One of the most magical pictures I’ve ever seen was one where I saw someone lounging on a rooftop gazing at dozens of hot air balloons in the sky. That otherworldly scene stayed with me and I vowed to go on a future bucket list trip.
Well, that magical scene became a reality! I took my family on a last minute, but wonderful trip through Cappadocia and I was able to see hot air balloons rising every day for 4 days!
Along the way, I also learned more about the different and best spots to see the hot air balloons in Cappadocia. It’s not just rooftop views among cave houses, but valley views among the departing balloons. I wanted to share some of these spots as it seems like some articles mainly focus on Göreme (the town with cave hotels densely placed together). But I wanted to highlight some of the best spots to see hot air balloons in Cappadocia and the differences in each spot.
Best spots to see the hot air balloons in Cappadocia
Town View with Cave hotels in background
The view you may have seen on social media is of a person reclining on an oriental rug on a balcony overlooking the hot air balloons up close. This is in the city of Göreme. It is well developed and full of boutique hotels, usually cave hotels. There are many restaurants and cafes and it has a downtown feel. The hotels are never that high (certainly not above 10 stories) and usually all of them have balconies or rooftops. Hot air balloons always pass through this area and it is a wonderful site seeing them bob above the town. Wherever you are, you will spot hot air balloons. It just depends on the view right around your hotel’s balcony. We booked a last minute lesser known hotel and only one set of people came to view hot air balloons at peak launch time. It did have other buildings close by but you could get creative with standing in certain sections.
TLDR: Göreme has the famous view with cave houses in the background and it’s easy to get a good spot!
This is the most famous cave hotel for spotting hot air balloons. The extra benefit of this spot is its adorable resident dog, Izmir. But only guests are allowed access to this rooftop so book early!
Mithra Cave Hotel is located on Aydinli Hill giving it the highest vantage point in Göreme. Book a €200 private balcony and have the wonderful view all to yourself! Photographers can be booked for an extra charge.
This hotel is also located at a high point on the edge of town. I almost booked this hotel and liked its location and height; I saw it from a distance and while it would get mildly crowded, it looked like it had a great view.
Valley View from a distance
See a very different view beside the Love Valley Hot Air Balloon launch point. You will see a more expansive, open space and many more balloons. It is quite something to see hundreds of them being launched from this spot. Many hotels in Uchisar provide this valley view from a distance.
We stayed here and the big draw is that each suite has its own private balcony! No jostling for the perfect spot since the balcony is just for you! Some views like ours are slightly lower so you could see the restaurant in some photos, but we just got creative once again with the angles.
Cappadocia Cave Suites
This hotel purports to have cave dwellings from the Hittite, Roman and Byzantine periods but you can expect all the modern day luxuries. It’s also a good place for hot air balloon spotting.
This is another insta-famous hotel in Cappaodocia. They are known for their great views as well as unique nest-like chair swings.
Love Valley
Many people choose NOT to go up in the hot air balloons, but watch them from the launch point at Love Valley. There are parking lots full of cars and buses of people all looking at the hot air balloons. There is a communal air and a sense of lightness here. Although it’s early, many people are in good spirits and are enthralled by the site of the hot air balloons. This is also a good spot if you have young children as kids under 6 years old are typically not allowed in the balloons themselves. You can hire a driver who will bring you to the spot and wait about 1 – 1.5 hours for around 500 Turkish Lira.
Oh amazing photos
Good post