Why take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
Taking a hot air balloon ride is undoubtedly the best way to discover the magnificent region of Cappadocia: its high mountains, canyons, lavender fields and vineyards, lush valleys, rocky plateaus, and numerous historical sites.
A magical and peaceful mode of transport that allows you to (re)discover these unique landscapes from a new perspective: with a 360° panoramic view of the entire region, you can admire the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia from the clouds!
An unforgettable experience, not to be missed during a trip to Cappadocia.
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Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a region in central Anatolia, located in the heart of Turkey. It is famous for its history and numerous historical sites - but also for its lunar landscapes, fortresses, troglodyte houses, and rock-cut churches.
The region has been inhabited for over 10,000 years and has been occupied by many civilizations over the centuries. It was a Roman and Byzantine province and was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century. Governed by the Seljuks in the 11th century, it was later conquered by the Mongols in the 13th century. Cappadocia became an Ottoman province in the 16th century and remained under Ottoman rule until the end of World War I. It became a province of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
Cappadocia is also famous for its many caves, some of which have been transformed into rock-cut churches by early Christians. The region also boasts numerous fortresses, built by the various dynasties that occupied the area over the centuries.
Some caves have now been transformed into hotels and tourist accommodations.
It's an ideal destination for a hot air balloon flight, a very popular activity in the region that can be enjoyed year-round.
History of hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
The region of Cappadocia, known as the birthplace of hot air ballooning, witnessed the first hot air balloon flights over two centuries ago.
The Montgolfier brothers, inventors of the hot air balloon, conducted the first hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia, in 1783. They used a paper and silk balloon for their experiment. The flight lasted 10 minutes and went off without a hitch. The Montgolfier brothers subsequently conducted other hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia, including the first motorized hot air balloon flight.
In 1989, Robinson Lodge Hotel imported hot air balloons to advertise its establishment. Pilots Kaili Kidner and Lars-Eric More later partnered with the company Omer Tosun and founded the first commercial hot air balloon flight company.
The first World Air Games took place in 1997 in Cappadocia. But it was from the year 2000 that hot air ballooning truly began to expand.
Today, hot air balloon flights have become a very popular tourist activity in Cappadocia, with around 24 hot air balloon companies (boasting 165 balloons). Tourists can choose to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset. Flights generally last between 60 and 90 minutes.
The best places for a hot air balloon ride
The Cappadocia Valley is a volcanic region composed of numerous strange and colorful rock formations. The most popular places for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia are the valleys of Goreme, Ihlara, Uchisar, Avanos, Urgup, and Derinkuyu, as well as Lake Tuz.
These locations offer the best views of the region and it is possible to fly there all year round.
The Goreme Valley
Located in the heart of Cappadocia, the Goreme Valley is a stunning place, with spectacular landscapes of eroded rocks shaped like "fairy chimneys," these unique geological formations give the impression of being on another planet.
The Goreme National Park is ideal for hiking, its trails are well-maintained and there are many viewpoints. The park also houses several caves inhabited by hermit monks in the Middle Ages. These caves have been transformed into monasteries and are now open to the public.
The valley is also known for its rock wall paintings.
It is one of the most popular places for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.
The Goreme Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ihlara Valley
The Ihlara Valley is an ancient underground river carved by the powerful waters of the former Tuz Gölü Lake (Salt Lake). This river formed a 14 km long valley in the soft limestone. The limestone has been sculpted by time, weather, and river waters, giving rise to numerous caves.
The first caves were carved in the 4th century, but the largest date from the 10th and 11th centuries.
The Ihlara Valley was an important pilgrimage site for followers of the ancient Christian religion, housing many monasteries and troglodyte churches.
It is accessible from the town of Goreme via a small mountain road.
The Ihlara Valley is now a very popular hiking spot, with many restaurants and accommodations.
The Uchisar Valley
The Uchisar Valley - also known as the valley of rock castles - is one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. It is located east of the town of Uchisar and is surrounded by the Güllüdere mountains. It is known for its numerous caves, rock castles, and crater lakes.
It is accessible via the road that passes through the Güllüdere mountains.
The Urgup Valley
The village of Urgup is located about 80 km south of Kayseri and about 400 km east of Ankara. It is built on the slopes of a rocky hill and surrounded by cultivated fields. The village streets are narrow and winding, and the houses - built of stone and adobe - often have terrace roofs.
It is the starting point for hikes in the Cappadocia National Park.
The Urgup Valley is surrounded by mountains and rocky plateaus and is known for its numerous caves and troglodyte castles, which are testimonies of the lifestyle of the region's inhabitants several centuries ago. The caves were used as shelters, cellars, or places of worship. The troglodyte castles were fortresses built into the rocks to protect against invaders.
The valley is also known for its many rock churches (caves converted into churches and painted inside): the most famous are the Church of Saint John and the Church of Saint Basil.
The Avanos Valley
The Avanos Valley stretches along the Kızılırmak River, between the towns of Cappadocia and Nevşehir, not far from the Göreme mountain.
It has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and its history has been marked by many civilizations. The remains of the Hittite Empire are still visible in the valley, and the region was occupied by the Persians, Greeks, and Romans.
The valley is famous for its pottery production; the valley's soil is rich in red clay, making it an ideal material for pottery making. The pottery tradition in the valley dates back over 4000 years; artisans use traditional methods to craft their products.
Many pottery workshops are open to the public, and it is possible to take pottery classes in some of them.
The Avanos Valley is also famous for its natural hot springs; there are several hotels and spas in the valley where visitors can enjoy relaxing hot baths.
The Derinkuyu Valley
The Derinkuyu valley is hidden from view in a canyon in the Cappadocia region and is home to several levels of underground houses, caves, and tunnels that stretch for several kilometers.
Derinkuyu is the largest and most well-known of Cappadocia's underground cities. It was capable of housing an entire population, with estimates suggesting it could accommodate between 10,000 and 20,000 people.
The underground houses - connected by tunnels and staircases - were equipped with rooms, kitchens, toilets, and baths, each fitted with water cisterns, ventilation windows, and doors that could be blocked. There were also stables, granaries, and vaults. Inhabitants could descend up to eight levels in case of an attack and also had access to a network of tunnels connecting them to other underground cities.
It is believed to have been built in the 8th or 9th century BC and was rediscovered in 1963 by a farmer who found the entrance to a shaft while digging a well.
Lake Tuz
Lake Tuz is a large salt lake located between the cities of Nevsehir and Konya, a few kilometers east of the capital Ankara. Surrounded by marshes, it offers a magnificent view of the Cappadocian desert and is famous for its pink flamingos.
It is the second largest lake in Turkey after Lake Van and the largest salt lake in the country. It is a major source of water for agriculture and industry in Turkey.
Tickets for a Cappadocia hot air balloon tour
There are many companies offering hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia, with excursion prices varying according to the season and options (breakfast, champagne, etc.). Expect to pay on average between €130 and €250 for an adult and €125 to €150 for a child.
Compare and get the best price by purchasing your hot air balloon flight tickets in Cappadocia from one of our partners:
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Be aware that spots fill up quickly! It is therefore highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, online.
Hot air balloons generally take off at dawn (between 5:30 am and 6:30 am), and transportation from the hotel to the take-off site is often included in the ticket price.
The best times of the year to fly
Cappadocia is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but some periods are better than others for a hot air balloon ride.
The best seasons to avoid the crowds and get the best prices are spring and autumn; temperatures are also pleasant and weather conditions generally stable.
In winter, it can be very cold in Cappadocia and there is often snow - this can make hot air balloon flights difficult and dangerous. Additionally, roads are sometimes icy, making it challenging to travel around the region.
Conversely, it can be very (too) hot in summer, and the flight price is generally higher during this season!
Our tips for a successful flight
To make the most of your hot air balloon flight:
- Book your flight in advance: as spots are limited, popular flights can be fully booked several days or weeks in advance - so it's important to book your hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia ahead of time.
- Choose the right time to fly: the best time for a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia is in the morning, at sunrise, or in the evening, at sunset. Indeed, at these times, there is little wind and temperatures are generally pleasant.
- Check the weather conditions before booking your flight.
- Make sure to choose your hot air balloon company wisely: consider reading reviews and comparing prices.
- Plan for comfortable attire: opt for shoes and clothing that are warm and comfortable enough.
- Bring water and snacks: as the air is dry and warm, it's important to stay hydrated during the flight.
- Follow your pilot's instructions during the flight and adhere to safety guidelines.
- Admire the scenery: finally, enjoy the calm and tranquility of a hot air balloon flight...
Getting to Cappadocia
The Cappadocia region is located in the center of Turkey, about 350 km from its capital, Ankara, and 800 km from Istanbul.
To get there, 3 options:
- Plane: you can take a flight to Ankara or Kayseri airport, then a bus to the city of Nevsehir, or choose a direct flight from Istanbul or Ankara to Nevsehir airport.
- Bus: there are direct lines from Istanbul and Ankara. The journey is long, but the fares are reasonable.
- Train: it is also possible to reach Cappadocia by train, with direct lines from Istanbul and Ankara. The journey is a bit longer than by bus, but it's a more comfortable option.