Cappadocia in Turkey is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world, a high volcanic plateau scattered with surreal rock formations described as ‘fairy chimneys’. The area has strong links to Orthodox Christianity with many rock churches and monasteries hewn from the soft volcanic stone. Today, you can even stay in a selection of cave-hotels.
My favourite would have to be the four-star Cappadocia Cave Resort, which is probably the best in the area. Located in the town of Uchisar, most of the hotel rooms are carved into the caves, whilst others are built onto the cliff face and they all offer spectacular views of the lunar landscape below. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools, a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
You can also arrange a wine tasting session in the cave cellar. See the ‘fairy chimneys’ and rock churches in the Goreme Valley National Park and the underground cities of Kaymaki and Derinkuyu. Visit Avanos famed for its pottery and carpets, and Uchisar for the rock fortress.
During the summer months and up to as late as November, the unique terrain lends i