There are very few places on earth that look genuinely unreal, as if they have been lifted directly from the pages of a fantasy novel — and Cappadocia in central Turkey is undoubtedly one of them. This extraordinary region of volcanic rock formations, underground cities, and ancient cave churches has been captivating travelers and photographers for decades, and it never fails to leave visitors completely and utterly speechless. The famous fairy chimneys — tall, cone-shaped rock formations created by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion — dot the landscape in every direction, creating a panorama that feels more like another planet than anywhere on earth. But the most magical experience Cappadocia has to offer happens before the sun has even fully risen. Drifting silently above this incredible landscape in a hot air balloon, watching the first light of dawn illuminate the valleys and rock formations below, is one of the most beautiful and unforgettable things you can do anywhere in the world. Below the surface, Cappadocia hides an extraordinary network of underground cities carved by ancient civilizations seeking refuge from invaders — Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the most impressive, descending many levels below ground and capable of housing thousands of people. And the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves a stunning collection of rock-cut churches decorated with beautiful Byzantine frescoes that have survived for over a thousand years.
