Beautiful photographs of fairy chimneys, hot air ballooning and underground tunnels in Cappadocia

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.

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.

Getty Images photographer Chris McGrath recently visited the sights that Cappadocia has to offer. IBTimesUK takes a look at some of his breathtaking photos: