Travertines of Pamukkale — Attraction in Pamukkale

Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle," is one of Turkey's most stunning natural wonders. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its striking white travertine terraces, which have been formed over millennia by mineral-rich thermal waters. The landscape here is truly otherworldly, with terraces cascading down the hillside, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue sky.

What to See and Do at Pamukkale:

Travertine Terraces: The main attraction at Pamukkale is undoubtedly the travertine terraces. These natural formations, created by calcium deposits from the hot springs, look like layers of snow-covered cliffs. You can walk barefoot on certain areas of the terraces, enjoying the warm, mineral-rich waters that flow through them. The feeling of the soft, warm surface under your feet, combined with the stunning views, makes this a unique experience.

Hierapolis Ancient City: Just above the terraces, you'll find the ancient city of Hierapolis, another UNESCO site. The ruins here include an impressive Roman theater, ancient baths, temples, and a large necropolis. Exploring these remnants of history adds a fascinating layer to your visit, combining natural beauty with a journey into the past.

Cleopatra's Pool: Also known as the Antique Pool, Cleopatra’s Pool is a must-visit. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself swam here. The pool is filled with warm, mineral-rich water and surrounded by ancient columns that tumbled into the pool during an earthquake. It’s a surreal experience to swim among these historical remnants.

Pamukkale Natural Park: Located just below the terraces, this park is a peaceful place to relax. It features small lakes and gardens, offering a tranquil setting to unwind after a day of exploring.

Laodicea (Optional): For those with extra time, Laodicea, an ancient city near Pamukkale, is also worth a visit. It’s included in a more expensive ticket option. The site has well-preserved ruins, including two theaters, a large stadium, and several temples. However, unless you’re an early riser or plan to spend a full day, it might be better to skip this.

Practical Information:

Tickets to Pamukkale cost €30 for foreign visitors, with free entry for children under 5 years old. There’s also a €40 ticket option that includes access to Laodicea, but this is only recommended if you have plenty of time. To avoid the midday heat and crowds, it’s best to visit either early in the morning or late afternoon. Also, during the summer months, be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water, as the sun can be intense. Don’t forget your swimsuit, especially if you plan on taking a dip in...

Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle," is a stunning natural wonder in Turkey, known for its bluish-white travertine terraces formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from hot springs. This UNESCO-listed site also includes the ancient city of Hierapolis, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical exploration. Visitors can enjoy the thermal spas, Cleopatra’s Pool, and explore the ruins of Hierapolis, including its impressive theatre.

Early arrivals at Pamukkale, around 6:30 AM, can enjoy the site with fewer crowds, allowing for better photographs and a more tranquil experience. As the day progresses, tour buses bring large groups, making it quite busy. Visitors must remove their shoes to walk on the terraces, and the warm spring water flowing through some pools adds a therapeutic and relaxing experience. However, not all pools are filled daily, which can be disappointing for those expecting the iconic turquoise color in every terrace.

The ruins of Hierapolis at the top of the site are worth exploring, with highlights like the ancient theatre and other historical landmarks. It’s recommended to take time wandering through the area. Visitors should bring water, snacks, lunch, and a small towel to dry their feet after paddling. The Museum Pass includes entry, or tickets can be purchased at the site for €30 per person. Payments in cash are faster than card transactions, which may involve longer wait times.

A visit to Pamukkale in colder months like November offers a unique experience. Although the temperature may be low, the sunny weather and warm waters create a memorable atmosphere. However, after sundown, the pathway down the site becomes challenging due to insufficient lighting, so leaving before dark is advisable.

Some visitors have praised the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice available on-site, while others noted the coffee quality at the cafe could be improved. Reviews also suggest trying local snacks and hot beverages to enhance the visit.

Overall, Pamukkale and Hierapolis are highly recommended for their natural beauty and historical significance. A full-day tour from cities like Izmir or Antalya often includes transportation, guided commentary, and stops at these attractions. While the entrance fee has been criticized as high and unclear, the breathtaking views and unique experience are deemed worth it by...

PAMUKKALE, TÜRKIYE

STARS: 4.5/5

DATE: Monday, 8 May 2023, at around noon for 3 hours

DESCRIPTION : Pamukkale is known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down a hillside over white travertine terraces. It is gorgeous there, but nowhere near as beautiful as the photos you find online. Apparently, a decade or more ago, the town diverted water from many of the natural pools for town use… so they’re empty. Dried up.

VENUE: We parked for free on the road right near the entrance at the bottom. There is also an auto park nearby for a fee. Toilets cost 3TL pp and are located bottom left before you walk slightly uphill to the ticket counter / entrance.

DRESS: very casual, comfortable; many were wearing swimsuits. Consider taking a light backpack to throw your shoes & towels in. It felt quite warm the day we went, although it was forecasted to be a high of 73.

PRICE: We purchased tickets onsite, paying 400TL pp ($21) to enter. There is also a museum, but we didn’t pay the extra fee to tour that. Felt like a pretty fair value, but TBH, maybe a little rich for Turkiye.

THINGS TO DO/SEE: You must remove your shoes and walk barefooted up the hill (and back down). Most of the white surfaces felt like walking on concrete and were not slippery. Near the top, though, there were some darker brown patches which were very slippery. I have tender feet and it wasn’t very comfortable, esp walking back downhill for some reason. You can go in the pools and water channels. The wet areas feel like silty clay between your toes.

At the top of the hill, there’s a shop/cafe (right), and a boardwalk around a green area (left). There are some pretty views on the boardwalk looking out over more (dried up) pools on the backside of the hill. There, you can get photos of the landscape without people in them.

SAFETY: in addition to some slippery areas, there are no guardrails nor handrails (hold onto your kiddos!). This place is not wheelchair accessible.

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT: re-divert the water back to the pools; people come expecting to see the pools looking like the old images online.

RECOMMEND?: Yes, if it fits within your budget & if you...