The historical region of Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is
one of the most popular tourists sites in Turkey, known for its unique
volcanic landscape, underground tunnels, fairy chimneys and spectacular
hot air ballooning. Dating back to 3,000 BC, the World Heritage Site is
now preparing for the start of its busiest tourist period, which begins
in May.
Hot air balloons fly over Cappadocia
iStock
Local
vendors are expecting the numbers of visitors to be stable, despite the
recent downturn in visitors after the Ankara attacks,
mainly
because of the unique activities, which are unlike any other tourist
areas in the country. Hot air ballooning is one of the main tourist
highlights and is mainly available in Göreme,
a well-preserved isolated town within the region, first inhabited in the Hittite era, circa 1800 to 1200 BC.
Trekking
is also a major part of Cappadocia's tourism, particularly in Ihlara
Valley, Monastery Vallery (Guzelyurt), Urgup and Göreme.
A closer view of a house in Cappadocia
iStock
recently visited the sights that Cappadocia has to offer.
IBTimesUK
takes a look at some of his breathtaking photos:
Tourists look out at the view above a cave hotel in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists climb to the top of a mountain to view the sunset in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Hot air balloons are seen over rock formations near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists view rock formations during a hot air balloon tour in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists view rock formations in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
A hot air balloon is seen over rock formations in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists take in the view over the town of Göreme during a hot air balloon ride in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
The shadow of a hot air balloon is seen on the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists view the sunset from a lookout point in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists view rock dwellings at the famous Göreme open air museum in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tour operators pack up a hot air balloon after a tourist flight in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists take photographs from a sunset lookout point in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Tourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Morning sunlight illuminates the town of Uchisar in Nevsehir, Turkey
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
Post a Comment