The Best Places in the World for a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Embark on a journey through the best hot air balloon tours worldwide! Explore destinations where these tours offer mesmerizing views and unforgettable moments, from the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the majestic historical heritage of Egypt.
Hot air ballooning is well-known as being a great way to see amazing landscapes from a viewpoint reserved only for the birds. It’s also considered to be very romantic. If you love hot air ballooning or are thinking of trying a ride on your next vacation, discover our selection of the best locations for a hot air balloon ride.
Loire Valley, France
Nestled in central France is the Loire Valley, clearly one of the best places in the world to take a hot air balloon ride. High above the Loire River, you can see the many castles once lived in by French nobility, such as Château de Montsoreau, Château d’Amboise, and Château d’Azay-le-Rideauthe.
The Loire Valley is known as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France, boasting many vineyards, fruit orchards and vegetable fields lining the river banks. Many of the towns in the Loire Valley are historically significant, having been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic times. UNESCO even announced that sections of the Loire River valley would be declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. Going for a hot air balloon flight over Saumur is clearly one of the most beautiful rides of your life.
Barcelona, Spain
Hot air ballooning is extremely popular in Barcelona, this gorgeous metropolitan city on the eastern coast of Spain. Home to the famous Sagrada Familia, and renowned architectural work by Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, both of which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hot air balloon rides take off from just outside the city in Montseny Natural Park. When you book a hot air balloon ride near Barcelona, your flight will lift off from Cardedeu or Vic. From the sky, you can see all of Montseny Natural Park region, as well as the stunning peaks of Montserrat, Barcelona city and the Mediterranean Sea. Hot air ballooning in Barcelona is a breathtaking and romantic adventure to add to your visit, and why not as a surprise for your loved one?
Manacor, Mallorca
We stay in Spain, but this time, on the Balearic Islands! Trying a hot balloon flight in Manacor, Mallorca means enjoying breathtaking views of the island and a quality service, including champagne!
The thrill of the balloon ride in Manacor gradually builds up as the inflation begins. This activity will give you a sense of freedom and self-satisfaction as you soar over villages at 100 meters above sea level and 500 meters high mountains while enjoying a glass of cava (sparkling wine) with views of the endless horizon. The one-hour flight is available for both private and group at sunrise (7 am) or sunset (8 pm), to get a unique perspective of the beautiful landscape of Mallorca.
Marrakech, Morocco
Soar over Morocco and the precipitous valleys of the Atlas Mountains during a hot air balloon in Marrakech. Observing the sunrise over the Atlas Mountains from above, you will engage in the peaceful navigation away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech's souks.
Take part in an amazing activity with knowledgeable, kind, and hospitable local guides who will take every precaution to ensure your comfort. In fact, you will be given hot beverages, local breakfast, transportation to and from your accommodation, and even refreshments, depending on the service you select.
Annecy, France
Known as the Pearl of the Alps and the Venice of the Alps, Annecy is clearly a stunning place to take a hot air balloon ride! The city of Annecy is set at the base of the Alps in the south-east of France and welcomes travellers from all over the world that come to admire its famous old town with its adorable cobblestone streets, winding canals and pastel-painted homes.
A hot air balloon adventure in Annecy will take you up high above the town for a panoramic view of Lake Annecy. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot Mont Blanc from afar, as well as the three lakes in the area. You can also see the well-known medieval castle of Annecy, which happened to be the former residence of the Counts of Geneva.
Bagan, Myanmar
Once the capital of the Burmese empire, Bagan is a 50-kilometre wide Buddhist archaeological site in Mandalay, Myanmar. The temples and monuments built in Bagan, also known as Pagan, are made of brick. There are two types of recognizable structures unique to this site, known as temples and stupas. Each hold specific meanings in Buddhist ideology. Though many of the 2,834 structures are in ruin, their shape and design are very exotic and ancient, having been built as early as the 9th century.
There is nothing like seeing an archaeological site like this hot air balloon in Bagan, Myanmar. Visiting this vast green jungle land with ancient and holy temples built thousands of years ago is an otherworldly feeling you have to experience yourself to understand!
Interlaken, Switzerland
Hot air balloon flights in Interlaken offer an enchanting way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. As the balloon ascends, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz. The serene, almost magical experience of floating above this picturesque landscape provides a unique perspective on Interlaken’s natural splendour.
The tranquillity of the flight, combined with the stunning scenery, creates a sense of peace and awe that is hard to match. Whether it's witnessing the first light of dawn illuminating the mountains or enjoying the sunset's golden hues, a hot air balloon ride in Interlaken is an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of Switzerland’s alpine charm.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is one of the biggest destinations for hot air ballooning in Turkey – and in the entire world. Declared at UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, this delightful Turkish region is known for fairy chimneys, cone-shaped rock formations in the Valley of the Monks. The 100-meter Ihlara Canyon is also very popular to see, which has hundreds of rock churches built into the canyons.
Since so many people come to Cappadocia for hot air ballooning, the skyline is often filled with balloons. They spread across the horizon like a beautiful rainbow of colours against stunning orange and lavender sunrises and sunsets. Cappadocia is also a favourite destination for Instagrammers- pictures in front of the Fairy Chimneys with countless balloons in the background make for epic Insta pictures!
Bled, Slovenia
Hot air balloon flights over Bled in Slovenia provide a captivating way to appreciate the region's fairy-tale scenery from a unique vantage point in the north of the country. As the balloon gracefully rises, passengers are greeted with sweeping views of Lake Bled's emerald waters, the iconic Bled Island with its charming church, and the medieval Bled Castle perched on a cliff. The surrounding Julian Alps and lush forests add to the picturesque panorama, creating an unforgettable visual feast.
The gentle, serene experience of drifting above this enchanting landscape allows for a deep connection with Bled’s natural and historical beauty during 3 hours. Whether catching the sunrise casting a golden glow over the lake or enjoying the tranquil evening skies, a hot air balloon ride in Bled offers a magical adventure that highlights the serene and timeless allure of Slovenia’s most iconic destination.
Luxor, Egypt
Now, let's imagine you soar above history and cultural heritage that dates back to BC era! Well, a hot air balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt, is for you! This breathtaking experience takes you to the region's rich historical and cultural heritage. Luxor, often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, is home to iconic ancient sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. From the vantage point of a hot air balloon, you will be able to enjoy a stunning aerial view of these well-preserved monuments set against the contrasting landscape of the fertile Nile River Valley and the surrounding desert.
The region's generally stable climate, with clear skies and calm winds, provides ideal conditions for ballooning, especially in the early mornings. The experience is made even more magical by the timing of most flights at sunrise, allowing to witness the sun casting its first light over the Nile and ancient ruins...
Rome, Italy
Take off on this one-hour ride above the picturesque medieval villages and lush surroundings, around the Tiber River, to explore the scenic beauty of ancient Rome during a hot air balloon tour.
Starting early in the morning, you will fly with the direction of the wind over Rome's thousand-year history, famous monuments and landmarks, and natural wonders that have shaped Rome into one of the most distinctive, treasured cities in the world. You will also have an aerial view of the picturesque Roman countryside. You will be treated to breathtaking views of an archaeological site close to Otricoli. Clearly one of the best place for a hot balloon ride!
Ready for new heights...
Now that you know which the best places for a hot air balloon ride are, you might have some more practical questions about the activity. Not to worry, we cover everything you need to know in our complete guide to hot air ballooning. After that, you are ready to pick your favourite hot air balloon activity and enjoy the ride!