with walnuts and kaymak (clotted cream).
Cevizli Sucuk (Churchkhela): A string of walnuts dipped repeatedly in thickened grape or mulberry juice and dried, resembling a candle.
Aşure (Noah’s Pudding): A sweet, chunky pudding made from grains, beans, dried fruits, and nuts.
Must-Try Drinks
Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi): Thick, strong, and prepared by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar.
Ayran: A refreshing, cold, and salty yogurt drink, popular with meals.
Şalgam Suyu: A unique, tangy, and salty beverage made from fermented black carrots and turnips, often served spicy.
Boza: A thick, slightly fermented, sweet-and-sour millet drink, typically consumed in winter.
Tursu Suyu (Pickle Juice): A salty and sour drink made from the brine of pickled vegetables, a popular street drink.
Turkish Tea (Çay): Served everywhere, all the time, in small, tulip-shaped glasses. It’s the national beverage.
Sütlaç: Baked rice pudding, often flavored with cinnamon. (While a food, it’s a common post-meal ‘drink’ or light dessert.)
Local Turkish Wines: Turkey has a small but growing wine industry, with vineyards around Ankara and Cappadocia offering varietals like Öküzgözü and Boğazkere (reds) or Narince and Emir (whites).