Hot Air Balloon Festival in Turkey

Balloon Festival in Cappadocia

The Hot Air Balloon Festival in Turkiye takes place in the Cappadocia region, located in the central part of the country, within Nevsehir Province. The main events are held in the picturesque town of Goreme and its surroundings an area famous for its valleys, rock formations, and the iconic “Fairy Chimneys.” At sunrise, the sky fills with hundreds of colorful balloons, creating a truly magical view. The Cappadocia Balloon Festival is held in early August (around the 3rd to the 11th), although exact dates may vary depending on weather conditions, as calm and clear skies are required for flights. The festival lasts about 3–4 days and features mass balloon launches, light shows, concerts, and exhibitions. Goreme is considered one of the best places in the world for hot air balloon flights, and you can witness this breathtaking event during an excursion from Belek to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Balloon Festival Program

04:45 – Hotel Pick Up
Early in the morning, guests are picked up from hotels in Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos, or Ortahisar. The early transfer ensures arrival at the launch site before sunrise. At the meeting area, Turkish tea or coffee is served while the crew prepares the balloons for flight.

05:15 – Arrival and Safety Briefing
Upon arrival, participants meet the licensed pilots and flight crew. You can watch as the giant, colorful balloons slowly rise from the ground. A professional safety briefing explains take-off, in-flight, and landing procedures. The calm pre-dawn moments are perfect for photos glowing balloons against the dark sky create a magical scene.

05:45 – Mass Balloon Launch
The highlight of the morning begins as hundreds of hot air balloons lift off together over Cappadocia’s unique landscape of valleys, rock formations, and famous fairy chimneys. As the first rays of the sun appear, the sky turns gold and pink. The flight lasts about 60 minutes depending on the wind direction. Each balloon follows its own path, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the valleys and volcanic hills.

07:15 – Landing and Light Breakfast
After a gentle landing, the ground crew welcomes the guests. A light breakfast or lunchbox is served juice, pastries, and fruit. To celebrate the successful flight, guests are invited to a symbolic non-alcoholic champagne toast and receive personalized flight certificates. Afterwards, return transfers take guests back to their hotels for rest or breakfast.

10:00 – Free Time and Optional Tours
Late morning and afternoon are free for rest, shopping, or optional excursions from Minister Tours. Many visitors join walking tours through the Rose, Love, or Pigeon Valleys, or enjoy photo tours from Goreme National Park’s panoramic viewpoints. You can also visit open-air museums, pottery workshops in Avanos, or cafés overlooking the valleys.

18:30 – Evening Show “Night Glow”
In the evening, spectators gather again at the festival grounds near Göreme. The balloons stay anchored on the ground but light up from inside as the burners flare to the rhythm of the music. The glowing balloons create a spectacular sea of lights one of the most photogenic events of the festival.

20:00 – Concert and Festival Fair
After the light show, the concert program begins with Turkish folk music, dance performances, and DJ sets. Around the venue, festival stalls and food courts serve local dishes, desserts, and tea. You can buy handmade ceramics, jewelry, and souvenirs a true showcase of Cappadocia’s culture and hospitality.

22:00 – Return to Hotel
After the festive evening, buses and private transfers take guests back to their hotels in Goreme, Urgup, and nearby towns. Many end the day relaxing on a terrace, watching crews fold the last balloons under the starlit sky a perfect finish to a magical festival day.

Evening Show “Night Glow”

“Night Glow” is a spectacular evening event held as part of the annual Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival. During the show, the balloons remain on the ground or rise just slightly, while their burners ignite in perfect sync with live music, illuminating the night sky in dazzling colors and creating the magical effect known as the “Dance of the Balloons.” This is not a flight but a light-and-music performance designed for spectators — no ride or movement is required. The show takes place at the festival grounds near Göreme or Uçhisar, where the colorful balloons turn into giant glowing lanterns set against Cappadocia’s rock formations and valleys, offering one of the most unforgettable sights of the festival.