Nevşehir / Anadolu Agency

A total of 256,777 tourists participated in hot air balloon tours in the Cappadocia region of Nevşehir province in central Turkey during the first half of 2026, according to official data.

These tours allow visitors to view valleys, natural rock formations, and fairy chimneys from the air, making them one of the most popular activities among tourists.

The balloons take off at sunrise on days when weather conditions permit flying, offering visitors an aerial view of the region's natural and historical landmarks.

Cappadocia, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, has 160 balloons operated by 27 companies.

The balloons can fly an average of 220 days per year, depending on suitable weather conditions.

In an interview with Anadolu, Ismail Soğu, deputy head of the domestic tourism committee at the Turkish Travel Agencies Union (TÜRSAB), said Cappadocia offers a variety of tourist activities, but hot air balloon tours are the most preferred.

He added that balloons contribute to enhancing Cappadocia's reputation as a global tourist destination, comparing the view from the air to an 'open-air museum.'

He explained that the region combines nature, history, and culture, allowing visitors to see its landmarks from the air.

The historic and touristic region of Cappadocia is famous for its underground cities and fairy chimneys, also called 'devil's tables' in Arabic deserts, which were formed by erosion and weathering.