Kayseri

This ancient Turkish city lies on the eastern edge of Cappadocia and is the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of this fascinating region. Kayseri’s historic Citadel, mosques and huge stone buildings reveal much of its past as a strategic point on the famous silk road trade route.

But many visitors fly into Kayseri to access the Erciyes mountain. Known as one of the best ski resorts in Turkey, it’s just a 30-minute drive from the airport. At a height of over 3000m and almost always covered in snow, Erciyes lies on the highest volcanic mountain in Anatolia. It’s a popular location for sports in winter and serves as a cooler escape in the hot summer months.

The whole area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy a host of activities from hiking in the stunning Göreme National Park, to paragliding in Mount Ali and water rafting on the Zamantı River. Thanks to its unique geological, historic and cultural highlights, Cappadocia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking for somewhere new to visit.