An Insider's Guide to Pamukkale: Travertine Terraces from Heaven
The Thermal Baths of Pamukkale, also known as the 'Castle of Cotton', is a magical site near Denizli in the Aegean region of south-west Turkey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Hierapolis, the ancient Roman spa city behind the travertine pools. It's one of the most special places in Turkey and one you should definitely visit if you get the chance!
If you wish to visit this magical location and don't know where to start, no need to look any further, because we are here to help you!
Pamukkale is a small town in the south-west of Turkey, about 20km from the city of Denizli.
Despite not being one of the most famous places in Turkey, Pamukkale still receives over 2 million visitors every year!
The travertine terraces were formed by underground volcanic activity and the presence of hot springs. This hot water is brought 300 meters up by underground pressure. From there, the water cascades down, depositing calcium and minerals along the way. That's how these white terraces were formed.
How to reach Pamukkale?
There are several ways to get to Pamukkale. Which one is best for you depends on your budget, the amount of time you have or if you want flexibility.
BY AIR: If you're coming from Istanbul or Cappadocia, the fastest way to get to Pamukkale is by air.
There are direct flights from Istanbul's main airport almost every day. The flight takes about 1 hour and lands in Denizli, 20km from the travertines.
The airport in Denizli is super small and quite straightforward. Once you have collected your baggage, simply walk out and look for a shuttle bus that will take you directly to Pamukkale in less than 40 minutes.
BY CAR: From Cappadocia, it's a 7.5-hour drive on the D300 to Pamukkale. From Istanbul, it's a 6-hour drive on the O5.
The advantage of travelling by car is that you have all the freedom in the world and can plan as you go. If you have time, be sure to visit Fethiye and Ephesus, two other beautiful destinations in the Aegean region of Turkey.
BY BUS: In both Istanbul and Cappadocia, you'll find plenty of buses offering overnight trips to Pamukkale and vice versa. It's one of the cheapest ways to travel around the country.
It's also possible to book an excursion or tour from Istanbul and Cappadocia to Pamukkale. These tours usually include food and accommodation.
When to plan your visit
Try to avoid July and August! Not only will you see hundreds of foreign tourists, but this is also when the locals have their school vacation! It's probably the worst time to visit!
Instead, plan your trip to Turkey in the spring or fall! Not only will the temperatures be much warmer during the day, but the atmosphere will be much more relaxed.
If you're a photographer, make sure to be inside the Travertines complex at sunrise and sunset to get the most magical shots!
How much time do you need to visit Pamukkale
It only takes a couple of hours to see the travertine terraces, and you don't need more than a day to explore the whole town. However, if you want to have the opportunity to take photos at sunrise and sunset or experience the magic of the site by boarding a hot air balloon, you may have to stay 2 nights.
Visit the travertine terraces
The white terraces are at their most beautiful during sunrise and sunset, and are the main reason for most people's visit. Once experienced, it becomes clear why this natural wonder is regarded as one of Turkey's most stunning and frequently visited attractions.
The early morning view overlooking the travertines is particularly impressive.
Please note that entering the site requires you to remove your shoes. This requirement is in place to protect the integrity of the grounds. The sensation of walking barefoot on the hill is truly remarkable.
Some parts of the site may feel slightly cold, but the water is notably warm in areas where it is flowing. It is important to note that walking barefoot in this area is significantly different from doing so near the Dead Sea. In my experience, walking barefoot near the Dead Sea was uncomfortable, but this location provides a satisfactory experience.
Please note that the entrance fee for the hot springs is 700TL.
Some parts of the travertine terraces are closed off for the protection of the site
Given the high volume of daily visitors, the damage caused to the area is significant. Visitors are therefore kindly requested to be mindful of the area and its preservation.
For instance, many people walk around the travertines wearing shoes, which is strictly prohibited. We kindly request visitors to refrain from wearing shoes and instead enjoy the experience barefoot.
Additionally, many people disregard the ropes that demarcate the restricted area, which is not permissible. This is not only a safety concern, but also disrupts the experience for other visitors. It is important to remember that the travertines are a designated area, and photographs can be taken in the designated pools.
We therefore ask that visitors show respect for the site and refrain from doing this.
The ancient city of Hierapolis Pamukkale is included in the ticket for the thermal pools.
Hierapolis was founded in 190 BC, and its ruins are embraced by the unique natural site of Pamukkale.
The most prominent and popular site is the amphitheater. From the summit of the travertines, the amphitheater is visible on the opposite side of the hill.
The site is also home to the Hierapolis Archeological Museum, which is located at the end of the archeological site. Entrance to the museum is €30.
We decided to just admire the archaeological site from a distance. Having visited numerous other remarkable archeological sites in the past, including Ephesus and Pompeii, I found this one to be somewhat lacking in comparison.
However, for those with a passion for archaeology, a visit to this site is highly recommended.
Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the travertine terraces
Contrary to popular belief, these events are not exclusive to Cappadocia. Although they are not as frequently offered as they are in Cappadocia.
For €150, you can experience one of the standard, shared balloon flights that take off over the site of Pamukkale, with a duration of one hour.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private flights are also available. Please note that the cost of this option is €3,000.
Cleopatra's Swimming Pool, is located close to the Archeological Museum at the top of the hill
Please note that this ancient pool is not included in the standard ticket price.
Admission to the pool incurs an additional expense of 150TL, and it is advisable to bring your own towels. Changing rooms and toilets are available for visitors' convenience.
The pool is also home to marble columns that fell in from the Temple of Apollo during an earthquake. This is why it is believed that the Antique Pool is a sacred pool.
Source: Biz Evde Yokuz
Essentials when visiting Pamukkale
Sunglasses: Please ensure you bring a pair of polarised sunglasses with you. This is particularly important if you are visiting during the day. The combination of white terraces and harsh sunlight can quickly cause snow blindness and damage to your eyes.
A waterproof bag is also essential. This will help to protect your belongings from the elements.
A picnic: Please note that there are limited food options available in Pamukkale or Hierapolis. The options available are expensive. We therefore recommend that you bring a picnic and mineral water to enjoy on top of the hill underneath the trees.
A towel is also recommended. You are likely to find yourself swimming or bathing in one of the thermal baths. Bring a towel if you wish to dry off before putting your regular clothes over your swimsuit. Please note that changing facilities are not available for the travertine pools.
One important thing to keep in mind before visiting
Just like any tourist site, Pamukkale also suffers from the curse of crowds. As we mentioned earlier, this beautiful location hosts +2 million people everyday. If you are not a big fan the crowds you may need to overthink your options. Also, do not be surprised if you encounter too many Instagram models trying to take photos in closed-off sections.
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