Alternatives to Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia

One of the first adventurous activities that comes to mind when you think of hot air ballooning in Turkey is undoubtedly soaring in the sky. Although the epic flights over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia have a worldwide reputation, the ballooning experience Turkey offers is not limited to this region. There are many alternative routes in different geographies of our country where you can take unforgettable balloon rides accompanied by unique landscapes. In this article, we take a closer look at where you can take a hot air balloon ride in Turkey besides Cappadocia, the current price ranges, when the tours take place and how long they last.Pamukkale, one of the strongest alternatives to Cappadocia, resembles a postcard when viewed from the sky with its white travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Watching this unique view from a hot air balloon offers a truly mesmerising experience.Location: Denizli, PamukkaleWhat to See: Pamukkale's world-famous white travertines, the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, the ancient theatre and the surrounding natural beauties.Tour Times: Balloon tours in Pamukkale are organised in the early morning (during sunrise), usually with the first light of the day. It is possible to find flights almost every day of the year when the weather conditions are favourable.Tour Duration: In a standard Pamukkale balloon tour, the flight time varies between approximately 45 minutes and 1 hour. However, with activities such as hotel transfers, pre-flight preparations, breakfast and post-flight celebration, the total tour time can reach 2 to 3 hours.Current Prices (estimated as of May 2025): Prices per person for a standard hot air balloon tour in Pamukkale usually vary between 120 Euro and 140 Euro. This price may vary for some companies and private tours. Discounts for children or different pricing policies may apply. It is recommended to contact the tour operators directly for the most up-to-date and exact price information.The Phrygian Valley, which resembles Cappadocia with its historical and natural beauties, is located within the borders of Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar and Kütahya. Bearing the traces of the 3000-year-old Phrygian civilisation, balloon tours, especially in the skies of İhsaniye and Yazılıkaya, provide unforgettable moments in this valley. On these tours, you can see ancient Phrygian roads, rock monuments, tombs and natural rock formations. The tours usually take place early in the morning, at sunrise, and the flight time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour on average. Prices may vary depending on the company and the content of the tour, so it is recommended to contact local tour operators for up-to-date information.Source: Frigya AfyonExperiencing the mystical atmosphere of the 12,000-year-old Göbeklitepe, considered “ground zero of history”, from the sky has become one of the most popular activities of recent years. Seeing the ruins of the world's oldest temple from a bird's-eye view offers a unique experience. On these tours near Göbeklitepe in Şanlıurfa, you can watch the UNESCO World Heritage Site Göbeklitepe archaeological site and the impressive Mesopotamian landscapes around it. Tours are usually organised early in the morning, and the flight time is approximately 1 hour. It is important to get information about current prices and tour details from tour operators in the region.Source: Kapadokya TurlarBurdur is a region that attracts attention for balloon tours, especially with the unique beauty of Lake Salda and the view of other lakes. Watching Salda, Burdur and Karataş lakes from a height of about 1700 meters offers great opportunities, especially for photography enthusiasts. On these tours in and around Salda Lake in Burdur, you can see the turquoise waters and white beaches of Salda Lake, also known as Turkey's Maldives, Burdur Lake, Karataş Lake and colourful fields. Balloon tours can be organised both at sunrise and sunset in the region, offering the opportunity to experience the landscape in different light conditions. The flight time is usually around 1 hour. Contact the tour companies for current prices and availability.Source: SKY Kamer HotelPolatli, near the capital Ankara, offers a different balloon experience in the lands of great historical importance. From Gordion, the capital of the Phrygian Civilisation, to the sites of the Battle of Sakarya, you can see a wide range of history from a bird's eye view. On these tours in the Polatlı district of Ankara, you can watch the ancient city of Gordion, the Tumulus of King Midas, the lands where the Battle of Sakarya was fought, Dua Tepe and Kartal Tepe. For detailed information, reservations, tour times, duration and current prices, it is recommended to contact the tourism companies in the region.Source: GeziciniOffering the historical and natural beauties of Eastern Anatolia together, Ahlat is a different alternative for balloon tours, especially in summer. The Seljuk Square Cemetery, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offers a journey accompanied by the view of Lake Van, Nemrut and Süphan Mountains. On these tours in Ahlat district of Bitlis, you can see the largest Turkish-Islamic cemetery in the world, the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, part of Lake Van and the silhouettes of Nemrut and Süphan Mountains. Tours are usually organised during the summer months and are subject to the permission of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Since the winter months are harsh in the region, flights are limited. For up-to-date information on tour duration and prices, information should be obtained from tourism agencies in the region.Source: Ahlat Selçuklu GazetesiFor those who want to see the lush green plateaus and unique meanders of the Black Sea from the sky, Ordu has made a name for itself with balloon tours in recent years. Especially the tours organised in Perşembe Plateau appeal to those looking for a balloon experience in a different geography. On these tours organised in Ordu's Perşembe Plateau, you can watch the lush green plateaus, meanders and natural beauties of the Black Sea. Especially sunset tours can be popular. It is best to contact local tour operators to get detailed information about tour duration and prices.Source: TRT Haber

Hot Air Ballooning in Turkey Beyond Cappadocia: Top Alternative Spots to Try

Main Alternative: The White Magic of Pamukkale (Denizli)

1. Phrygian Valley (Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya)

2. Göbeklitepe (Şanlıurfa)

3. Lake District (Burdur)

4. Polatli (Ankara)

5. Ahlat (Bitlis)

6. Ordu (Perşembe Plateau)

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