As part of its summer 2025 schedule, SunExpress is launching direct flights from London Stansted to Kayseri, a central Anatolian city often overshadowed by better-known names like Antalya or Istanbul. It’s the first time Kayseri has been connected directly to London Stansted — and while it may not yet be a household name, those in the know say it should be.
Among them is Selda Bayhan, a Senior Cabin Crew Member at SunExpress, who regularly flies to the region and thinks more Brits should have it on their radar.
“One under-the-radar gem that more people should really experience is Kayseri. It’s often overlooked in favour of nearby Cappadocia, but it has so much to offer — without the crowds,” she says.
Kayseri might not have the coastal buzz of Bodrum or the nightlife of Istanbul, but it offers something arguably more valuable — space, authenticity, and a front-row seat to some of Türkiye’s most unique landscapes.
The city itself sits beneath the dramatic peak of Mount Erciyes, a dormant volcano that becomes a ski resort in winter and a hiking spot in the warmer months. But for many visitors, the real draw is what lies just beyond the city: the dreamlike terrain of Cappadocia.
“You still get access to all the must-dos, like hot air balloon rides at sunrise and the magical landscapes of fairy chimneys and underground cities,” Selda says.
That means travellers can enjoy everything Cappadocia is famous for — from the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum to valleys carved into pink and red rock — but without having to fly through Istanbul or brave the busier, more touristic entry points.
The local food reflects the bold, spice-forward flavours of central Anatolia. Think buttery manti (mini dumplings served with yoghurt and chilli butter), pastirma (a cured beef speciality that’s the forerunner to pastrami), and syrup-soaked desserts that rival anything you’ll find in Istanbul’s most famous sweet shops.
There’s also the joy of exploring somewhere that isn’t catering to mass tourism. Instead of English-language menus and set tours, you’ll find local markets and quiet courtyards where tea is still served in tulip-shaped glasses — and you’re more likely to be joined by locals than tourists.
“Top it off with a visit to a traditional Turkish bath, and you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve experienced something truly authentic — and wonderfully Turkish,” Selda adds.
As Turkey continues to attract millions of visitors annually, destinations like Kayseri offer something increasingly hard to find: peace, value, and a sense of discovery.
There are no cruise ships here, no inflated menus, and no jostling crowds waiting for the perfect Instagram angle. What you do get is something quieter, more local, and surprisingly rich.
It’s also a smart choice for travellers who’ve already done the highlights: if you’ve wandered through the bazaars of Istanbul or sunbathed on the turquoise coast, Kayseri offers a very different experience — one grounded in tradition, history, and wide-open landscapes.