Cappadocia hot air balloons? Explore the sensational attraction that captivates visitors in Cappadocia, and it’s not just about the breathtaking panoramas! In 2018, hot air balloons won the hearts of over 500,000 adventurers. Indeed, half a million people flew over Cappadocia in a balloon!
This extraordinary experience offers breathtaking views of the Cappadocian sky, dotted with multicoloured hot air balloons, especially at sunrise. This unique and fascinating show will not fail to leave a lasting impression.
The experience will cost you between €149 and €300+. The price differences are often explained by the different services offered. This is especially correlated to the number of passengers on board the hot air balloon. A larger number of participants makes the price more affordable. At the same time, it can also mean that there won’t be room in the basket for everyone. It is therefore advisable to study the different options to find the one that best fits the budget and preferences of each.
However, it should be noted that the show observed from the ground can be just as impressive.
How to get to Cappadocia?
A remote region
It is true that Cappadocia is a relatively isolated region, which can make public transportation limited and tiring. Bus rides can be exhausting, while plane tickets can be expensive. However, it is important to note that Cappadocia is well worth the trip and that several transportation options are available to you.
You can consider renting a car or taking a guided tour to facilitate your travels. These options will allow you to discover the wonders of the region at your own pace and to fully enjoy your stay.
By bus
If you choose to go to Cappadocia by bus, know that most bus companies offer connections to Nevsehir or Göreme. The journey from Istanbul or Izmir takes about 12 hours, while from Ankara, it takes about 5 hours.
Although bus travel can be long and tiring, it can be a cost-effective option for budget travellers. Make sure to book in advance. You would avoid surprises and get ready to enjoy the area’s beauty upon arrival.
By plane
The fastest, although most expensive, way to get to Cappadocia is by plane. You can book flights to two main airports:
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). It is located about an hour away from the centre of the region. It is easy to arrange a shuttle between Kayseri Airport and Cappadocia.
- Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). It is located in the city of Gülsehir in the province of Nevsehir.
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights between Istanbul and Nevsehir twice a day.
From Istanbul
If you are in Istanbul and you want to discover Cappadocia, you can consider an all-inclusive package, including bus or plane transportation, one night stay and a hot air balloon ride.
This option can prove to be more economical than booking each element separately. In addition to making it easier to organize your trip, an all-inclusive package can offer you additional benefits, such as the possibility of a guided tour or staying in quality accommodation. Check with the different travel agencies to find the package that best suits your needs and budget.
Recommendations for those who want to discover Cappadocia by hot air balloon
If the experience tempts you, here is some information that should help you choose the best balloon flight possible:
The best day
It is important to note that hot air balloons do not take off daily in Cappadocia. For obvious safety reasons, flights may be cancelled if the weather conditions are too windy.
If you absolutely want to take a hot air balloon ride, we recommend that you plan for several days to give yourself a better chance of being able to experience it.
The departures
There are two possible departures for hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia. First, a departure before sunrise to be up in the air when the sun rises. Second, a departure during sunrise. Although it may seem counterintuitive, we recommend the second option instead. The landscapes are more impressive during sunrise when the beautiful morning light illuminates the valleys. If you choose a flight before sunrise, you will be flying in the dark for half of the time.
Choosing the second flight allows you to observe the takeoff of the first hot air balloons. You would join the sky in the middle of all the balloons, making the experience even more spectacular and memorable.
The Valleys
It is important to note that not all hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are equal.
According to feedback from several people who have taken a flight, some hot air balloons just go up very high and then come back down. Others fly inside valleys, getting very close to fairy chimneys, such as the “Valley of Love” or the “Rose Valley”.
This may depend on the experience of the pilots, but we recommend asking the travel agency if you will be able to fly inside the valleys before booking your flight.
This option will offer you an even more immersive and memorable experience. You would enjoy breathtaking views of the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
The clothes
It is important to consider the season when visiting Cappadocia. Even during the summer months, it is recommended to take warm clothes for your hot air balloon flight.
We recommend you to take a hat, light gloves and a warm jacket to protect you from the cold, especially at 1000 meters in the air. Temperatures can be quite chilly, even during the warmest months. Don’t hesitate to plan for warm clothing to make your experience more comfortable.
What is the rate for hot air balloon rides in Turkey?
Travellers who opted for a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia have generally been delighted with their experience. They enjoyed the spectacular view they were able to admire. Although hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia can be expensive, there are various offers to meet the different needs and budgets of travelers, ranging from a basic flight to all-inclusive offers including transportation, accommodation and guided tours.
Whatever your choice, we are convinced that your hot air balloon ride will be one of the highlights of your trip to Cappadocia.
The rates to board a hot air balloon in Cappadocia usually range from €125 to €260 per person, depending on the duration of the flight, the time of day and the season. Flights usually last between 1 and 3 hours. It should be noted that rates may be more advantageous for groups.
Hot air ballooning in Turkey, and organized tours are popular
There are many Cappadocia tour packages available including a hot air balloon flight and an overnight stay.
These tours may include various activities such as discovering traditional Turkish cuisine prepared by locals, walks through vineyards and pistachio trees, or hiking. These tours are an excellent option to discover Cappadocia in all its splendour and to enjoy this unique hot air balloon experience fully.
If you are pressed for time but still want to explore more remote places, it may be worthwhile to consider a guided tour. You can usually participate in a tour organized by your hotel for a reasonable price. Another option would be to book one with one of the many online travel agencies.
Organized tours usually follow a standard itinerary, but we recommend checking what is included in the price before accepting anything. Guided tours can be an excellent option to discover the most important sites of Cappadocia and fully enjoy your time there.
Some guided tours may include flights departing from Istanbul. This can save you a lot of time and allow you to enjoy your stay in Cappadocia fully. The tours may also include visits at sunrise or sunset, with a transfer from Kayseri and extras such as a glass of champagne or breakfast on board the hot air balloon.
These tours offer an excellent opportunity to discover the region’s most iconic sites. They would often allow you to enjoy the unique experience of a hot air balloon flight.
The privileged sites to admire hot air balloons in Cappadocia, away from the hustle and bustle
The large number of hot air balloons rising in the sky of Cappadocia almost every morning has created a real tourist phenomenon. More and more visitors now come to Cappadocia to admire this incredible show at sunrise.
It is easy to understand why. Seeing 100 to 200 colourful balloons floating in the air above the beautiful landscapes of this region of Turkey is a unique and truly impressive experience.
It is true that the appeal of hot air balloons attracts a large number of visitors, particularly at sunrise, which can lead to a large influx of people in the streets of Göreme as early as 4:30 in the morning. It is therefore important to plan your visit accordingly and try to find less crowded places if you prefer to enjoy the show in peace.
If you prefer to enjoy the show in peace and quiet, look for quieter and more isolated spots offering a magnificent view of the hot air balloons. Some places easily accessible by foot or car from Göreme are often crowded at sunrise due to the influx of visitors who come to observe the hot air balloons. However, there are several other less frequented and equally picturesque spots that you could discover during your trip to Cappadocia.
There is an official website that allows you to check whether hot air balloons have permission to take off or not, thus avoiding getting up at 4am for nothing. However, permission is often given at the last minute, which can be a problem if you plan to walk to a spot. It is therefore advisable to inquire in advance about the weather conditions and to keep an eye on the website to find out whether hot air balloons are authorized to fly or not.
The “Love Valley”
Located in the heart of the Valley of Love, this place offers an unforgettable experience, far from the crowded viewpoints accessible by car. The sunrise there is particularly spectacular.
To access it, count a distance of approximately 3 to 4 kilometers from the center of Göreme, a walk of 30 to 45 minutes. In order to arrive in time to witness the sunrise, it is recommended to leave at least 45 minutes before the event.
The location is inside the Valley of Love, at the foot of the fairy chimneys, offering an ideal setting for taking beautiful photographs. It is possible to enjoy this place in peace and quiet, without the presence of other people.
The spectacle of hot air balloons is breathtaking, with takeoffs spreading out over more than an hour around. Some of them even fly very low in the valley, adding to the charm of the experience.
A website near Göreme
For those who prefer not to stray too far from Göreme, this site is an excellent choice.
It is located away from the popular viewpoint adorned with the Turkish flag, frequented by many visitors morning and evening. This place offers a splendid view of the fairy chimneys of Görkündere. On a morning visit, it is possible to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the company of a loved one. However, it should be kept in mind that hot air balloons may not take off on certain days due to weather conditions.
The “Swords Valley”
This remarkable site deserves a visit at dawn.
It is located above the Swords Valley and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. However, one must consider the distance of more than 4 kilometres from Göreme, which takes about 45 minutes to walk. It is also advisable to carry a flashlight to ensure visibility during the morning walk, as the paths are sometimes used by vehicles transporting hot air balloons.
The perspective offered by this site contrasts with that of the spot located in the Valley of Love. Here, visitors can admire the take-off of hot air balloons from an elevated position. Furthermore, the view of the villages of Göreme and Uçhisar in the background adds to the beauty of the landscape.
Akdag summit and Rose Valley
The two sites mentioned are grouped together due to their proximity. However, given their distance from Göreme, it is recommended to drive to the Rose Valley parking lot for an early morning visit or camp the night before at the top of Akdag, which offers an exceptional bivouac location.
What is the procedure for booking a hot air balloon flight?
Once the different hot air balloon options in Cappadocia have been compared, the next step is to book the ticket to experience this unforgettable experience.
In Cappadocia, a multitude of providers offer hot air balloon flights. Prices vary depending on the season, included services, and possible discounts. It is recommended to use comparison tools, such as TourScanner, to examine the offers of different travel agencies and make the best choice.
Is balloon flight safety assured?
Taking a hot air balloon ride can give some people goosebumps, a perfectly understandable reaction to an unusual experience.
Rest assured, an explanation of basic rules and safety instructions is systematically provided before the flight. Takeoff is smooth, to the point that it often goes unnoticed. Quickly, passengers are tempted to take out their cameras to capture the experience.
Riding in a hot air balloon in strong winds is not recommended. However, in such circumstances, the agency or pilot responsible for the flight will inform passengers of any risks and take appropriate decisions to ensure the safety of all.
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