Home » Capturing a Cappadocia Sunrise: Sultan Cave Suites – The Best Location

Capturing a Cappadocia Sunrise: Sultan Cave Suites – The Best Location

Witnessing the sunrise in Cappadocia is one of those bucket list travel experiences.

Seeing the hot air balloons glide across the sky is one of the most magical moments I have ever had. I stepped out from my amazing cave hotel room at the Sultan Cave Suites into almost darkness at 5am to see the first balloons floating by, just above my head.

Cappadocia is something out of a fairytale. I’ve never been anywhere like it, is really is just one of those out-of-this-world places, even if more and more tourists are visiting these days.

Capturing an epic sunrise photo in Cappadocia is almost a right of passage for tourists visiting. Other bloggers are writing plenty of guides on the best photo locations in Cappadocia, but me, nowhere can beat the panoramic viewpoint at the Sultan Cave Suites.

the best photo locations in Cappadocia
Sultan Cave Suites

This amazing hotel has become one of those Insta-famous photo locations because of its incredible viewpoint. It is easily one of the most tagged hotels on Instagram. The hotel knows what it is doing too – from the cute pup, to the bowl of fruit and the Turkish rugs all laid out.

So the aim of this blog post is to show you how to get the best Instagram photo possible from the terrace at Sultan Cave Suites. This guide will explain everything you need to know and why this is the very best photo location to capture that iconic sunrise shot in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Sunrise at Sultan Cave Suites – Essential things to know

You need to be a guest of the hotel

Yes, that’s right. You most definitely cannot just walk in from the outside if you do not have a reservation at the hotel. We saw people being asked to leave several times. So first things first, you need to reserve a stay at Sultan Cave Suites. Luckily, it’s an amazing hotel, as well as the best photo location in Cappadocia. It’s also very well-priced. You can read my full guide to staying at Sultan Cave Suites here, and check rates online here.

sunrise at Cappadocia
Admiring a beautiful sunrise at Cappadocia

You won’t have the best photo location to yourself

This is definitely the only pitfall to the Sultan Cave Suites terrace. Because it is so renowned as the best photo location, all the guests tend to head up each morning to witness another spectacular sunrise.

I’m not sure what I was thinking, but for some reason, I thought I was going to have a peaceful and unique experience up on the terrace at Sultan Cave Suites.

No no no, not at all. Some people sit and pause to take in the spectacle, but for the most part, everyone is being a temporary social media star and having their own photo shoot for the morning.

10 followers or 1,000,000 million followers – it’s hard to resist not wanting to capture a photo here to remember your time in Cappadocia. There was definitely some kind of adhoc queuing system in place, with girls and guys waiting their turn to sit in the best photo locations around the terrace. Beware that whilst you’re having your photos taken, everyone is watching but you’ve just got to rock it. After all, they’re all doing the same thing too.

I realised that I’d prefer the light slightly later in the morning so we took the time to sit and marvel at the sheer beauty of the sky.

Again, aside from capturing the photos, taking a moment to stop and just appreciate the sunrise in Cappadocia is incredible. There really is nowhere quite like it, with hundreds of balloons filling the sky against the fairy chimneys and otherworldly landscape.

sunrise from the Sultan Cave Suites in Cappadocia
Sunrise from the terrace at the Sultan Cave Suites in Cappadocia

The setup at the Sultan Cave Suites

You’ll have noticed on Instagram that there is a fruit bowl and breakfast setup on a small table. This is put out on display every single morning, as are the big blankets. So the ‘props’ for the photos is something the hotel does for the guests. I did think this would be something I’d have to request but that’s not the case. The breakfast props are set up around 5am and are left there until about 9am.

Props for photoshoot at Sultan Cave Suites Cappadocia
Sitting for a quick photoshoot at the Sultan Cave Suites in Cappadocia

Izmir, the Instagram famous dog at Sultan Cave Suites

You know that gorgeous golden cocker spaniel in all the pictures? Well she belongs to the hotel too. She wanders freely around the hotel all day, but at sunrise, the staff entice her up to the terrace with treats.

To have Izmir in the right spot for the perfect Instagram photo is a mixture of luck and having the staff help you out. Izmir is a bit of a tricky sassy pup, and she can be a little temperamental!

The staff often help out by giving you bits of sausage to get her to come over for a photo. It’s down to you to keep her happy after that whilst you capture your photos.

Izmir, the gorgeous dog at Sultan Cave Suites
Izmir, the gorgeous dog at Sultan Cave Suites

It’s cold at sunrise

Don’t be deceived. Even at the height of summer, it’s cold at 5am. Luckily, it only takes one or two hours for it to warm up, but chances are, you’ll be shivering whilst you capture that photo!

I recommend taking a blanket from your room up to the terrace whilst you watch the balloons.

the best photo shoot location in Cappadocia
Capturing an iconic sunrise photo at Sultan Cave Suites

Capturing that Instagram photo

Well, it is the best photo location in Cappadocia after all, and if you’ve managed to get a reservation to stay at the Sultan Cave Suites, then you might as well capture the sunrise.

Should I be embarrassed that I openly admit to wanting to get an amazing photo from my time in Cappadocia? I don’t think so.

Visiting Cappadocia is such a once in a lifetime experience, and if I’m honest, it was pretty easy to get an amazing photo at sunrise. Nearly all of them came out well! Cappadocia is just one of those Instagrammable places where every photo is great.

solo female traveller in Turkey
Enjoying Cappadocia
the best photo shoot location in Cappadocia
Magical lighting at sunrise

Did I travel to Cappadocia with the intention of getting this Instagram pic?

Honestly? No. My initials plans in my two-week Turkey itinerary were mostly focused on the coastline, until my research led me to Pamukkale and Cappadocia. These two places are so unlike anywhere I’ve seen before and I suddenly realise I needed to adjust my route around Turkey. It was also just potluck that the Sultan Cave Suites had one last cave room left over the days I was hoping to visit.

But naturally, when you’re in a location that’s as amazing as Cappadoccia, who wouldn’t want to capture sunrise here.

I try to not let negative people put me down for getting that ‘cliché’ photo – I do what I want to do!

Some of my friends had never seen Cappadocia before, and I received SO many messages on my personal account about my stay at Sultan Cave Suites.

Other activities to do in Cappadocia

Don’t worry, there’s a lot more to see and do in Cappadocia than just capturing the sunrise.

I’ve written a long detailed blog post on all of the must see attractions in Cappadocia, but there’s more than enough to do for a two to three night stay. The hotels are so unique in themselves too, that they warrant a longer stay alone! GetYourGuide is a great place to start planning day trips around Cappadocia:

staying at Sultan Cave Suites
Enjoying the view from the terrace at the Sultan Cave Suites

Have you been to Cappadocia before? Did you enjoy the incredible balloons floating at sunrise or capture a similar style of photo? Do let me know! I would probably say that visiting Cappadocia was one of my favourite travel highlights throughout my entire life so far. The townwas just so enchanting and captivating.

I spent three days in Cappadocia, which was the perfect amount of time to do everything we wanted to do. I’ve written a full detailed guide on all of the best things to do in Cappadocia and a much more detailed review of staying at Sultan Cave Suites here.

If you have any questions, do feel free to pop them in the comments section below. Also, if you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share using the below links!

If you’re considering a longer trip, you might find my two-week Turkey itinerary here useful. As well as my guides to Bodrum,  PamukkaleEphesus, sailing the famous Turquoise Coast, and Istanbul here.

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram here, my Facebook here or my Twitter here!

Disclaimer: This visit to Cappadocia, Turkey was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or the Sultan Cave Suites team. This is an independent guide

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23 Comments

  1. Mary
    November 25, 2017 / 5:21 pm

    Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Cappadocia and this just makes me want to go even more.

  2. Shaily
    November 26, 2017 / 4:23 am

    Wow! This is such a splendid experience. Oh that marvellous sunrise.. the golden sunlight painting everything in hues of yellow.. the freshness of the morning.. and the breathtaking view of the city. This is definitely a place to be added to the bucket list. Your pictures are super amazing! Thanks for the helpful tips. I’ve saved this page to my favourites. 🙂

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:18 pm

      Thank you so much! Really appreciate you kind words- it is an absolutely breathtaking destination!

  3. November 26, 2017 / 6:54 am

    I guess the thing about wanting the perfect Instagram photo is that too often the shoot takes over the experience, not just for you but those around you who would also like a photo to remember their once in a lifetime trip. Glad you decided to enjoy the experience first and the photo shoot second, it’s an important thing to remember about why we travel

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:16 pm

      It really is so important to remember this, you’re right! Always trying to strike the right balance in it all!

  4. November 26, 2017 / 7:47 pm

    Cappadocia is really fantastic place and I am really happy that I have been there. Landscape there seems unreal. It’s definetely one of the best place to ride hot air balloon which I also dod. Thanks for sharing your experiences and gorgeus pictures.

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:15 pm

      Ah amazing that you have been there – we’re so lucky to have experienced it!

  5. David Finger
    November 28, 2017 / 1:51 am

    Amazing photos! Cappadocia was not on my radar but after reading this post I think it is now!

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:15 pm

      Definitely visit! One of the most unique destinations in the world I have ever been!

  6. November 28, 2017 / 12:36 pm

    Such a splendid place to be .. Those hot air balloon background in each pics gives such stunning images and life to your pics. Amazing ones.

  7. bee
    November 28, 2017 / 7:26 pm

    Wow, you photos look absolutely amazing. I’m impressed you braved the cold at 5 am too. It looks like it was worth the early rise. Capodecia looks like a must see!

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:09 pm

      Thank you!! Yes it was quite cold up there, but a once in a life time opportunity not to be missed!

  8. November 29, 2017 / 3:47 pm

    I’m reading so much about Cappaddocia of late! I’d totally love to visit the place myself and fly in the hot air balloon myself! This is just gorgeous – Sunrise & balloons is such a picturesque combo!

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:08 pm

      Hey! Yes I definitely think it is becoming one of those trending places but it was so incredible that it’s worth the journey! 🙂

  9. November 30, 2017 / 3:54 pm

    I love how honest you are in this post.. 🙂 We all do what we do just to take that awesome photo and I too have gone on several lengths just to get the perfect shot.. 😉 TBH, I couldn’t blame you as your photos are gorgeous! I’d love to see this too as it looks so magical! 😀

    • December 1, 2017 / 3:06 pm

      Hi Marvi!

      Thank you 🙂 I always try and be honest in my posts to give the best picture, good or bad of a place! This really was so amazing, so I hope you go too someday – and it’s totally fine to get that awesome photo! 😉

  10. December 2, 2017 / 2:09 am

    Cappadoccia has to be on every travelers bucket list! I need to understand more as to why the balloons are so famous there. I agree with you that you should not be ashamed for wanting to take photos because everyone else has done it and probably will again.

    • December 2, 2017 / 1:05 pm

      It really does! The hot air balloons haven’t always flown above Cappadocia, but I think the locals realised it was an amazing way for visitors to see the incredible scenery! It was a first time for me and I would definitely recommend! x

  11. December 2, 2017 / 10:18 pm

    Wow your pictures are awesome and totally make us want to visit Cappadocia! We went to Turkey many years ago, but didn’t make it to Cappadocia. Hopefully soon because we’d LOVE to explore it on a hot air balloon. Thanks for the inspiring post!

  12. December 3, 2017 / 12:23 pm

    I’ve thought the same thing when it came to getting an amazing shot, that I would be the only one trying! Of course, that’s rarely the case. I’ve waited in line for my turn, too. Good thing you waited a bit. The lighting is perfect!

  13. December 3, 2017 / 1:35 pm

    Haha, I Love this article! Good for you letting us in on how this popular photo shoot really happens. The dog makes me laugh, can just imagine what this dog is thinking every time he has to do a photo shoot. I really enjoyed this post. Your photographs are beautiful and yes I would do it too!!!

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