Cappadocia has some of the best sunset and sunrise spots in Turkey. But how do you know which ones to visit and when? We’ve created a guide with our top six spots and when best to hit them, at sunset or sunrise. Check out our drawjopping viewpoints below!
While in Cappadoccia, make sure you secure a spot in the Red Tour!
LOVER’S HILL SUNSET POINT IN CAPPADOCIA (ASIKLAR TEPESI)
There are a few great sunset points in Cappadocia, but no place is quite as popular as Lover’s Hill in Goreme Town. Locals call it Asiklar Tepesi or ‘Sunset Point,’ which is a sure sign that this is the place to visit for sunset.
We actually love it for sunrise too. When the pastel colors blast the sky for the most beautiful morning, it’s a true delight and the best kind of wake-up call.
How to Get to Lover’s Hill?
While Lover’s Hill is easy to access, it can be pretty hard to find as it’s often confused with the Red Valley. However, you can walk to Lover’s Hill in just a few minutes from Goreme Town. The road is short but quite steep, but the view gives you one of the best panoramic views over the Red and Rose Valley.
If you want to experience something exceptional, then head to this spot early doors for a sunrise. Sometimes you can be higher than the hot air balloons that scatter the sky, and it has an incredible view up towards Uchisar Castle. It’s one of the best Cappadocia sunset and sunrise spots.
The Red Valley (Kizilcukur)
The Red Valley offers one of the most vibrant sunset spots over Cappadocia. The way the red sky illuminates against the landscape is truly remarkable. While we think it’s one of the best Cappadocia sunset and sunrise spots, it’s always our top destination for a sunset!
How to Get to the Red Valley?
The Red Valley is around 15 minutes driving from Goreme town, and it’s possible to go straight to the sunset point if you don’t want to do any hiking. However, if you’re going to pair some activity with your view, it’s possible to do the Rose and Red Valley hike. It’s a great route and lasts around 3km as a circular route. The views are beautiful and incredibly scenic!
Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a cultural experience before your sunset, we’d suggest checking out the Goreme Open-Air Museum. It’s along the way if you’re driving from Goreme town and features some of the most beautifully painted cave churches in the valley! It’s one of the more expensive attractions, but we think it’s worth it if you’re looking for some cultural infusion just before sunset time.
Uchisar Castle in Uchisar
Uchisar is a small town in the mountains of Cappadocia. It’s only a short drive or trek from the nearby town of Goreme but has one of the most beautiful viewpoints! Our favorite spot is the Uchisar Castle viewpoint. We had one of our most favorite sunsets here. We really felt like kings and queens!
How to Get to Uchisar Castle
Have you thought about hiking from Goreme to get to Uchisar town? It’s around 3km. It’s one of the most scenic routes as you trek through the Love Valley. It will take about 1-1.5 hours to reach Uchisar castle. You can find an excellent guide here.
What to Know about Uchisar
Uchisar town itself is pretty fancy. You’ll find lots of delicious-looking cafes and restaurants perched within the rocks. It’s an excellent spot for a post-hike sweet treat before wandering to the castle for the grand finale sunset.
You have to climb another 100 steps once in the castle, but it’s worth it for one of the most stunning 360-degree views of Cappadocia. Looking down, the sky is littered with fairytale chimneys. Locals also call it Pigeon Valley as the balconies look like pigeon holes from such a long distance! You won’t be disappointed with this view!
Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia
Hot air balloon rides attract more than half a million people to Cappadocia every year. So it’s not surprising that this is one of the best Cappadocia sunset and sunrise spots!
One important thing to note is that the balloons don’t fly every day, and it’s very much dependent on weather conditions. So you’re always best booking this in advance when you can be based on what day looks best.
How to Book a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia?
If you’re looking to get a good deal, we’d suggest booking in advance instead of upon arrival to Cappadocia. However, you might also find yourself on a long list of backlogged flyers if the weather has delayed travelers from flying for a few days beforehand. This is because typically if your flight gets canceled, they’ll just bump it to the next day, so spots fill quickly!
Good to Know about Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia
You only really fly for sunrise. It’s an early wake-up call at 4:30am, but with a sip of coffee, we were good to go when experiencing this! We love how the sun lazily breaks over the Cappadocia region, perfectly highlighting the unique rock formations that decorate the Love Valley.
The flight is around 60 minutes, and most end with a champagne toast and breakfast snacks. We can’t think of a better way to welcome the day!
Try Hotel and Restaurant Rooftops!
Have you thought about enjoying the sunrise or sunset from a rooftop in Cappadocia? It really is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the best Cappadocia sunrise and sunset spots without the strenuous efforts of hiking with the crowds. You can check out our top three rooftop spots that are all within walking distance of Goreme town:
Haruna Restaurant
If you’re looking for a spot to spoil yourself, then Haruna restaurant is the best destination! It’s one of the most romantic locations.
The terrace is decorated with hanging lanterns, open fire pits, and deep red furnishings. The menu is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s one of the few spots we’d suggest you can enjoy equally during sunrise and sunset.
The food is made from farm-fresh seasonal ingredients with local recipes and paired with an extensive drinks menu. It truly is a place to spoil yourself!
Mithra Terrace
Decorated with traditional plush cushions and warm furnishings, Mirthra encapsulates the warm sky at sunrise! It’s a great budget-friendly option compared to other rooftops in Cappadocia but doesn’t skimp on flavor food-wise!
Credits: @Sharonyws
Mithra offers an open buffet breakfast which is very popular. We’d suggest calling ahead to book if you want to enjoy this local hotspot during the day’s first morning light.
Doors of Cappadocia
Set in the heart of Goreme, this rooftop pool restaurant is one of our favorite spots for pairing a sunrise with delicious local cuisine! You know a place is good when even the locals venture here for breakfast, and you won’t be disappointed with this spot. We especially love the view you get in the morning with all the balloons decorating the skies.
Credits: DoorsOfCappadocia.com
Rose Valley
Rose Valley is a very unique and special area in Cappadocia. The sharp mountain ridges literally turn a tinted shade of pink, making it one of the best Cappadocia sunset and sunrise spots!
How to Get to Rose Valley?
It’s around 15 minutes driving from Goreme town, and it’s possible to access the viewpoint without any hiking. The rock formations are truly out-of-this-world. We can’t think of any other destination quite like this, it’s certainly extraordinary! The way the sun captures the sharp ridges, especially during sunset giving its famous pink hue, is stunning.
The most unique about Rose Valley is its pink hue that already exists due to the minerals in the rocks. When the sun sets over this, the result is an even more vibrant shade of deep pink, which gives the valley its famous name. It’s one of the most beautiful sceneries we’ve ever seen! We could have stayed at that viewpoint for hours.
Where to Stay in Goreme / Cappadocia?
Sultan Cave Suites (Luxurious)
Perched at the top of the Aydinli Hill, Sultan Cave Suites offers some luxurious style stays inside its stunning cave rooms. Most Suites come with a private terrace or balcony to enjoy the cooler evening air and, if you’re lucky, a view out over Goreme town.
This hotel is most famous for having one of the best Cappadocia sunrise and sunsets spots on its rooftop. It’s decorated with traditional pillows and cushions for you to lay on and look up into the balloon-littered sky. Prices range from 250+euro per night, so it’s definitely a treat you’ll be budgeting for!
Design Cave Suites (Mid Range)
One of the best cave hotels is the Design Cave Suites in Cappadocia. It feels like a museum hotel here. The suites are quite literally built into the caves of the mountain!
It’s got a beautiful rooftop garden where you can enjoy breakfast each morning- it’s even great for sunrise if you’re up early enough! Prices range from 150-200euro per night. Expect it to get a little higher during the high season.
Cappadocia Balloon Boutique Hotel (Budget)
If you’re looking for accommodation close by to the best Cappadocia sunset and sunrise points without breaking the bank, then Cappadocia Balloon Boutique Hotel is a great option!
It’s set slightly out of town and a national park but is still walkable to all the Goreme hotspots within 2km. The hotel comes with a small terrace to enjoy panoramic views. Prices start from 50euro per night.
Final Thoughts about Cappadocia Sunset and Sunrise Spots
Now you’ve been given the down-low into the best Cappadocia sunset and sunrise spots to visit, and when it’s time to get planning with that itinerary! With beautiful places to enjoy early in the morning and late into the night, you’ll never want to sleep on this Cappadocia getaway!
