Cappadocia is one of the most Instagrammable places in the world. It is a place I loved so much the first time, I was back the following year! The landscape, food, monasteries, caves and the beautiful hot air balloons over Red Valley are absolutely incredible. Based on my trips, here is what I suggest you do to get the best photos of Cappadocia.
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Even in summer, the weather in Cappadocia can be unpredictable. Make sure book in for a flight the day you arrive or for the following morning. You want to have that scheduled in as soon as possible. If the flight is canceled you will be refunded or offered a flight the following day. You do not want to leave it until the final morning of your trip only to find out it is not going ahead!
- Related article: Where to find Istanbul’s secret rooftop
Tips for getting the best photos in the balloon:
- Book a balloon with 16 or fewer passengers, this will give you more room to shoot the balloons (some looked way too crowded to get photos with a person it the frame as well)
- Ask the operator how far in advance they arrive at the site before you leave for the flight. The departure site of the balloons is a great spot to get some incredible shots of the balloons close up.
My first visit to Cappadocia I was on a tour. While the tour enabled me to see a lot more of Turkey, I didn’t have the flexibility to explore photography spots as extensively in Cappadocia because we were short on time. If you are on a tour I would recommend asking whether the itinerary allows you one morning to do the flight, as well as another to view from the ground. They are both equally as stunning and you don’t want to miss out on the latter (like I did my first visit).
- Want to improve your iPhone Photography? Here’s my ultimate guide to improving your smartphone travel pics.
Sunset Point
The best place to get photos of Cappadocia balloons is at Sunset Point in Göreme… but visit at sunrise. Sunset there was amazing but the balloons only fly in the morning and seeing them over this unique landscape was breath-taking. I got there half an hour before sunrise to set up my tripod and adjust my camera settings.
Google Maps Address: Sunset view point, Göreme Belediyesi/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
- Related article: Highlights of Turkey: must-sees to add to your itinerary
For tips on other Instagrammable destinations in Turkey make sure to check out my article Highlights of Turkey: Top 5 things you cannot miss. If you are visiting Istanbul, also make sure to read my guide to finding the secret rooftop with the absolute best view over the city!
I hope you have found this guide useful and if you have any questions leave a comment or let me know on Instagram.
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