Why the cave cities of Turkey's Cappadocia are best explored on foot. The best way to see the fairy chimneys and rock houses is not from a balloon in the sky but with feet on the ground.

Ali Bozoğlan, 55, had his house destroyed in the devastating earthquakes of February 2023 which killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria and left cities in ruins.

Turkey’s Cappadocia region is famous for its subterranean safe houses carved from tuff—a light, porous rock composed of volcanic ash. Photograph by Murat Kaya, Anadolu Agency/Getty How Big Is It?

Lisa Morrow is a freelance writer and sociologist living in Istanbul, Turkey. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Guardian UK, BBC Travel, World Nomads, Fodors and Hyperallergic.

For millennia, people have lived in cave dwellings around the world. Though few are still inhabited, most are open to tourists. Other areas have been preserved as heritage sites for visitors as well.

Plan your magical trip to Cappadocia, Turkey! Explore iconic fairy chimneys, take a hot air balloon ride, discover underground cities, and immerse yourself in rich history and culture.

Where I Went: Cappadocia, Turkey How Long I Stayed: Five days and four nights My Spending Style: I travel like a budget backpacker but like to treat myself (i.e. when in Cappadocia).

In-room features include living areas and fireplaces. Courtesy of Argos in Cappadocia. Be sure to check out Argos’ helpful collection of 360-degree photos to preview the rooms and suites in more ...

This is Cappadocia, central Turkey, famous for its whimsical “fairy chimneys,” to give peribacı their English name. Cappadocia has an abundance of them, as well as rock churches and monasteries.