Avanos is Cappadocia's pottery town, and it wears that identity without apology. The Kizilirmak — the Red River — runs right through it, depositing the red clay that potters here have been working for thousands of years. The colour of the river tells you everything about the place.
The main street is lined with workshops and showrooms, and it's worth slowing down to watch the potters at the kick wheel — a design that has barely changed in centuries. Most shops will happily let you have a go yourself, with the predictably messy results. It's one of those rare tourist activities that's actually fun rather than just something to tick off.
Beyond the pottery, Avanos is a practical and pleasant base for exploring Cappadocia. It has more accommodation and everyday services than the smaller villages, and rates tend to be reasonable. The Caravanserai — a restored Ottoman han that once served travelling merchants — is worth a look. Nearby, the Ozkanak Underground City is smaller and less visited than the famous examples at Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, which makes it considerably more atmospheric.