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 CappadociaiStockCappadocia, TurkeyiStockCappadocia, TurkeyiStock
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 CappadociaiStock
Getty Images photographer Chris McGrath 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, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists climb to the top of a mountain to view the sunset in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesHot air balloons are seen over rock formations near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists view rock formations during a hot air balloon tour in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists view rock formations in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesA hot air balloon is seen over rock formations in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists take in the view over the town of Göreme during a hot air balloon ride in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesThe shadow of a hot air balloon is seen on the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists view the sunset from a lookout point in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists view rock dwellings at the famous Göreme open air museum in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTour operators pack up a hot air balloon after a tourist flight in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists take photographs from a sunset lookout point in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesTourists ride hot air balloon near the town of Göreme in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty ImagesMorning sunlight illuminates the town of Uchisar in Nevsehir, TurkeyChris McGrath/ Getty Images
