There are experiences that exceed expectations and manage to be engraved in memory forever. Hot air ballooning over Segovia is one of them. From the moment the balloon begins to rise, a feeling of tranquility and awe invades those who venture on this journey through the skies. As the ground slowly drifts away, the Segovian landscape transforms into a canvas of colors and shapes that, from above, takes on a new and fascinating perspective.
The experience begins at dawn, around 7:30 in the morning. At the take-off area, you can see how the balloons take shape, inflating gradually as the sun illuminates the sky. After a brief safety explanation, it's time to board the balloon. The pilot, with the skill and calm of an expert, guides the balloon every step of the way. Taking off is so smooth that you barely notice it, and in a matter of minutes, you are among the clouds.
The Castilian city is known for its monumental wealth. From the heights, the Aqueduct, one of the greatest achievements of ancient engineering, stands as a colossus that runs through the city, its perfect arches creating an image that from above seems taken from another time. Segovia Cathedral, with its imposing Gothic spire, feels so close, causing the sensation of wanting to touch it. Then there is the Alcázar, a fairytale castle that seems to come to life under the first rays of the sun.
Segovia is recognized as one of the top ten destinations chosen by travelers worldwide for hot air ballooning. The list includes places like Bagan in Myanmar, Cappadocia in Turkey, Queenstown in New Zealand, Albuquerque in the United States, and the Loire Valley in France.
The surroundings of the city also offer unique moments. From the balloon, the fields unfold like a green blanket, and if you're lucky, you can see foxes, deer, and a variety of birds, such as griffon vultures or even peregrine falcons. The pilot maneuvers the balloon with mastery, ascending and descending to capture the best air currents, turning the flight into a dynamic and varied journey.
Every September, Segovia celebrates its famous Hot Air Balloon Festival, an event that fills the city's skies with color. More than twenty balloons participate in the festival, which not only attracts flight enthusiasts but also thousands of spectators who enjoy the show from solid ground.
During the festival, pilots face a fascinating challenge: navigating their balloons using only the wind, competing to reach specific goals. As explained by Víctor Biosca, balloon pilot, "when carrying passengers, we try to fly over Segovia's main monuments, such as the aqueduct or the Alcázar, but the challenge is always to find an air current that takes us outside the urban core."
The city is filled with exhibitions, music, and activities for all ages. Children are also part of the event thanks to a contest called "Paint your Little Balloon," where the youngest can unleash their creativity by painting on little jugs, and the winners receive prizes ranging from painting materials to, of course, a balloon flight.
Cristian Biosca, manager of the company Flying in a Balloon, describes the experience with a phrase that resonated throughout the flight: "When you're up there, it's hard to talk, sometimes the beauty leaves you speechless." From the very beginning, the flight is so tranquil and spectacular that any attempt to describe what you see and feel seems insufficient. There is no vertigo or fear, even for those afraid of heights. The feeling of security is absolute, and the only sound you hear is the occasional burner of the balloon adjusting the altitude. The rest is pure peace, a deep connection with nature and history unfolding beneath your feet.
The flight lasts approximately an hour and costs 225 euros per person. In the end, as the landing time approaches, the adrenaline rises a bit. With the precise instructions of the pilot, the landing is smooth and without mishaps. To culminate the adventure, you are greeted with a glass of cava and a delicious picnic of local products: Iberian cold cuts, cheeses, and refreshments, an ideal ending to the experience.
The flight is not just a physical journey, it is a sensory and emotional journey. It is a unique way to see and feel the city, its monuments, and landscapes, from a perspective that transforms the familiar into something magical. As José Mazarías, mayor of Segovia, states: "I have always wondered how pilots manage to be brought by the wind to the most beautiful places and the most beautiful postcards."