Cappadocia’s sunrises are the stuff of legend, thanks largely to those picture-perfect scenes of dozens of hot air balloons rising with the sun.
The combination of the rising sun, the silent dance of balloons, and the extraordinary landscape will stay with you forever. Good morning, Cappadocia style!
To make the most of dawn here, you’ll want to be in the right spot. Here are the best places to greet the sunrise and watch balloons, which usually take off at sunrise.
Your hotel’s rooftop (Göreme)
Let’s be honest, many of those Instagram shots of balloons and bright sky are taken from hotel rooftops in Göreme.
If you’re staying in Göreme, ask your hotel if they have a terrace or rooftop open for sunrise viewing.
Many cave hotels have these spots, often with comfy cushions, Turkish carpets, and even props like those famous Turkish breakfast spreads or decorative lanterns set up. Some hotels really stage it for guests to take photos.
Waking up just before dawn, throwing on a jacket, and walking a few steps to the roof with a cup of coffee in hand is a blissful way to start the day.
You’ll usually see balloons start to inflate around the first light, and you might hear the “whoosh” of the burners.
Then, as the sun peeks over the horizon, balloons start floating up all around – sometimes dozens and dozens of them.
From Göreme rooftops, you have a panoramic view of the sky and surrounding valleys, so it’s prime.
Tip: If your hotel doesn’t have a good rooftop or you’re staying elsewhere, some hotels allow non-guests for a fee or if you buy breakfast. You can also book a photoshoot on a rooftop.
On a hot air balloon
Okay, this one is obvious, but if you’re actually in a hot air balloon at sunrise, that’s arguably the #1 best place to be!
Rising up with the sun, floating over fairy chimneys – it’s a life-affirming experience.
From the balloon, you see the sky fill with other balloons and the sun casting long shadows over the valleys.
If you can budget for a balloon ride (they’re pricey, often €150–250 per person), I highly recommend it.
Many folks say it’s one of the most magical moments of their lives. But even if you don’t do a balloon ride, any of the ground spots above will still be incredibly beautiful.
Göreme Sunrise/Sunset Point (Aydın Kırağı Hill)
On the edge of Göreme town, there’s a hill known as Sunset Point (Aydın Kırağı)—it also serves as a sunrise viewpoint.
It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from the town center. You’ll find a large Turkish flag at the top and 360° views.
In the morning, you’ll see hot air balloons drift around the town and valleys from here. It’s a fantastic vantage point, a bit higher up than rooftops, so that you can see out further.
There may be a few other people around and likely some local dogs chilling up there, but it’s generally quieter at sunrise than sunset.
Bring a blanket or wear something warm; it can be chilly before the sun fully rises.
Once the sun rises, this spot is bathed in lovely golden light. It is great for taking photos looking out over Göreme and the rocky landscape dotted with balloons.
You might even see the sun’s rays hitting Uçhisar Castle in the distance.
Love Valley viewpoint
Love Valley is a popular balloon flight area.
Another excellent sunrise locale is the upper viewpoint of Love Valley, along the road between Göreme and Uçhisar.
You can get there by car/ATV or on a longer hike, or you can even ask a taxi to drop you off before sunrise.
From this rim, you overlook Love Valley’s rock towers, and usually, many balloons float right above and within the valley around sunrise.
It’s truly an epic sight—colorful balloons drifting among the “fairy chimney” spires, the sun lighting them up.
Photographers adore this spot. There’s also a big “Love Valley” sign and heart-shaped props leftover from daytime tourist selfies, which you can use creatively in photos.
Please note that on peak mornings, it can be a bit crowded with photo tour groups, but the area is fairly spread out, so you can find your own perch.
Uçhisar Castle or Surroundings
Uçhisar is the highest point in Cappadocia.
The top of Uçhisar Castle itself might not be open at the crack of dawn. It’s a ticketed site that opens later in the morning, but anywhere around its base or on hotel terraces in Uçhisar will give you a commanding view of the region.
If you happen to be staying in Uçhisar, definitely watch the sunrise from there – you’ll see the sun come up behind Mount Erciyes and illuminate the valleys below.
Fewer balloons fly directly over Uçhisar, but you’ll see them in the distance and above Göreme.
The advantage here is the wide panorama and fewer people around. There’s also a place called Pigeon Valley Viewpoint near Uçhisar on the road to Göreme – that’s a nice spot at dawn as well, with the castle in view and balloons in the background.
What time is the sunrise?
Depending on the time of year, sunrise in Cappadocia can be as early as 5:30 AM in summer or around 7:00 AM in winter.
Check the local sunrise time when you’re there, and plan to be at your chosen spot at least 20–30 minutes before that because the sky starts lighting up, and balloons usually launch just before the sun crests.
Things to know before planning sunrise viewing
Balloons do not exist in the sky every day – they fly only if weather conditions (especially wind) are favorable.
If it’s too windy, balloons might be canceled at the last minute. If you don’t hear the burners or see balloons being filled, they’re likely not flying.
Even on a balloon-cancellation day, a Cappadocia sunrise is gorgeous – but of course, balloons add that extra wow factor.
Dress warmly, especially in fall and winter. Even in summer, pre-dawn can be cool.
Bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee to sip while you wait, and your hotel might help with this.
Have your camera ready—the light changes fast from grey dawn to pink to bright golden.
Finally, be present! It’s tempting to focus on the camera, but do take moments to just breathe in the fresh morning air and enjoy the scene with your own eyes.
