Balloon Rides in Cappadocia

It's no secret that one of the highlights of Cappadocia is hot air ballooning, a tradition since 1991. Travellers here are attracted by the magnificent views of valleys, mountains, rock formations and fairy chimneys. In addition, most are scheduled at sunrise, providing a tranquil perspective with soft light and warm colours.

Although less popular, there are also sunset flights that showcase the golden and reddish tones that characterise the region. During this type of experience you can take unforgettable photographs, enjoy a Turkish breakfast or discover interesting stories. It is advisable to do it with a reliable agency, to get an optimised route and feel safe. Keep in mind that some areas are cheaper and less touristy, but still worthwhile.

A great way to enjoy Cappadocia without the worry is to take a balloon flight over the exotic plains. This type of experience takes you on a scenic journey of about an hour, with the comforting company of an expert pilot and the chance to earn a certificate of participation. Be prepared to discover the magical fairy chimneys from another angle, as well as be dazzled by the excavated churches.

Please note that it usually starts at dawn and is completely worth it, as the scenery will be clear. You'll definitely create a connection with nature and the best thing is that you'll be able to stay 300 metres above the ground. Another thing I like about these activities is that they can include a nutritious Turkish breakfast, with snacks and traditional tea. To get your adrenaline pumping, you're likely to be offered a bubbly glass of champagne.

While the chimneys are a sight to behold from the balloon, you can complement the experience by booking a quad bike tour to see inside, or even stay in the hotels built over the excavated caves.

Interesting details

• Price: from €115 per person.
• Duration: the whole experience takes around three hours, although the flight itself takes around an hour.
• Means of transport: it usually includes return transport, which is very important considering that public transport is difficult to find.
• Advantages of this option: Breakfast with Turkish tea may be available. In addition, children as young as 4 years old are usually allowed.
• Disadvantages of this option: Not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users or travellers with health problems.

While most flights share similarities, you'll find that each experience is unique. Joining an activity designed just for your group can be fun. On board you will find the ideal conditions to relax and listen better to the pilot, who often provides informative commentary on the sights and history of ballooning in the region.

As these are more private encounters, you may be able to customise them to your liking, choosing the valleys to be visited. One of the most interesting is the Soganli Valley, which is among the least known and is considered a real local treasure. It is also one of the most romantic places, so the experience can be an option for couples looking for a quiet getaway without tourists.

Specifically, you will see the wonderful rock-hewn churches that are a work of nature and its first settlers. As such, you'll be immersed in their history and may even be tempted to take an off-road jeep ride to explore the rugged trails from a different perspective.

Details of interest

• Price: from €108 per person, generally flights through the Soganli Valley are cheaper in November.
• Duration: You'll need to allow around three hours (including transfers), however the usual flight time is one hour.
• Means of transport: Usually includes transfers to and from the airport.
• Advantages of this option: only your group will participate.
• Disadvantages of this option: In the rainy season it is likely that the flight will be rescheduled or cancelled.

Portrait photography is very important for some tourists visiting Cappadocia, so if this is your case I recommend booking in advance. There are different ways to get the best pictures, so there are no excuses. As a first option, you can book a balloon flight that includes photographs and video of the experience by a professional photographer. For most experiences you'll have about an hour, which is plenty of time to get a good shot.

It's an investment so I recommend staying in the corners, where you get cleaner shots. On the other hand, for more touristy photography, it is best to hire props and costumes and the services of a professional photographer. This way, you will be immortalised in the highest part of the valleys, with the balloons strutting in the background. You can't miss the classic flying dress photograph, which is very popular in the region.

For those who prefer to stay on the ground, there are not only photo sessions, but also other experiences such as balloon watching tours and the possibility to book a dinner with a traditional show in a cave restaurant in the middle of the valleys.

Interesting details

• Price: flights with sessions included can be found from €190 per person, while there are sessions on the ground from €30 per person or €190 per group, depending on the number of photographs and type of experience.
• Duration: around two hours.
• Means of transport: Transfers can be included, which adds comfort and tranquillity to the experience.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to get edited photographs of your ballooning experience in the region.
• Disadvantages of this option: it sells out quickly.

If the whole family is planning to visit Cappadocia, then it's time to look for an experience where everyone can participate. The advantage is that there are flights for large groups, where you can make sure that no one misses out on this special moment. For safety reasons, some include a limit of 14 or 20 people and there may also be weight restrictions.

However, the region is prepared to receive all types of tourists and it is possible to find cabins for between 60 and 100 people, which are more spacious and completely safe. The main advantage is that you will be able to share the costs and therefore the flight will be cheaper. In addition, the itineraries are complete and take you through the most enchanting landscapes.

In general, you can see the village of Göreme from the heights and venture on a flight over the Ihlara Valley. You will see the main archaeological sites, charming valleys, fairy chimneys and the light colours of the sunrise.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 € per person.
• Duration: between 30 and 75 minutes.
• Means of transport: Transfers are usually included.
• Advantages of this option: these experiences are generally in high demand, as regardless of the weather, the activity can be carried out safely. This is because they can fly through any of Cappadocia's valleys, reducing the likelihood of last-minute cancellations.
• Drawbacks of this option: photography is not usually included, although there are usually photographers in the vicinity who will offer packages for an external cost.

When you arrive in Cappadocia you'll mostly hear about sunrise flights, as these are the most popular and easiest to do. In the evening there are also experiences that take to the Turkish skies, but these are more exclusive and harder to find. This is because the wind currents are not always favourable at this time, so you won't know what to expect.

In any case, it's worth a try because the valleys have a vibrant, yet relaxing atmosphere. You'll feel refreshed as the setting sun bathes the curves of the chimneys, with all the golden hues that stand out in the photographs. However, you probably won't see as many balloons around, something to consider before making your decision.

If you are looking forward to flying at sunset, I would recommend complementing the experience with another activity to make the evening more interesting and to have a plan B in case the weather is not favourable. A good option is to book a whirling whirling dervish show. This type of cultural performances take place in special corners of this sacred land with visual arts, typical costumes and whirling dances.

Another option is to book a camel ride, which are usually wonderful in the evening and allow you to see the hot air balloons floating over the valleys of Cappadocia in the background.

Details of interest

• Price: from €180 perperson.
• Duration: about an hour's flight.
• Means of transport: most of these experiences include transfers.
• Advantages of this option: the atmosphere in the afternoon is more relaxed, as there are fewer tourists, especially in the low season.
• Disadvantages of this option: if it is very windy, the flight may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Cappadocia is well known for its hot air balloon flights, so there are many ways to book the experience. Even if you forget to do so in advance, you can find options in and around the hotel.

However, to enjoy the most attractive prices and guarantee the experience of your choice, it is advisable to book your balloon flight online through a reliable agency. Generally, you will only need to follow the steps below:

• First step: select the date and number of participants, to check availability.
• Step 2: enter your personal details.
• Step 3: choose the language of your choice.
• Step 4: add the pick-up information (if included), you must be very specific about the address of the hotel or accommodation. If you are not planning where to stay you can provide this information later.
• Fifth step: confirm the contact information where the booking details will arrive, make the payment and get ready to enjoy the experience.

Arriving in Cappadocia you will feel like you are in another dimension, its beauty is inexplicable and it is difficult to know where to start. Balloon flights offer a panoramic view of the most iconic locations, it all depends on the route you choose. Among the most popular are:

• Valley of Roses, one of the best places to appreciate the fairy chimneys and noted for the thousands of rose bushes on the banks of the Dadès River.
• Red Valley, the contrast of its reddish sand with the rays of sunrise and sunset is simply spectacular.
• Valley of Love is one of the most visited and is an archaeological site millions of years old.
• Valley of the Monks, you will be fascinated by its natural monuments sculpted in lava and ash, it also has stories of the ancient monks who hid in its caves during the invasions.
• Valle de las Palomas (Valley of the Pigeons), one of its outstanding characteristics is that you can see different types of birds, hence its name.
• Valley of the Imagination, it is little known but it keeps ancestral stories and dreamlike landscapes.
• Uçhisar Castle, view the highest point of Cappadocia and enjoy the beauty of an authentic Turkish fortress.
• Göreme Village, this place is known as the Open Air Museum, which is a spectacle from the heights.

• Be prepared to start your day very early, arrange your itinerary around this time, as most flights leave at dawn and pick-up can be around 3:00 or 4:00.
• Schedule your trip between April and November, as these are considered the best months for flying. A must considering that this activity needs good weather conditions.
• Book your balloon flight in Cappadocia with a reliable agency to avoid bad weather conditions and to guarantee your safety.
• Take extra precautions if you are travelling with children, bring everything they need to feel at ease and consider that some companies have age restrictions.
• Be aware that the flight time window is usually one hour, which can be a nightmare for people with vertigo or a fear of heights.
• Most experiences include transfers, which is best as there are some areas of Cappadocia that are only accessible by car.

Cappadocia is one of the best places in the world to go ballooning, probably because of its scenery, reasonable prices, variety of locations and other factors that make for an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the landings are quite comfortable, unlike other cities where they are a bit more abrupt and uncomfortable.

Moreover, the fairy chimneys are only scattered in this region, making it an unrepeatable scenic trip. Turkish breakfasts, photo shoots and private flights are also often offered.

Another alternative to make the dream of ballooning in Turkey a reality is to travel to Pamukkale, as this region is less crowded with tourists and has affordable prices. However, you have to add the expenses involved in the almost 5-hour flight and the planning of every detail. In any case, you can join the best tours and excursions from Cappadocia that can give you this experience with all the necessary comforts.

The valleys of Cappadocia deserve to be explored both on the ground and from above. Most travellers prioritise a hot air balloon flight, as it is a luxury experience designed for adventurous spirits. Some of the advantages of flying are:

• Get an unparalleled perspective of Cappadocia, with surreal landscapes and glimpses of terraces, archaeological sites and fairy chimneys.
• Take advantage of the best place to watch the sunrise, as you will have privileged views.
• Take stunning photographs of the most beautiful locations.
• Avoiding walking and getting to know the area in the shortest time possible, allowing you to optimise your itinerary to enjoy other activities, such as booking a traditional Turkish bath.
• Enjoy the feeling of freedom in a safe way and live a once in a lifetime experience.