Chapter 01
Planning
Introduction
About the route
The perfect balance of adventure and rest: from the “other planet” of Cappadocia to slow evenings by the Mediterranean.
We started the trip in Cappadocia, a region that looks as if you’ve walked onto a film set: ancient cave towns, houses inside the rocks, hot-air balloons at sunrise and valleys that nature spent millions of years shaping.
After the mountains we headed for the sea. Dalaman gave us one of the brightest moments of the trip: paragliding from Mount Babadağ, with the whole Ölüdeniz lagoon opening up beneath you.
And the last stop was Kaş, a place that makes you want to slow down: wander the little streets, drink coffee by the sea, look for quiet coves and simply be part of it all.
How to plan the trip
We recommend setting aside at least 7 days: enough not to rush, but not so much that you lose momentum. Here is the split that worked perfectly for us.
Logistics
Getting around
Cappadocia
You don’t need a car here. The most convenient and enjoyable option is scooter hire: beautiful roads, the freedom to stop wherever you like and a very romantic way for a couple to travel.
- freedom to get around
- you can find the best views yourself
- easy to reach the viewpoints
Alternatives: taxis, hotel transfers, trips booked in advance.
Kaş
Here a car is very much worth having. The town itself is small and easy to walk, but all the most beautiful things are around it: hidden coves, beaches, nature trails and viewpoints. With a car you have far more freedom.
Getting ready
When to go
In summer it can get very hot in Cappadocia and on the coast: walking is harder going, and the queues are longer.
What to book before the trip
- hot-air balloons
- paragliding
- stays in both regions
- transfers
- a car in Kaş
- kayaking at Kekova
Before you set off
Insider hacks before you go
- 01Pack warm clothes for Cappadocia
Even in summer it can be properly cold at dawn, before the balloons.
- 02Bring comfortable shoes
The route has lots of walking on nature trails and uneven stones.
- 03Save every spot in Google Maps in advance
A separate list for coves, cafés and viewpoints saves you masses of time on the ground.
- 04Leave free time
The most beautiful moments usually happen not according to plan, but between the planned places.
Leave time to feel it all. The rest will fall into place.
Chapter 02
Cappadocia
Part I · Days 1–3
A place where nature created another world.
Cappadocia · First look
Another world
It’s hard to compare Cappadocia with anywhere else. It doesn’t feel like an ordinary tourist spot: it feels as if you’ve walked onto a film set, with huge rocky valleys, stone “mushrooms”, houses inside the mountains, ancient churches and hot-air balloons at sunrise. But behind all this beauty there is a long history.
Cappadocia isn’t a place you look at. It’s a place you live inside.
Day 1 · Arrival
Arriving in Nevşehir
The first day is for taking it slowly. Cappadocia reveals itself precisely when you’re not in a hurry.
After landing we took an airport transfer. The drive from Nevşehir into Cappadocia takes a while, so it’s easier to book a car straight away.
Airport transfer
Nevşehir / Kayseri → Cappadocia
A shared transfer, booked in advance. Better through Booking: on the spot, prices in tourist regions are often higher.
Day 1 · Where to stay
Where to stay in Cappadocia
There are two popular areas: Uçhisar and Göreme. We chose Uçhisar and have no regrets.
Our hotel
Harem Suites Cappadocia
What we liked: a room styled like a real cave, stone walls, a jacuzzi, an unusual atmosphere. One of those times when the place you stay becomes part of the journey.
Day 1 · Alternative
Alternative: Göreme
If your dream is to wake up and watch the balloons right from your hotel terrace, consider Göreme. It’s the most popular town in the region: more tourists, but this is where you’ll find the most beautiful terraces for morning photos.
Hotels we saved
Azure Cave Suites
Highly rated, a beautiful view, boutique-hotel style. For anyone who wants aesthetics, comfort and beautiful photos.
Caverna Hotel Premium Caves
A very atmospheric option. A beautiful terrace where you can watch the balloons in the morning.
Divan Cave House
The classic Cappadocia atmosphere: cave rooms, rugs, terraces, views over the valleys.
Day 1 · Food
What to try in Cappadocia
Testi kebab
One of the region’s best-known dishes. Meat, vegetables and spices are cooked inside a clay jug, which is broken open right in front of you before serving. Not just delicious, but a real bit of theatre.
Cappadocian mantı
The local version of a traditional Turkish dish. Tiny dumplings served with a sauce, yoghurt and spices.
Day 1 · Evening
Dinner with a sunset view
One of the most beautiful places in Uçhisar, with a stunning sunset view, local wine and a really cosy atmosphere.
Location · Uçhisar
Sunset Wine Garden
Why go: the sunset view, local wine, a cosy atmosphere and a very friendly owner.
The most beautiful moments often happen where there was no plan.
Chapter 03
From above and from below
Day 2
The busiest day of the route.
Day 2 · Sunrise
Hot-air balloons at sunrise
The day starts very early, but this is the moment many people come to Cappadocia for. You get up at around 03:30. If flights are allowed and the weather is right, a transfer picks you up from your hotel at about 04:00–04:20.
Where we booked
Air Kapadokya
You can also look for options on Booking and Trip.com.
Up to € 250 on the spot: book ahead
The moment itself is incredible: you rise above the valleys, there are hundreds of balloons around you, the sun starts to light up the rocks, and the whole region looks like another planet. The exact time depends on the wind and the weather.
Day 2 · After the balloons
Then, around the region
After the flight you’re back at the hotel very early, with a whole day still ahead. Then you can explore the region calmly, without rushing: a winery, ancient sites, viewpoints and the sunset.
First light over the valleys
A separate outing · Any morning
The scooter and the balloon landing spot
This is an adventure of its own, for a separate day: you can’t combine it with a balloon flight. To reach the field where the balloons land, you need to get up early on another day and drive there. The best way is by scooter.
Balloon landing spot
38.66233, 34.82936
A really beautiful place: hardly any people, an unusual view, and you can take photos in peace. It’s best to come here separately, by car or scooter, and early in the morning, while the balloons are still in the sky.
Day 2 · Wine
A Cappadocia winery
After all those unusual landscapes, we suggest stopping at a local winery: a pleasant break in the middle of the day.
- free tasting
- you can try local wine
- a pleasant atmosphere
- sometimes a discount after chatting with the owners
Day 2 · History
Ancient sites
Göreme Open-Air Museum
A complex of ancient cave churches and monasteries. The first Christian communities appeared here as early as the first centuries AD and carved cells, churches and chapels into the rock. The real treasure is the frescoes inside the churches, still preserved after hundreds of years.
Our take: the entry fee of about € 20 may seem high, but if you’re interested in history and ancient architecture, it’s worth the visit.
Underground cities · Kaymaklı
Cappadocia has dozens of underground settlements; the best known are Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. We went to Kaymaklı. These are multi-level complexes below ground: living rooms, storerooms, kitchens, ventilation shafts, rooms for animals. Some levels go tens of metres down.
Why they were built: as shelters in times of danger. With stores of food, water and ventilation, people could hide down there for quite a long time.
Days 2–3 · If you have time
More ideas for Cappadocia
Sunset in a cave
Our favourite way to do it: buy some wine, pick up food, find a beautiful spot and watch the sunset among the rocks. Important: leave the place clean. Cappadocia’s nature is part of its magic.
Avanos and pottery
The town is known for its pottery workshops. You can drop into the little shops, watch the potters at work and make your own souvenir.
Hammam
After a few active days, a great way to relax. There are all sorts of options, from tourist complexes to local bathhouses.
Valleys
On foot, by quad bike, on horseback or by camel. Red Valley, Rose Valley and Love Valley are the popular ones.
Chapter 04
Dalaman → Ölüdeniz
Part II · Day 4
From the mountains of Cappadocia to the turquoise Mediterranean, and a flight above the Ölüdeniz lagoon.
Day 4
Off to the sea
After three packed days in Cappadocia we change the scenery completely: from the world of rocks, caves and ancient towns to the coast. Clear water, high mountains, sunshine and a flight above the sea.
The route: you land at Dalaman Airport, and the flight itself is in Ölüdeniz. The drive from the airport to the paragliding area takes about 1.5 hours by car. After landing you can stay in Ölüdeniz, Fethiye or Kayaköy, or head straight on to Kaş. We made it as full a day as possible and went straight from the plane to the main adventure.
Day 4 · The operator
Who we flew with
Our pick
Sky Sports Turkey
We spent a long time choosing between operators and settled on them. The team are lovely: it never felt like a standard tourist service. It felt more as if we’d come to visit friends who wanted to show us their world: calm instructors, genuine care, lots of emotion.
It may cost more now, but the experience is worth the money.
Day 4 · Evening
Dinner after the flight
After that many emotions you want a good meal. We found a really atmospheric place not far from the paragliding area.
Location · Kayaköy, near the paragliding area
Cin Bal 1975
The twist: they bring you meat, vegetables and a grill, and you cook everything yourself right at the table. It’s not just a dinner, it’s a small hands-on experience.
What next
Stay nearby
Ölüdeniz · Fethiye · Kayaköy. Good if you want a bit of a rest.
Carry on to Kaş
That’s what we did. After Cappadocia and the paragliding, all we wanted was the sea, beautiful streets and a slower pace.
Chapter 05
Kaş
Part III · Days 5–7
Three days of slow travel by the Mediterranean.
Kaş · First look
A town you want to stay in longer
After all the adventures, Kaş was the perfect end to the route. And here’s an important point: Kaş is not a place for one day. We spent three nights here, and that’s exactly the length we’d suggest.
This town reveals itself not through a list of sights, but through the way it feels: morning coffee, slow walks, little restaurants, swimming in clear water and evening streets full of lights.
Kaş · Where to stay
Where to stay in Kaş
It’s best to choose by mood.
Where we stayed
Born in Blue
An apartment with a view on the Kaş peninsula, looking out over the sea. Calm, secluded, and with exactly the kind of morning view that makes the peninsula worth choosing.
Kaş · Where to stay
Hotels we saved
All of them are on the Kaş peninsula or in town. Ratings from Booking (dates and availability change).
Born in Blue
Kaş peninsula · apartments with a sea view. Wonderful, 152 reviews. Free cancellation.
Lyxos Hotel – Adults Only
Kaş peninsula · adults only. Exceptional, 288 reviews. Pool view, breakfast included.
Lukka Exclusive – Adult Only
Kaş peninsula · adults only. Wonderful, 223 reviews. Two-bedroom suite, breakfast included.
Kas Athena Hotel
Kaş · 200 m to the beach. Wonderful, 360 reviews. Breakfast included.
Gardenia Hotel
Kaş · 50 m to the beach. Wonderful, 253 reviews. Breakfast included, free cancellation.
Villa Hotel Tamara
Kaş peninsula · Infinity Room with a garden view. Very good, 308 reviews. Breakfast included.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Kas
Kaş peninsula · 5★. Good, 204 reviews. Garden view, breakfast included.
Kaş · Atmosphere
A place of little details
Not big sights, but the small things that make up the mood.
- white houses
- bougainvillea
- little courtyards
- cats in the streets
- boats in the harbour
- sunsets over the sea
Day 5 · Or any day that suits
Kekova
Kayaking over a sunken city
One of the most beautiful experiences of the whole trip. If you’re choosing between an ordinary boat tour and kayaking, we’d pick the kayak. You don’t look at the place from the outside, you literally explore it yourself.
- silence, and clear water right beneath you
- you can paddle closer to the coves
- the feeling that you’re discovering the place yourself
- an early start: fewer people, more beautiful light
The most beautiful way to see an ancient city is not from the outside, but right from the water.
Kekova · Details
Why kayaking
Big boat tours often follow the same route, with crowds of people. A kayak feels completely different: intimate and personal. At one point we were practically alone among these coves, and it was the best thing that could have happened.
Kekova kayaking
Book your kayaking and starting point in advance: the popular slots go quickly.
Kaş · A walk through history
The Lycian Way
One of the most beautiful hiking routes in Turkey: more than 500 km along the coast of ancient Lycia. You don’t need to walk it all: from Kaş it’s easy to pick one beautiful section for a couple of hours.
What makes it special
It’s not just a walk in nature. Along the way you come across:
- ancient ruins
- old settlements
- stone tombs
- mountain paths
- views of the Mediterranean
You are literally walking a road people used thousands of years ago.
Kaş · The sea
A beach day
After the active days, it’s time simply to rest by the water. The special thing about the beaches around Limanağzı is that you get there by small boat from Kaş harbour. And that’s already part of the experience: you sail along the coast and moor in a beautiful cove.
Top pick
Nuri’s Bay / Nuri’s Beach
The sea · sunbeds · a restaurant · a relaxed atmosphere
Alternatives
Yılka Beach
For anyone who loves a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful water and a day off without the bustle.
Leymona Beach
A more modern option: a beach, a restaurant, drinks and a beautiful sea view.
Kaş · Coffee
Coffee and slow breakfasts
Kaş is made for unhurried mornings. You don’t need to search for anything: step outside, choose a nice table and just watch the town go by.
Coffee · Breakfast
Godo coffee & More
A small town café with good coffee. For your morning coffee, a relaxed breakfast and a slow start to the day.
Coffee · A bite to eat
Giant Stride Shop & Cafe
A good option for coffee, a light snack and a rest after walking.
Kaş · Dinners
Restaurants in Kaş
Oburus Momus
One of the most atmospheric places. For a beautiful evening, wine and a calm atmosphere.
Keyf-i Dem Restaurant Meyhane
Turkish food, served as a beautiful dinner. Tip: order meze, fish, local dishes and wine.
Cedre Restoran & Kokteyl
An evening spot with cocktails and a view: good for a relaxed end to the day by the sea.
The main links are repeated on the “Useful links” page.
Kaş · Evening
Kaş in the evening
The most beautiful time in town.
After sunset the lights come on, the streets get cosier, and the little bars and restaurants open. You don’t need to plan anything.
- just get lost in the streets
- go wherever you feel drawn
- buy something local
- linger over dinner
Our pick
Our top 10 on this route
- 01
Wake up in a Cappadocia cave hotel
- 02
See hundreds of hot-air balloons at sunrise
- 03
Watch the sunset among the rocks with a glass of local wine
- 04
Go down into a real underground city
- 05
Make pottery in Avanos
- 06
Fly over the sea from Babadağ
- 07
Kayak over the sunken city of Kekova
- 08
Find quiet coves around Kaş
- 09
Walk part of the Lycian Way
- 10
Simply wander around Kaş with no plan
Save before the trip
Pre-trip checklist
Book
What to bring
The route
The trip on a map
1. Cappadocia: Nevşehir (arrival · the gateway to Cappadocia) · Uçhisar (our base · Day 1) · Göreme (the museum · terraces for the balloons) · Avanos (pottery)
2. Dalaman: flight to the sea · Day 4
3. Babadağ · Ölüdeniz: paragliding
4. Kaş: our base by the sea · Days 5–7
Kekova: the sunken city · kayaking (a day trip from Kaş)
All in one place
Useful links
Point your phone camera at any QR code: it will open the booking, the website or the pin on the map.
Stays · Cappadocia
Harem Suites
Azure Cave
Caverna
Divan Cave
Stays · Kaş
Born in Blue
Lyxos
Kas Athena
Gardenia
Activities
Balloons · Air Kapadokya
Paragliding · Sky Sports
Kekova kayaking
Transfer
Cafés and restaurants
Godo Coffee
Giant Stride
Oburus Momus
Keyf-i Dem
Cedre
Pins on the map
Sunset Wine Garden
Kocabağ Wines
Göreme Museum
Nuri’s Beach
Turkey is more than the sea
This route showed us a completely different side of the country: ancient history, extraordinary nature, small towns, local food and places where you want to stop.
Don’t just collect a list of places.
Leave time to feel it all.
Because the most beautiful moments usually happen right between the places you planned.
@wetravelalways · wetravelalways.com Route by
We Travel Always
Travel it with us
More routes like this one, from trips we actually took.