Cappadocia, a large, semi-arid region deep in the heart of Turkey, is renowned for its otherworldly topography.

Years of erosion have carved the rocky landscape into a sea of spikes, pillars and minarets. To make this fantastical destination even more intriguing, the region’s early inhabitants carved out its stony monoliths to form churches, monasteries and homes.

The most visited of these is Goreme Open Air Museum (a UNESCO world heritage site) encompassing some 30 rock-hewn churches and chapels, some with frescos dating back as far as the ninth century AD.

The area is also a popular trekking and hot-air ballooning location due to its splendid and fantastical scenery. Make sure to climb up to Uchisar, a rock castle at the highest point in the landscape, offering phenomenal panoramic views.