Set on Turkey’s Red River, Avanos is a laid-back provincial town known for its artisan pottery, historic Greek-Ottoman houses and tranquil riverfront. Avanos is also a great base for exploring Cappadocia, a storied region home to rock-cut churches and soaring "fairy chimney" rock formations.
Things to do in Avanos
When mixed with white mud sourced from the nearby mountains, clay from the Red River is used to create the region's famous pottery. They're usually painted in gorgeous shades of brown, yellow and turquoise. For a hands-on glimpse at the industry, sign up for a pottery workshop.
The Guray Ceramic Museum offers a fascinating overview of the town's ancient pottery traditions. It's housed in a series of caves underneath the upscale Guray Ceramic showroom, which display a stunning collection of ceramic arts dating back to the Chalcolithic era.
Held on the banks of the Red River, the Avanos Market attracts vendors from across the Cappadocia region. It's held every Friday and is a fantastic place to pick up fresh fruit, local cheese, homemade pastries and colourful spices.
Sunrise hot-air balloon flights are Cappadocia's signature experience, offering a bird's-eye view of the otherworldly fairy chimneys and unique "moonscapes". You can also visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient rock-cut churches.
Getting around Avanos
Avanos is easy to get around on foot, with a scenic pedestrian bridge linking each side of the river. The town is also serviced by local "dolmus" minibuses, which run to nearby towns and cities. Mountain bikes are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the Cappadocia countryside.