A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers breathtaking views of the unique landscapes, fairy-tale-like rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings of this magical region in Turkey.
LOCATION
Cappadocia is located in central Turkey, and the hot air balloon rides typically take place in the towns of Goreme, Urgup, and Uchisar, all known for their stunning scenery.
WHEN TO VISIT
The balloon rides are offered year-round, but the ideal time is during the spring and autumn months (April to June and September to October) when the weather is more stable and the skies are clear. It does snow in Cappadocia, so if you visit in the winter you could see the snow topped landscape below!
We went in July, and it was still quite chilly in the morning!
BOOKING YOUR BALLOON RIDE
Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are extremely popular and tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Definitely book your ride well in advance to secure your spot.
Research and choose reputable and licensed balloon operators with good safety records and experienced pilots. We did ours with Istanbul Balloons, and they were great! You can book your tour here.
COST
Depending on which company and package you book with, the prices can fluctuate. According to the Tourism Cappadocia website, the Cappadocia Balloon Tour price for the 2023 season is expected to be around €150-250 per person.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Most balloon rides take place at sunrise when the weather conditions are typically calmer, and the views are at their most magical. We were picked up at our hotel at 4 am to be shuttled to the hot air balloon area. Make sure you wear layers, as temperatures can be cool in the early morning, but it can get warmer as the sun rises.
THE BALLOON EXPERIENCE
Safety Briefing: Before the flight, we receive a safety briefing from the pilot, including the dos and donts during the flight and practicing the landing position.
Up, Up, and Away: After the safety briefing, the pilot fired up the “engines” and our balloon rose above the unique Cappadocian landscape. The views of the sunrise over the chimneys, ancient caves, and valleys were simply incredible.
The balloon ride usually lasts around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions and wind patterns. The pilot cannot steer the balloon, he can only control ascent and descent. That means the balloon will spin slowly throughout the flight, giving you a 360 view of the valley below.
We were in the air for just under 1 hour, and got to witness the most magnificent sunrise!
Landing: The landing was skilfully managed by the pilot, and we were met by a ground crew to help us safely bringing the balloon back to the ground.
Celebratory Champagne Toast: After the landing, the pilot and crew treated the group to a celebratory champagne toast & certificate of completion to mark our unforgettable balloon adventure!
KEEP IN MIND
- Weather Dependence: Hot air balloon flights are very weather-dependent! We were unable to fly on the day we had scheduled due to high winds, and had to postpone our balloon ride for the next day. If the weather conditions are unfavourable, your flight might be rescheduled for another day or time, so make sure you bake in enough time in Cappadocia to ride a hot air balloon in the event of inclement weather.
- Physical Restrictions: Some operators might have certain weight, height, or health restrictions for passengers due to safety reasons. Check with your chosen operator in advance.
A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a magical experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. It was well worth the early morning wake up call, and it is a MUST if you’re visiting Cappadocia!
To check out our full Cappadocia gallery, click here!