Wandering through the hills of Uçhisar ⛰️🐈

Cappadocia honestly looks like another planet. Everywhere you turn, there are quiet valleys, cave houses carved into rock, and views that stretch for miles. We spent a full day exploring #uchisarcastle and around it. The castle itself sits right on top of a huge hill, and getting there is definitely a workout 😅. Every street feels like it's tilted and you'll be out of breath before you even reach the top (we had to take a break almost every 10 minutes 😂). But once you do reach the peak, the view makes it worth it. I think what really makes the town special though are all the small family-run shops tucked along the slopes. Almost every corner had something unique - handmade pottery 🏺, onyx jewellery 💍, Turkish lamps, coffee and tea cups, scarves, and little souvenir stalls run by families. Some even invite you in for tea ☕ while you browse the shop, which makes it feel more like visiting neighbors than shopping. Not many know English though, so you might need a few gestures and smiles to communicate! After wandering up and down the hills (so many hills 🥵), we stopped for gözleme 🫓 and more tea at a café overlooking the valley. Lots of aesthetic picture-worthy areas, and not nearly as busy or crowded as Istanbul. We walked for about 15 minutes past the main 'center' area and found quiet stone houses with gardens, terraces, and carved cave homes still in use. Life there felt peaceful, simple, and so different from those of us used to the cities. No rush or loud noises. It felt like entering a different world. Some tips if you're visiting: 🏰 Castle entry: Around 200 Turkish lira. 👟 Bring: Comfy shoes and water! It's very hilly, uneven, and HOT. ☕ Cafés: The terrace spots have the best valley views. 🛍 Shops: Great handmade souvenirs, but bring cash as not many accept card. There are ATMs near the 'center' where the hotels are, but be careful that you're using a legitimate one. 🚗 Getting there: Short drive or bus from Nevşehir (about 15-20 mins). Only an hour and 20 mins away by plane from Istanbul ✈️. #uchisar #cappadocia #turkey #travel #couplestrip #naturalwonders #thingstodo #myitinerary #familytravel