Cappadocia, Turkey, is a stunning and historic city worth visiting. In addition to its rich historical sites, Cappadocia also boasts breathtaking scenery. You can ride a hot air balloon and enjoy panoramic views of the city while feeling the gentle breeze. The local food is delicious and authentic, and the romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for a honeymoon.
Before you travel to Cappadocia, it's important to know a few tips for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here's the essential information for those who need travel tricks and tips.
You can fly to Cappadocia by plane to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NEV), served only by Turkish Airlines. You can also travel to Istanbul or Kayseri, then take public transportation to Cappadocia, such as a bus, dolmus, or car.
To save money on plane tickets to Cappadocia, use the Traveloka app's promos. You can find cheap flights and get discounts on the fares, which can help you save some money.
The best time to visit Cappadocia is in the spring (March–May) or fall (September–November). In these two seasons, Cappadocia's natural beauty shines very brightly.
Visiting Cappadocia in the summer is possible, but it can be bustling with tourists. Due to the high temperatures, it's important to have mineral water with you at all times to stay hydrated. Stock up on drinking water before exploring the city in the summer to ensure you have enough supply.
Visiting Cappadocia during the winter is also a great choice. Remember to bring warm clothes to explore the city.
One of the best areas to stay in Cappadocia is Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique rock formations and caves. After arriving in Nevsehir, you can quickly find a taxi to go to Goreme, about 40 minutes away. Apart from that, you can also take the route to Kayseri, then rent a taxi to Goreme, which takes one hour.
You can find places to stay ranging from budget to luxury. The most exciting part is the existence of cave hotels. Almost all hotels in Goreme also offer hot air balloon rides at sunrise, with some having the best views of the balloons.
The best time to take a hot air balloon ride in Turkey is during the shoulder seasons of October to April. Prices are often less than TRY 1,900. Accommodations also cost less.
Although summer from June to August sees very few cancellations due to stable weather, prices are higher. If you go ballooning in winter (December–February), you may get lucky and see the fairy chimneys, a rare winter phenomenon.
In short, the seasons between October and April offer the best value for a hot air balloon ride in Turkey.
Staying for more than one day in Cappadocia increases your chances of enjoying a hot air balloon ride due to weather conditions. Before booking a hot air balloon tour, read the terms and conditions carefully. Look for a tour with flexibility. For example, if there is a cancellation due to bad weather, you can reschedule or get a refund.
This way, if you can't go on the tour the first day, you can go the next day. On the other hand, you can't book a hot air balloon tour directly because there is a chance they may run out of available hot air balloons. For safety reasons, only a few people are allowed on each balloon ride.
You'll need to wake up early to see the sunrise from a hot air balloon. Hot air balloon tours start before dawn, so you must be ready a few hours before departure. For a 7 a.m. tour, you should be ready by 5 a.m.
If you've enjoyed hot air balloon rides, it's time to taste delicious Turkish cuisine. Some must-try dishes are manti, earthenware kebabs, baklava, Turkish tea, and Turkish coffee. You can find these in restaurants, on the streets, or in food courts, where the food is equally tasty. While at a traditional market, you can continue shopping for souvenirs for your loved ones.
So, are you ready to experience all that Cappadocia has to offer? If so, make the most of your trip to Cappadocia by using the Traveloka app to book flights and hotels, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience.
Also read: Itinerary & Budget: 7 Days in Turkey