Bringing home a piece of Cappadocia is a wonderful way to cherish your memories.
The region is known for its handicrafts and local products, so you’ll find plenty of unique souvenirs.
In Cappadocia, the popular places to shop are clustered in Göreme town center, Ürgüp town, and Avanos.
Here are some top picks for what to buy in Cappadocia (and where to find them):
Handmade Pottery from Avanos
Cappadocia’s rich pottery tradition is centered in Avanos by the Red River. For millennia, Avanos potters have been shaping the local red clay into beautiful ceramics.
You can buy gorgeous pottery dishes, mugs, vases, and the famous clay testi (pot used for pottery kebab) as souvenirs.
Many shops will demonstrate the potter’s wheel and even let you try throwing a pot.
These pottery kitchen utensils and decor pieces make meaningful gifts – practical and rooted in local culture.
Prices vary by size and detail, from small painted plates at ₺100 to elaborate wine jugs for several hundred lira. Be sure to have them wrap your ceramics well for travel.
Star: Book this Shopping Tour to the best of Cappadocia and explore all the four most famous spots that are not to be missed.
Turkish Carpets and Kilims
If you’re looking for a big-ticket item, Cappadocia is a great place to buy a Turkish carpet or kilim (flat-woven rug).
The region has many carpet shops showcasing handwoven rugs around Turkey, including Cappadocian and Persian designs.
Carpets are adorned with traditional Anatolian motifs and often dyed with natural colors.
Buying a rug can be an experience – expect to sit down for tea while the shopkeeper unfurls numerous dazzling rugs for you. Small kilim pillow covers or mini-rugs can be affordable at just ₺300-₺600 ($8-$15), whereas large silk carpets can cost thousands.
A reputable shop will provide a certificate of authenticity and can ship your rug abroad.
Even if you don’t buy, it’s wonderful to appreciate the craftsmanship up close.
Onyx and Local Stone Crafts
Cappadocia has deposits of onyx and other stones. You’ll see shops selling all kinds of onyx souvenirs – from chess sets to eggs, jewelry, and decorative objects.
The black-and-white swirled Cappadocian onyx is quite pretty. Small onyx trinkets like a carved fairy chimney or evil eye talisman make nice low-cost gifts costing only ₺50-₺100 ($1.3-$2.6).
Artisans also make jewelry featuring local turquoise or Zultanite stones.
If you fancy gemstones, you might find unique rings or earrings in the boutiques of Göreme or Ürgüp.
Fairy Chimney Figurines & Magnet Kitschy Fun
Pick up a miniature fairy chimney for something quintessentially Cappadocia and light on the wallet.
These can be found in painted clay models, salt and pepper shakers, candle holders, and more.
Sure, they’re a bit cheesy, but they represent Cappadocia’s landscape and look cute on a shelf.
Likewise, classic souvenirs are everywhere: postcards, keychains, and magnets depicting hot air balloons and fairy chimneys.
Magnets are often shaped like balloons or pottery pots and cost only a few lira each.
In many gift shops, you’ll see whole sets of Cappadocia-themed trinkets; feel free to bargain a little if you buy several.
Textiles and Lace
In local markets, you might find women selling handmade lacework, doilies, or doll dresses.
These are part of Turkish home craft traditions. Also, colorful headscarves with decorative edging (called oya) can be both a cultural souvenir and a usable accessory. They are usually inexpensive (₺50-₺80).
Local Delicacies
Don’t forget the flavors of Cappadocia! Some edible souvenirs to consider:
Dried apricots (from the nearby Malatya region), roasted and salted pumpkin seeds (Nevşehir is known for its big pumpkins and tasty seeds—great for snacking), grape molasses (pekmez), a natural sweet syrup made from local grapes, and, of course, Turkish delight and saffron tea, which you can find in Cappadocia’s shops.
A bottle of Cappadocian wine from Turasan or Kocabağ winery also makes a nice gift for wine-loving friends back home – pack it securely.
Avanos pottery workshops
The Avanos pottery workshops are a must-visit for pottery lovers.
Don’t be shy to chat with the shop owners; they are usually proud of their products and happy to explain how things are made (especially true in family-run pottery or carpet places).
Bargaining is common in souvenir shops, but do it politely – maybe aim for 10-15% off if you’re buying multiple items or an expensive piece.
Finally, remember to save some room in your luggage! Those fairy chimney statues and clay pots, while not heavy, do take up space.
Many visitors buy extra suitcases (yes, they sell those too) to get all their Cappadocian treasures home.
Happy shopping, and may the souvenirs you choose always remind you of your magical time in Cappadocia.
