The Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia, Turkey
Watching hot air balloons float over Cappadocia is pure magic, but finding the perfect viewpoint makes the experience even more unforgettable. If you’re wondering about the best places for hot air balloon views in Cappadocia, you’re in the right place. There are plenty of incredible spots to take in this breathtaking experience.
Whether you want a peaceful panoramic view, a dramatic backdrop of fairy chimneys, or a front-row seat to the action, Cappadocia has no shortage of stunning locations, and enough to experience several weeks-worth of viewings! Some are well-known, while others are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
No matter how you choose to experience it, watching the balloons drift across the sky is a must when visiting Cappadocia. Get ready to find the best spots to soak in one of the most iconic sights in the world!
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The Best Places for Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia: a Brief Intro
So are you ready for some incredible hot air balloon views in Cappadocia? Well, before sharing all of the cool spots you can choose from, you'll want to know a bit about the best villages to stay, and how to know if the balloons are flying.
What Time Do the Hot Air Balloons Fly in Cappadocia?
Hot air balloons have two flight times - one right before sunrise, and the other about 1 hour later.
The sky starts to have its first balloons flying as early as 30 minutes before sunrise, and you can see hot air balloons for up to 2 hours after the sun rises. That being said, the best hot air balloon views are around sunrise, or just shortly after.
Hot air balloons go at sunrise, but this morning they didn't due to the weather.
Where is the Best Place to See the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia?
The best place to see hot air balloons is near Love Valley. There are viewpoint locations surrounding the rim of the valley, and then you can also see hot air balloon views in some of the nearby towns.
Goreme
Goreme has the best hot air balloons in Cappadocia, as it is right next to Love Valley, and a lot of balloons will fly right over the different hotels. (Don't worry - we'll share the best hotels to stay at for incredible views).
Uchisar
Uchisar is home to some of the top hotels in Cappadocia, and you can also get nice viewings from them, although here you'll see a sky full of balloons in the distance rather than having them come up close.
Cavusin
Alternatively, one last place to stay that is really underrated is Cavusin. It is just past Goreme towards Avanos and flies under the radar for more travelers, but has a lot of balloons floating over towards that area later in the morning.
How to Know if Hot Air Balloons are Flying in Cappadocia
Hot air balloons in Cappadocia fly year-round, and fly (or attempt to) every day! You'll have the best chances of getting amazing hot air balloons in the summer months, as this is when it's driest and least windy.
If it's going to rain, or if wind is in the forecast, then the balloons most likely won't fly. Sometimes the weather may look good though, and the wind in the valley is too strong, which will cancel the balloons at the last minute.
Unfortunately, you have to be ready early, and may be disappointed a time or two, which is why you shouldn't bank on just trying to see them the last day of your trip.
Tracking Hot Air Balloon Activity in Cappadocia
So how do you know if the hot air balloons are going to fly? Well, the good thing is there is a website that tells you if the balloons are going to fly. Flying is not determined by the different companies, but is determined by Cappadocia's Aviation Association. They closely monitor the weather conditions and will then give the green light to pilots for flying each morning.
The site is in Turkish, but it shows the three regions of flying and has a red, yellow, or green light to determine if the balloons will fly.
Red means they can't fly, yellow means it is still being determined, and green means they're good to go. It even happens at times that it will be yellow after the sun has risen, and all of the companies will be patiently waiting to see if it turns red or green.
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The Best Places for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia
So now you know a bit about what to expect in terms of where and when to get the best hot air balloon views in Cappadocia, let's actually check out the most epic spots to see them!
The Best Free Spots for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia
There are so many great spots for enjoy hot air balloon views in Cappadocia, and while some of the coolest are at pricey hotels, you can also get some incredible views right out in nature.
Goreme Sunset Point
If you don't have a car and want an easy and free place to enjoy hot air balloons in Cappadocia, then this is a safe choice. It's a hill that sits above the town of Goreme, and is popular for sunset, but also has great views of the balloons each morning.
Love Valley Hot Air Balloon Launch Areas
My absolute favorite area for hot air balloon views in Cappadocia is sitting above Love Valley. This is where a lot of the big balloon companies actually take off from, so you'll be able to be up close to the balloons, and have views of Love Valley below.
You can either drive here from Goreme or Uchisar - the road going from Uchisar is free, and the one from Goreme charges 5 euros. You can access the area by driving and parking on the side of the road, or you can join one of the many photo shoots that typically come to this area.
Goreme Open Air Museum Road
If you have a car, then one of the coolest places to witness hot air balloon views in Cappadocia is along the Goreme Open Air Museum Road. The balloons float right along the area, and you can also drive and chase the balloons to get really up close.
Love Valley
Want to truly immerse yourself in the magical scenery of hot air balloons? You can go right inside the valley for free, and watch the balloons floating above you. Many of the balloons go right down into the valley, so you'll have them right above your head!
Outside Dalton Brothers
Right in front of Dalton Brothers horse ranch you'll see a big open green area. We stopped here after watching the balloons at our hotel one morning, and this is where a lot of the balloons land!
The Best Hotels for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia
There are so many great hotels with hot air balloons views in Cappadocia - so how do you choose which one? Well, we've checked out dozens of hotels, and narrowed it down to the best ones.
The key is to find a hotel that has a rooftop, and sits high on the hill. The center of Goreme is the lowest part of the city, so while there are great hotels, you won't necessarily get the best views.
The Best Hotels for Hot Air Balloon Views in Goreme
- Koza Cave Hotel: They have an amazing rooftop in their *Queen Room* It's a splurge, but definitely one of the best!
- Sultan Cave Suites: The number one rooftop in Cappadocia with various spots to hang out - you can either be a guest there, or at one of their sister properties (we stayed at Aza Cave Hotel, which is the more affordable alternative
- Mithra Cave Hotel: has a few different terraces with traditional carpets set up, but also an awesome private terrace you can book.
- Henna Hotel: This hotel has a variety of terraces to enjoy, as well as 3 different amazing paid spots which include a little cabana, a private breakfast, and a jacuzzi you can rent.
- Zemi Hotel: A more international style hotel - they have a big pool and face the valley with uninterrupted hot air balloon views.
Sultan Cave Suites is one of the top hotels in Cappadocia for hot air balloon views.
The Best Hotels for Hot Air Balloon Views in Uchisar
- Argos Hotel: An amazing property that has plenty of room and open views, as well as an infinity pool.
- Taskonaklar Hotel: They have a big garden area, and also a really cool private jacuzzi you can rent.
- Museum Hotel: The most luxurious and unique hotel in Cappadocia, that has an incredible terrace with a pool (photos below)
The Best Hotels for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cavusin
- Seki Cave Suites: Apart of the same chain as Sultan Cave Suites and Aza Cave Hotel, you can sign up for their exclusive 2-hour jacuzzi experience if you're staying there or at any of the sister properties.
The Best Activities for Hot Air Balloon Views in Cappadocia
Apart from exploring hot air balloon viewing locations on your own or at a hotel, some of the absolute photos you'll be able to get with hot air balloons in Cappadocia are with a tour or photoshoot.
Locals truly know best, and capturing the best angles is much easier when you have a pro with you.
Here are a few awesome experiences you can sign up for to watch the balloons in Cappadocia, or to get the most incredible photos of them as your backdrop.
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Sunrise Photo Shoots
- Flying Dress Photo Shoots: Feel fabulous and have a professional photographer get photos with you in a stunning dress of your choice.
- Swing Photoshoot: This is the most unique photoshoot you can do! You'll have the choice of a dress, and be sitting on a swing suspended by a crane.
- Classic Car Ride: Ride in style with a classic car, and have stunning photos with the car itself - you can book this as a photoshoot, or simply an activity where you take your own photos.
Hot Air Balloon Viewing Experience
If you don't want special photos or want to save money and take them on your own, you can also opt for an affordable tour where you go with a group to one of the best viewing spots in town.
This is a great way to be able to have incredible hot air balloon views in Cappadocia, not worry about your transportation, and share the experience with a fun group.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Some of the best views of the hot air balloons are in fact right from the hot air balloon baskets themselves!
If it's your first time in Cappadocia, this is definitely one of the coolest bucket list experiences in the world to do.
Want to learn more about what it's like to do a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia? We also have a dedicated blog post you can check out!
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The Best Places for Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia: Final Thoughts
Now you know all about where to see the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, and tips for having the best hot air balloon views. But in case you missed anything, here is a bit of a recap:
What's Next?
Now that you've experienced all of the top hot air balloon views in Cappadocia, you'll also want to know what else to do while in the region! Here are some other guides we've written that will help you plan an epic trip in Cappadocia:
20 of the Best Things to Do in Cappadocia
29 Unique Activities & Tours in Cappadocia
22 Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia
The Best Valleys in Cappadocia
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So are you ready to enjoy all of the stunning hot air balloon views in Cappadocia? There are really so many magical places to watch this unique experience from. Don't forget to have plenty of space on your memory card!
Want to learn more about the incredible places and things to do around Cappadocia? Make sure to check out our other Cappadocia guides - all get ready for more coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, and for exclusive discounts on our shop!
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