Why should you take this balloon trip? Well, as the father tells his teenage son: because I said so. It seems like an authoritarian argument, but I say it because I don't want you to miss it. Note that Türkiye, seen from the sky, is a magnificent spectacle.

It is not surprising that, according to legend, it was a Turk, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, who in the 17th century invented a device to try to be the first person in the world to fly. It was clear to me that it was worth it. In fact, Turkey is one of the best tourist destinations in the world to visit in hot air balloon.

And, within Turkey, Cappadocia is the pearl of the stratosphere. This region in the center of the country combines dreamlike landscapes with optimal conditions for flying all year round.

Balloon rides in Türkiye: 7 brutal experiences

I give you 7 reasons why you should not miss this experience:

1. Sunrise over Göreme

Getting up early is mandatory, of course, but you'll be happy to do it. The sunrises in the Göreme National Park They attract thousands of people daily, who gather in this enclave to observe a grandiose scene. You will also see it from above. As you rise, even in the dark, the silence, only broken by the roar of the flames that inflate the balloon, is one of the protagonists of the climb.

The other is the color: When the sun emerges, it colors the sky in grayish, blue and pink tones.

The first rays will reveal before you the tortuous shapes of the Cappadocia landscape. Once at the top, and before directing your gaze to the ground, take a minute to look around at the dozens of balloons that share this space with yours. wonderful experience.

Sunrise in Göreme National Park

2. The Erciyes volcano, origin of Cappadocia

The reference point from above is the Erciyes volcano, the highest peak from Anatolia. From anywhere in Cappadocia you can make out the silhouette of this mountain. The volcano hibernates, while you, fully awake, understand why Cappadocia is one of the most visited regions in Turkey.

In the eruption of this volcano millions of years ago is the origin of the peculiar orography that extends under your feet. The lava it released covered the entire region and, over the years, water and wind sculpted the valleys with surprising shapes.

The Erciyes volcano dominates the horizon

If you are not an early riser and prefer to take the flight at dusk, you will miss the aurora, but, to compensate, you will notice that the volcano has replaced its original color with an orange tone.

3. The lunar landscapes

Cappadocia seems like an ideal place to land on the moon. Its landscape should be acquired by Cape Canaveral so that aspiring cosmonauts could do their internships. Knife-cut valleys and ravines of curious shapes and colors extend between the rock formations. A good example of this is the Güllü Dere Valley, known as Rosa Valley due to the tones of the rocks that form it.

Balloons floating over the Rose Valley

From there you can see, in the distance, the Ihlara Valley, which, nestled between the Hasan and Melendiz mountains, is a find for the eyes. On this cliff furrowed by the Melendiz River the first Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire hid. Many of the temples they built can still be visited today.

4. fairy chimneys

According to legend, a fairy fell in love with a human being and, as punishment, they were all confined in a cuneiform rocks, today known as fairy chimneys. In reality, these are stone pillars sculpted naturally by the action of water and wind.

He valley of love It is one of the reference places for those looking for these structures. And the best way to observe them is from the air. The flight through this valley, whose chimneys reach 40 meters high, is one of the most popular in Cappadocia.

Fairy Chimneys in the Valley of Love

From your privileged position, at more than 1,000 meters above sea level, the games of light and shadow Over the valley they form a wonderful picture.

5. Göreme and Ürgüp, cities nestled in the rock

The nature she is a good mother. In Cappadocia this assertion is confirmed. For example, the gaps Excavated by natural action in the rocks, they have been used for thousands of years by the inhabitants of the region to use as temples, homes or spaces for animals.  

From the air, cities like Göreme and Ürgüp, in which rock formations mix with other more modern buildings, create a truly unique environment. When you get your feet back on the ground, don't miss the opportunity to sleep inside one of these cave houses, which have been converted into hotels.

The Göreme cave houses

6. The fortresses of Uçhisar and Ortahisar

Near Göreme is located Uçhisar. This city, located at the highest point in the region, has a fortress from which you can dominate the horizon. The fortress is a network of rooms and passageways excavated in the rock.

Due to erosion problems, some areas of the city cannot be visited on foot, so a bird's eye view is the best way to appreciate its corners and landscapes. From the balloon you will see a dream panorama: a city full of history and culture surrounded by a special landscape.

The city of Uçhisar and its fortress in the background

Halfway between Uçhisar and Ürgüp is located Ortahisar. It is an unknown city that barely appears on tourist maps. The passage was prohibited in 2004 due to landslides. Since then, numerous buildings have been restored and today it can be visited again.

On the balloon rides that are organized to get to know the surroundings, you will see the imposing fortress that crowns the city, looking like a giant termite mound.

You will have incredible views of the main square, its precipices, the labyrinth street network cobbled streets, typical street markets and their refined buildings that are distributed throughout the town like an anarchic beehive.

Balloon floating next to the Ortahisar fortress

7. Cappadocia under the snow

Most people who visit the Anatolia region choose summer as the best time to do so. However, balloon trips can be done during almost any month of the year, as long as the wind allows it.

Fly over Cappadocia in winter It has at least a couple of advantages: lower price and less overcrowding.

The snowy image of Cappadocia is another attraction. If you look at the road that leaves Göreme to the north, you will see a valley full of vineyards and crop fields; an image that becomes full of charm with the fall of snow. Among the vineyards is located Cavusin, small town of houses cut into the rock.

Farther from the cliffs that crown this town you will see the Zelve Valley. In winter, the snow facilitates the contrast with the fairy chimneys and the reddish tones of this valley.

Snowy Cappadocia Valleys

Those who do not have their feet on the ground have their heads in the clouds. Traveling by balloon is a good option for idealists. The umbrella tourist is a pragmatic person, who knows that the sand is not going to give him any surprises. But those who choose life without surprises do not exceed 60 beats per minute. Few for those who fly over Cappadocia. In Türkiye tachycardia is good for health.

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