When you think of Cappadocia, what's the first image that comes to mind? Probably hundreds of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky at sunrise, right? While that view is truly magical, the soul of Cappadocia is more than just balloons. If you want to descend into the heart of this fairy-tale land, listen to its most touching stories, and taste its most special flavors, you're in the right place. We've prepared our list of Things to Do in Ürgüp and at the Three Beautiesjust for you.

This article isn't just a guide; it's designed to make you feel like you have a friend by your side who knows the region like the back of their hand. If you're ready to get lost in the stone streets of Ürgüp, listen to legends, and sip wines gifted by the volcanic soil, our adventure begins!

Take a Photo at the Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys, the Symbol of Cappadocia

When you set foot in Cappadocia, there's a place that greets you first, a place that has become the region's signature: The Three Beauties. This is Cappadocia's most famous postcard, welcoming you just 5 km from Ürgüp on the road to Nevşehir. Visited by approximately 2 million tourists each year, it is one of the most photographed spots in the region. It's so iconic that it was even featured on the old 50 TL banknotes.

The most distinct feature that sets these three fairy chimneys apart is the rock blocks on their tops, known as caps. This natural wonder, formed over millions of years by wind and floodwaters eroding the tuffaceous land, consists of two large and one small fairy chimney, resembling a family. That's why this place is not just a geological formation but also Cappadocia's window to the world, a cultural symbol.

Of course, these stones also have a story to tell. When you look at these silent witnesses, you'll see not only the work of wind and time but also a heartbreaking legend. According to the tale, the beautiful daughter of the King of Cappadocia falls in love with a poor shepherd. The king vehemently opposes this love, but the princess follows her heart, secretly marries the shepherd, and they have a child.

Years later, they set out hoping to ask for the king's forgiveness, but his anger has not subsided. Realizing that the king's soldiers are about to capture them, the desperate princess prays to God to stay together forever rather than be separated from her family: Either turn us into birds or turn us into stone!. Her prayer is answered, and the three of them are turned to stone at that very moment. It is believed that the fairy chimney in the front is the shepherd, the one behind is the princess, and the one in the middle is their child.

Knowing this sad story while looking at the Three Beauties will elevate your experience to a whole new level. We have a few tips for capturing the perfect photo. From the specially built viewing terrace, you can take fantastic pictures with the magnificent Mount Erciyes in the background. Especially during sunset, when the sky turns crimson, this place becomes a riot of colors—don't miss it! The best news is that there is no entrance fee to watch this unique view.

Stroll Through Ürgüp's Charming Center and See Asmalı Konak

After the magic of the Three Beauties, we turn our route to the charming center of Ürgüp, the heart of the region. Let yourself go in the embrace of stone mansions, narrow streets, and an authentic atmosphere that takes you back in time. While wandering the streets of Ürgüp, you'll feel as if you're on a film set where the past and present are intertwined.

One of the must-visit places in the center is Cappadocia Art and Culture Center. Named after the fact that people used to come here to make wishes, this hill offers a panoramic view of all of Ürgüp and extends to Mount Erciyes from a height of 80 meters. You can visit the historic tombs on the hill and enjoy the view with a cup of tea.

And of course, the famous structure that comes to mind when you say Ürgüp: Asmalı Konak. This mansion, which became famous throughout Turkey thanks to the TV series broadcast in the early 2000s, has become one of Ürgüp's most popular visitor spots. This magnificent 180-year-old stone building with 42 rooms showcases one of the finest examples of Cappadocian architecture.

Now, let us tell you a secret that most travelers don't know: there are actually two Asmalı Konaks! Yes, you heard that right. The place you need to go to take a photo in front of the famous monument from the series and visit the museum is the mansion located in the center of Ürgüp. However, the mansion where the first episodes of the series were filmed, where you can breathe in that more authentic atmosphere, is located in the village of Mustafapaşa, 5 km from Ürgüp, and now serves as a hotel and restaurant called the Old Greek House. So, you can kill two birds with one stone: visit the museum in Ürgüp to refresh your memories, and then head to Mustafapaşa for a delicious meal where the series began. A very small entrance fee is required to visit the mansion in the center of Ürgüp.

Visit a Local Winery to Taste the Region's Unique Wines

The final stop to crown your Ürgüp trip will appeal to your senses: the local wineries. Cappadocia's winemaking history dates back thousands of years to the Hittite period. The volcanic, tuffaceous soil that makes the region so special has not only created the fairy chimneys but has also given the grapes a unique, mineral-rich character.

When you drink a glass of wine in Cappadocia, you are actually tasting the lava that Mount Erciyes spewed millions of years ago, the taste of that unique geography. The star of this region is undoubtedly the white grape variety Emir, which grows only here. Don't leave Cappadocia without trying the wines made from the Emir grape, with its distinctive aroma and cool, refreshing taste.

Ürgüp is home to some of the region's oldest and most famous wine producers. Visiting the rock-carved cellars of brands like Turasan and Kocabağ is an experience in itself. The cool, dim atmosphere of these cellars provides the perfect natural conditions for aging wine. These places are not just points of sale, but also cultural stops where you learn about the journey of wine from grape to glass, taste different varieties, and discover the one that best suits your palate.

When you participate in a wine tasting, experts will tell you about the characteristics of the grapes and the production processes, and they will usually serve them with local cheeses. This experience will add a delicious and unforgettable memory to your Cappadocia trip. You can embark on this unique flavor journey by visiting Cappadocia wineries. Remember, a sip of wine in this volcanic land tells a story thousands of years old.

While You're Here…

If you still have energy after enjoying Ürgüp, there are wonderful places to explore nearby. You can stop by Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), just a few minutes' drive away, and let your imagination run wild among the interesting fairy chimney formations that resemble camels and rabbits.

For a different experience, you can turn your route to Avanos, the center of pottery on the banks of the Kızılırmak River. Here, you can participate in a pottery workshop and try making your own creation, or take a walk on the suspension bridge. If you are interested in history and art, the

Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its rock-carved churches, is another must-see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the Three Beauties and when is the best time to go? No, visiting the Three Beauties fairy chimneys and the viewing terrace is completely free. We highly recommend going at sunrise or sunset for the most impressive and photogenic views.

How many days should I set aside to visit Ürgüp and its surroundings? One full day may be enough to see just the center of Ürgüp, Asmalı Konak, and the Three Beauties. However, to fully experience the spirit of Cappadocia, explore the valleys, and visit neighboring towns like Göreme and Avanos, it is ideal to plan for at least 2-3 days.

What is the best season to visit Cappadocia? Although Cappadocia has a unique beauty in every season, the most ideal times are Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October), when the weather is not oppressively hot and you can comfortably hike in the valleys.

Bibliography For more official information and current developments in the region, you can visit the official website of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism Cappadocia Alan Presidency (https://kapadokyaalan.ktb.gov.tr/)