The highest point in Cappadocia is not a built castle at all but a colossal outcrop of soft rock, riddled over centuries with tunnels, storerooms and dwellings until it became a natural fortress towering over the village of Uçhisar. A short but steep climb up carved steps brings you to a platform on top, and the reward is the single best panorama in the region: a 360-degree sweep over the valleys, the distant snow-capped cone of Mount Erciyes, and the cave hotels tumbling down the slopes below. It is especially magical at sunset, when the low light sets the whole landscape glowing, and on many mornings the balloons drift past almost at eye level. The climb is exposed and the top has low railings, so keep a firm hold on children. Go for sunset, wear grippy shoes, bring a windproof layer for the summit, and arrive early to claim a spot for the show.
Plan your trip with Seen