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A GUIDE TO A HOT AIR BALLOON IN CAPPADOCIA

A Cappadocia hot air balloon flight has quickly become one of the world’s most popular travel experiences.

Every morning during sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons float above Cappadocia’s unique fairytale-like landscape, creating the picture-perfect vista that initially gave Cappadocia its ‘bucket list’ worthy reputation.

As a result, roughly half a million people take part in a hot air balloon flight every year, making this amazing region in the heart of Turkey’s central Anatolia region the number one hot air balloon destination in the world.

After recently floating above the otherworldly landscape myself, it’s easy to understand why this incredible experience has been showing all over my Instagram feed the last couple of years.

To help you have an incredible hot air balloon flight experience too, I’ve put together this complete guide featuring everything you need to know before booking your balloon flight.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY A HOT AIR BALLOON IN CAPPADOCIA

1 | CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON COSTS

When it comes to the price, a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia isn’t something that fits in the average travel budget, since a flight isn’t the most budget-friendly activity in Cappadocia.

Yet, I also believe that this incredible once in a lifetime travel experience is absolutely worth the money.

The cost to take a hot air balloon in Cappadocia ranges anywhere from €80,- to €350,- per person, depending on the size of the basket and the season in which you take part in the flight.

If your flight gets cancelled, they will arrange a new flight for the next day, or you will receive a full refund.

2 | SPENT AT LEAST THREE DAYS IN CAPPADOCIA

If you’d like to take part in a hot air balloon flight, make sure you’re planning to stay at least three days in Cappadocia, given there are two key factors that could sabotage your flight.

First there is the weather – something that’s quite often overlooked by travellers who plan their trip to Cappadocia. Before every flight day, the hot air balloon companies need approval from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. If the weather predictions are bad, your flight will be cancelled and moved to the next day.

Secondly, it’s good to know that a hot air balloon flight is one of the hottest things to do in Cappadocia, so you should keep in mind that the availability of these hot air balloons is oftentimes limited. Jump to tip four if you want to make sure that you won’t miss out on this once in a lifetime travel experience.

3 | BRING, AND USE YOUR CAMERA STRAP

Since these hot air balloons take off to heights above the 700-metre mark, I highly advise bringing and using your camera strap.

Trust me, you don’t want your falling camera to be the subject of your incredible hot air balloon experience.

Jokes aside, when you’re floating high up in the sky, it’s a lot more relaxing to know that your expensive camera equipment is safe and securely strapped to your neck.

Using a camera strap is also way more convenient when you’re not using your camera, given your hands are free and you’re able to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

4 | BOOK YOUR HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT IN ADVANCE

For the reasons mentioned in tip two, I highly advise booking your Cappadocia hot air balloon flight online and in advance. By doing so, you have the option to plan your flight for the first morning of your trip.

If the weather isn’t right on your first day, your flight will be instantly moved to the next day. Also, if you have unfortunate weather throughout your entire trip, you’ll receive a full refund.

I’ve booked this flight via GetYourGuide and had an awesome experience from start to end, as well as transparent communication about the weather conditions and pick up time.

5 | PREPARE FOR COLDER WEATHER CONDITIONS

Given your adventure starts in the middle of the night, the weather conditions are slightly different than you are familiar with in Turkey. Meaning it’s often chilly during the balloon flight, especially if you’re visiting in the shoulder months.

For that reason, I’d highly recommend bringing a hoodie and a beanie to keep you warm before and during the flight. Even if you’re in Cappadocia during the peak summer months, it isn’t an unnecessary luxury to bring some extra layers of clothing.

6 | ALWAYS FOLLOW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Upon arrival at the hot air balloon take-off zone, you’ll be informed about the safety precautions by your pilot and his flight crew.

I highly advise anyone who takes part in a hot air balloon flight to listen carefully, since they provide key information in terms of what you can and can’t do throughout the flight.

Also, what goes up, must come down. So make sure you follow the instructions when the hot air balloon is about to land.

HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

HOW TO ARRANGE A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT IN CAPPADOCIA

As Cappadocia’s number-one attraction, you quickly find out that there’s no shortage of balloon operators within the town of Göreme. The hot air balloon flights on offer, usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off services and are easily arranged online or at the reception of your hotel.

Once you’ve sorted out your hot air balloon flight, the tour operator will keep you up-to-date in terms of the weather, cancellations and the time that they’ll pick you up at the hotel – which is between 04:00 and 04:45 in the summer months.

Unless you’re not entirely sure if you’d like to take part in a hot air balloon flight, I’d highly recommend booking your flight online and in advance on GetYourGuide.

Not only is it easy to choose your desired date, but you also have the benefit that your hot balloon flight is rescheduled if it gets cancelled due to unfortunate weather conditions.

HOW LONG DOES A CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT TAKE

While the complete hot air balloon tour takes around 2,5 to 3 hours, the actual flight time is anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on factors such as the weather conditions and landing spaces.

I was picked up at my hotel at 05:00 in the morning, so I arrived at the take-off site about 30 minutes before sunrise time. After the hot air balloon landed, I received a flight certificate and a glass of champagne with a little snack on the side. From that moment, it took about an hour before I was back at the hotel, meaning my tour was over at around 08:00.

BEST TIME TO FLY A HOT AIR BALLOON IN CAPPADOCIA

While I’m absolutely sure that Cappadocia will blow your mind at any time of year, I also firmly believe that the best time to jump aboard a hot air balloon flight is between May and October.

During these peak months, you’ll have the best conditions to take part in a hot air balloon flight, while also having great weather for further explorations around the various towns and valleys.

I’ve personally taken part in a hot air balloon flight in December and still had excellent weather conditions during my entire week in Cappadocia.

CAPPADOCIA | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND TIPS

WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA

When it comes to accommodation in Cappadocia, Göreme is by far the most popular town from which travellers start their explorations, and after staying there myself, it’s easy to see why.

The historic town is encircled by iconic fairy chimneys, has no shortage of brilliant cafes & restaurants, and is home to one of the world’s coolest accommodations ever; cave-style hotels.

To help you find the right accommodation, I’ve listed three of my favourite options below, one of which is marked – this is the hotel where I stayed.

+ Charming Cave Hotel | During my time in Cappadocia, I was fortunate enough to spend a total of 6 days in the Charming Cave Hotel, an authentic family-run hotel, situated at the heart of Göreme. Alongside a ‘picture-perfect’ rooftop terrace, this hotel offers a wide array of cave-style rooms, all marked by amazing design and elegant details. All bookings come with an incredibly yum breakfast, and organizing a balloon flight is as easy as one, two three.

Kelebek Special Cave Hotel | One of the most luxurious options in Göreme, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel provides spacious cave-style suites, a traditional Turkish bath, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Although this extra luxury comes at a cost, I believe, it’s a great value for the money, especially for those who are looking to take it easy after an adventurous day of exploring.

Artemis Cave Suites & Spa | Right at the centre of Göreme Town, Artemis Cave Suites & Spa offers traditional-designed rooms, an authentic rooftop terrace, as well as excellent in-house spa facilities. Rooms starting at just €47,- a night make Artemis one of the best options in Göreme, Cappadocia.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Cappadocia on booking.com.

HOW TO GET AROUND CAPPADOCIA

CAR | If you wish to have the freedom to travel around Cappadocia on your own terms, you might want to consider renting a car. Not only is it easier to reach the highlights, but it also saves you time.

For car rental in Turkey, I’d recommend searching the options on Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.

HOW TO GET TO CAPPADOCIA

PLANE | Most travellers think Cappadocia is a town on its own, but in reality, it is an extensive region home to several big cities, including Nevsehir and Kayseri.

The reason why I name these specific cities is due to the fact that they’re both housing an airport, hosting domestic, European and International flights alike.

The most convenient of these two is the Erkilet International Airport in Kayseri, situated about an hour drive North of Göreme. When I searched for a flight to Cappadocia, I noticed that Kayseri was the more flexible option, with more flights, and significantly cheaper prices.

Alternatively, there is the Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport in Nevsehir, at around 40 minutes drive from the Göreme town centre. I myself have no experience with this airport.

For flights to Cappadocia, I would recommend Skyscanner. Not only is their website easy to use, but they also offer a large variety of airlines – plus the possibility to find good rates.

In terms of transfers, I recommend booking in advance so you don’t have to stress after your flight.

BUS TRANSFER | From the Erkilet International Airport in Kayseri, it is pretty easy to get to Göreme.

Most hotels in the tourist zones of Göreme, Uchisar and Urgup offer shuttle service from and to the airport. Just make sure you confirm this with your hotel during your booking.

Another great option is this shared airport transfer service from Kayseri to Göreme. This service doubles as a transfer to the airport and costs only €12,- for a one-way journey.

For those after some extra comfort, this air-conditioned private airport transfer from both Kayseri and Nevsehir comes at a great value for the price.

SAFETY IN TURKEY | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Turkey is completely safe for travellers, I recommend everyone to sort out good travel insurance before setting out on their own adventure.

Where we all prefer that things run smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury during a hike, a lost camera, or an accident on the road.

For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full covid-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% discount on any insurance policy too. Additionally, I’d also recommend World Nomads.