The white travertines of Pamukkale look their best from above, and there are three ways to get there: a hot air balloon at sunrise, tandem paragliding from the hill above the terraces, and a gyrocopter, a small open-cockpit aircraft. In all three a licensed pilot does the flying, so no experience is needed. The difference is how the flight feels and who it suits.
Quick comparison
| Balloon | Paragliding | Gyrocopter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time in the air | about 60 min | 20–30 min | 15 or 30 min |
| Time of day | sunrise | morning or sunset | morning or near sunset |
| Who cannot fly | under 6, pregnant women | under 30 kg or over 110 kg | under 12, over 100 kg |
| Feeling | calm, slow drifting | gliding with the wind, a little thrill | fast, powered, sharp turns |
| Who flies | shared or private basket | you and the pilot | you and the pilot |
Hot air balloon: the calmest
A balloon rises and drifts slowly with the wind; even people who are nervous about heights usually feel at ease. The basket is roomy, so families and groups fly together, and the pink sunrise light on the terraces is a bonus. You have to get up very early, and the flight depends on the weather. Details are in our Pamukkale hot air balloon guide.
Paragliding: the wind in your face
You take off from the hill above the travertines with a few running steps, the pilot behind you. There is no engine noise, only the wind. Sunset flights are the most requested, and photos and video can be added. For price, flight time and safety, read our Pamukkale paragliding guide.
Gyrocopter: the widest view in the shortest time
A gyrocopter is a small two-seat aircraft with a freely spinning rotor on top. It takes off from a runway, has an engine and moves much faster than a balloon, so in a short time you see the travertines, Hierapolis and the valley from many angles. You wear a helmet and headset and can talk to the pilot throughout. Choose a 15- or 30-minute flight; the 30-minute flight can include video from two cameras. The weight limit is 100 kg and the minimum age is 12.
Which one should you choose?
- Family with children, or not keen on heights: balloon.
- Want a thrill and love quiet flight: paragliding.
- Short on time, want photos and video: gyrocopter.
- Two nights in Pamukkale: balloon one morning, paragliding at sunset the next evening.
If the weather is not right, every flight is postponed or refunded. For packages and prices see the balloon, paragliding and gyrocopter pages.