Cappadocia, a destination that had been at the top of my travel wish list for years. When the chance to embark on a journey through Turkey with GAdventures arose, I ensured that visiting Cappadocia was a part of my itinerary.
Cappadocia exceeded all my expectations with its stunning geological features and the iconic hot air balloons. It quickly became one of the highlights of my trip.
I’ve put together a list of insights I gained during my visit to Cappadocia, which I believe will be valuable for anyone planning to explore this remarkable place. Around 150 balloons go up each flight day with approximately 2000 people in the sky at one time.
Number 1: The balloons don’t fly every day
Before my visit, I was unaware that hot air balloons in Cappadocia only operate for about 250 days each year due to weather conditions. Whether a flight happens on a given day is decided approximately an hour before takeoff. All balloon operators are legally required to adhere to the no-fly regulations set by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan for more than one night in Cappadocia. During my three-night stay, the balloons only flew once, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. The prime season to explore Cappadocia is typically from April to November.
Number 2: There’s more to see than just the balloons
Cappadocia offers more than just hot air balloons as attractions. You can embark on some fantastic walks to appreciate the unique geology and historical sites. Based on my experience, I highly recommend exploring these places:
1. Goreme National Park
2. Fairy Chimneys
3. Pigeon Valley
4. Love Valley
5. Derinkuyu Underground City
Number 3: Dress warm
Don’t forget to pack a sweater or jacket (I’m starting to sound like my mother). We were surprised to find that even during the height of summer, Cappadocia can get quite chilly at night. Due to its unique location, the temperature can fluctuate dramatically.
Number 4: Tourist prices
Given Cappadocia’s widespread popularity on Instagram, prices have noticeably increased due to the influx of tourists. If you’re hoping for authentic local cuisine at local prices, you might be in for a surprise. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to Cappadocia.
Number 5: Watch out for the dogs
This is a piece of advice our tour guide shared with us. You’ll observe numerous stray dogs in the town; they’re quite friendly during the day and might even follow you around. However, we were cautioned that their behavior changes at night. When you head out to watch the balloon takeoff, and you’ll be walking in the dark, it’s best not to go alone. The reason being that these dogs can become unfriendly at night. Walk in groups and you will be fine.
Relevant as of October 2023
