Hi all,

I know I saw some posting about the difference in these two but now can't find it.I thought I'd prefer to stay in goreme because it might be less touristy than urgrup but Frommers is reallly down on it. Suggestions?

We of course want an authentic small town without all the tourists (despite the fact we are tourists).. Will have a car so transport is not a problem.

Thank you all

We stayed at Esbelli Evi in Urgup for three nights and loved it. I didn't think the town was all that touristy. In fact we went to Goreme one day, had lunch there, and thought that it was far more "touristy" than Urgup.

What about Uchisar? We hiked to Goreme from there, so it can't be far.

Uchisar seems to have mostly French tourists. The menus were in Turkish and French. It was a very small town and, even in August, not crowded. Felt very authentic. We were able to see a couple of local celebrations. There were several restaurants and shops.

We stayed at one of the cave houses at Les Maisons de Cappadoce, which was incredible. http://www.cappadoce.com/

Thank you that is helping me narrow down where I want to stay. I have written Esbelli Evi, and am awaiting an answer. I also am considering Giramasu cave hotel in Ayvali. Any more thoughts would be appreciated. My other question Did you find 3 nights enough?

I couldnt help myself...STAY IN CAPPADOCIA AS LONG AS YOU CAN!!! There is absolutely nothing like it. The landscape alone will blow you away!

If I could have done it over again I would have skipped my side trip to the mediterranean and spent that time in Cappadocia.

Cappadoccia is also where I met the most wonderfully hospitable and kind Turkish people and learned the most Turkish (which I highly recommend. A little goes a long way.)

Anyway, to respond to your questions, I stayed overnight in all three towns: Goreme, Urgup and Ayvali.

I prefer Goreme to Urgup. Goreme is a little more bohemian, very groovy and laid back. A lot of the trail heads begin in Goreme if you like hiking. Also the outdoor cave museum is there, so it's very convenient. You can walk to it.

Urgup is a relatively bigger town with all the amenities. More restaurants, slightly more traffic.
If you like more of a bustling feel, that's your place.

Ayvali is very quiet and rustic. You might even say, desolate. The Giramasu Hotel is FANTASTIC. Very peaceful, very tasteful, incredibly beautiful, with caves for climbing on the premises. And, they will arrange anything you need there. The restaurant was quite good as well. If I could have stayed one place the entire time I was in Cappadocia, it would be Giramasu. As cliched as it sounds, it really is magical.

For all the hotels in the area, make sure you get views and that they dont have big "tourist groups" staying there when you're there.

Definitely rent a car and drive to all the small towns. Loved Uchisar too. We saw Les Maisons from the tower in town and it looked very nice from above. I think it had a pool, if I am not mistaken.

Have a blast!

Since you will be hiring a car transportation is really easy. Urgup, Goreme is just 7 km.s to Urgup.
If I may vote I will for Goreme...If you can at least keep your 3 nights for Cappadocia. New trend is now people are staying 5 to 7 days.
Happy Travelling

I highly recommend you Urgup rather than Goreme.
Urgup is larger and feel more confortable than goreme.
Cappadocia Palace Hotel at the ecnter of urgup.
[email protected] mail address.
was an old greek church in urgup.
warmly wellcome and all the time many tourists all over the world with budget rates.