What comes to mind when you think of Cappadocia? Hundreds of colorful balloons floating in the sky, getting lost among the fairy chimneys, or perhaps staying in cave hotels... All wonderful, yes. But how about touching the soul of this fairytale geography with your own hands? If you want to collect unforgettable memories during your Cappadocia trip and are preparing a list of things to do in Avanos, you are in the right place. We invite you to an adventure where earth, water, and fire turn into art.

Avanos is not just a stop in Cappadocia, but an experience center in itself. And at the heart of this experience lies the art of pottery, which has been kneaded with the abundance of the Kızılırmak River for thousands of years. If you're ready, let's roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and start discovering the secrets of Avanos!

Watch the masters make pottery from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River

One of the first things that will greet you when you step into Avanos are the small and large pottery workshops you'll see on every corner. These workshops, or işlik / çanakhane as the locals call them, will take you on a journey through time. When you enter these places, which are usually carved into rocks and are dim and cool, the unique smell of the earth immediately surrounds you.   

You should know that this is no ordinary soil. The secret that makes Avanos the capital of pottery is the famous soft and oily clay soil obtained from the old beds of the Kızılırmak River, which flows right through the middle, and the surrounding mountains. This tradition has been going on since the Hittites, for thousands of years. This handicraft has been passed down from nation to nation, from father to son, to the present day.   

Sit quietly next to a potter's wheel and watch the master's hands. It's almost like magic to see how that shapeless pile of mud turns into an elegant jug, a casserole dish, or a vase with the master's skillful touches. This is not just a craft, but the very identity of the town. It is even thought that the origin of the name Avanos comes from the word Evani-öz, meaning town that makes pots and pans.   

Sit at the potter's wheel and try to make your own masterpiece

You've watched the masters with admiration, now it's your turn to get behind that clay! Almost every workshop in Avanos offers visitors the opportunity to have this unique experience. The real adventure begins when the masters sit you down at the wheel, called a çark, which is turned by foot, and place a piece of clay in front of you.

Don't worry, you're not alone. A master stands by your side, guiding you: patiently explaining how to hold your hands, how much pressure to apply to the clay, and how to raise and shape it. Although it feels a bit clumsy at first, it's an incredible pleasure to feel the spinning clay take shape between your hands within a few minutes. This is like therapy in today's fast-paced world; you cleanse yourself of all stress and focus only on that moment.   

So, what will happen to that little bowl or crooked vase you made with great enthusiasm? Since the firing and drying processes take at least 20 days, your work is usually not fired in the workshop. But don't be sad! The masters carefully pack your creation and give it to you as an unforgettable memory of that day. The best part of this souvenir is not having a perfect pot, but that it will always remind you of the creation process itself, the unique pleasure of touching the earth. This artistic break in Avanos will add a whole new dimension to your Cappadocia trip. For other cultural stops in the region, you can also check out our Things to Do in Nevşehirarticle.

Walk on Avanos's famous suspension bridge (Sallanan Köprü)

If we've finished our contact with the earth, how about rising a little off the ground and swaying over the Kızılırmak River? When you leave the pottery workshops and walk towards the riverbank, another symbol of Avanos will greet you: the famous Suspension Bridge, or as everyone knows it, the Swinging Bridge (Sallanan Köprü).

This 180-meter-long wooden bridge, built in 1973 for pedestrian use only, connects the two sides of Avanos. The point of the bridge is not just to cross to the other side, but the walk itself. The wooden floor that gently sways under you as you take your steps promises both a little adrenaline and a lot of laughter. It's especially enjoyable to stop in the middle of the bridge and watch the surroundings.   

The Kızılırmak flowing calmly below, the geese and ducks gliding on the water, the people sitting in the cafes by the river... The view is truly peaceful. This bridge is much more than a means of transportation; it's a meeting point, a viewing terrace, and a place where the heart of Avanos's social life beats. If you want to discover other beauties of Nevşehir after this pleasant atmosphere of Avanos, our list of Must-See Places in Nevşehir is just for you.

While You're Here, See These Places Too

If you still have energy after these wonderful experiences in Avanos, there are magnificent places you can reach in just a few minutes by car.

Paşabağ Valley (Monks Valley): One of the most photogenic places in Cappadocia. This is the place where you can see the hatted fairy chimneys most clearly. You will find yourself in history while looking for the room where St. Simeon retreated into seclusion.   

Zelve Open Air Museum: Imagine an abandoned rock village where people once lived, with its churches and monasteries. Zelve, with its structure consisting of three valleys, will show you the most authentic face of Cappadocia.   

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Let your imagination run free as you walk here! The interesting shapes the rocks have taken, especially the famous camel-like fairy chimney, will surprise you.   

Bibliography

Nevşehir Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (n.d.). Nevşehir - Socio-Cultural Structure. https://nevsehir.csb.gov.tr/nev-sharp351-ehir---sosyo-kulturel-yap-sharp305-i-1913

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is the best time to go to Avanos? Although Avanos is beautiful in every season, the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller, are the most ideal times to visit.   

2. Is it necessary to make a reservation for pottery workshops in advance? It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you are going on a weekend or during holiday periods. Many workshops accept online or phone reservations.   

3. What is Avanos famous for besides pottery? In addition to its pottery, Avanos is also known for its delicious food. Don't leave without trying the famous Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab), which is unique to the region!.