Does a visit to Cappadocia require hiking?
 

Some of us like to hike, some don't. Both types will be traveling together for a few days in Cappadocia. Will the non-hikers be able to enjoy visiting sites without hiking several kilometres through the valleys?

I'd like to know this, as well - Cappadocia is on my bucket list, and while I enjoy short hikes, my husband doesn't do as well.

Yes, you will just need to do some coordination to not overlap, For example, while one is hiking, another could visit the underground cities, but then you must determine when to visit the underground cities yourself! There are things to do for the non-hiker, but the hiker is spectacularly rewarded with scenery as well as historical sites.

You can visit the Goreme museum with minimal walking. There are ladders to climb to go inside some of the caves but you can enjoy the museum w/o climbing up to the caves.

There are lots of rock formations near the road.

There are some beautiful places with convenient parking and only short walks, on paved or well-trod pathways. At these places, even if you went together, the hikers could explore further afield while the nonhikers just enjoyed the beauty of the nearby site. And if you have a car or van you can also drive through some amazingly beautiful areas.

One other comment: The underground city we went to (Derinkuyu) required some walking, sometimes requiring one to be bent over, and made me a bit claustrobic, especially when we had to wait for big groups to pass before we could go the other way in certain hallways. Fair warning!

You absolutely can enjoy the sights of Cappadocia without hiking. We spent an hour or more (gently) walking at the tops of some of the valleys - very beautiful at sunset. You could also be dropped off in one of the towns or villages for lunch while others who are serious hikers do that. There is lots to do and plenty to see without any hiking, though some walking will be necessary at some of the sites.

I agree with Sassafrass and aprillilacs, you can visit the sights without hiking. They all have parking lots nearby. There is walking while in many sights but it is not extensive. If you use a guide he will take you directly to them. Of course, if you want to hike it is great.

I agree -- hiking is not necessary to enjoy the area. But it might increase the value of a balloon ride, since that would give the non-hikers (and the hikers, too!) a view of the diverse geologic formations of the area without spending hours on foot.

I would think that your experience of the area, and especially that of the non-hikers, would be enhanced by having a car at your disposal.

Hope that helps!

Must agree with Kja, especially for a non-hiker, the balloon ride was absolutely spectacular! That was without doubt one of the most memorable things DH & I have ever done. It was so exciting and required little physical effort.

Thank you all for your responses. I was pretty sure it would not be a problem but am happy to have it confirmed.

If you like hiking it is great place to do so, if you are a non hiker you can also enjoy Cappadocia without a hike, both cases some comfy shoes are always recommended :-)

Happy travels,

Murat