Where is Pamukkale?
Since 1988, Pamukkale has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The white, cotton-like appearance of the calcium deposits is what gives Pamukkale its Turkish name, which literally translates to “cotton castle.”
Pamukkale is a region in Southwestern Turkey’s Denizli province. It is well-known for its white terraces made of travertine, a sedimentary rock that was deposited by water from the area’s seventeen naturally occurring hot springs.
What is special in Pamukkale?
These springs produce water that is extremely calcium carbonate-rich. The calcium carbonate is deposited as a soft gel that eventually crystallizes into travertine when carbon dioxide de-gasses from the water when it reaches the surface.
Is Pamukkale worth visiting?
Yes it is. I am sure you have seen many beautiful scenery and you have been wowed over and over by beautiful landscapes but this one is different. It is stunning and surreal, it is like a fairytale.
How to get to Pamukkale?
Denizli and Pamukkale can be reached in a variety of ways, depending on where you are coming from. However, let’s assume that you are coming from Istanbul, Selçuk, or Cappadocia.
From Istanbul
As would be expected, flying is the quickest way to get anywhere in Turkey. Denizli ardak (DNZ), Pamukkale’s closest airport, is accessible via direct flights from either Istanbul (IST) or Sabiha Gocken (SAW).
The city is approximately one hour away from Denizli ardak Airport. From the airport to Pamukkale, you can either take a taxi or arrange for a private or shared transfer with Pamukkale Tours. Alternately, you can inquire about transfer options at your hotel.
From Istanbul to Pamukkale by bus: Pamukkale and Istanbul are 345 kilometers apart. Road distance is 551.1 kilometers. Without a car, the bus ride from Istanbul to Pamukkale takes 12 hours and 15 minutes.
From Ephesus and Selcuk to Pamukkale
Train travel from Selçuk to Pamukkale is the most cost-effective and dependable option. It takes just over three hours to travel from Selçuk to Denizli by train. Also you can take a bus to Pamukkale from Selcuk but they are not comfortable as train.
When when you arrive at the train station in Denizli, cross over the on the other side of the highway and take a one of the minibus to Pamukkale. Every 15 minutes there is a minibus available to Denizli to Pamukkale.
From Cappadocia
Since there are no direct flights or train between Cappadocia and Denizli, taking an overnight bus would be your best option. Since Turkey’s buses are some of the nicest buses in the world, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The journey from Cappadocia to Denizli by bus takes approximately ten hours, so it’s best to take an overnight bus. They typically leave at 8 p.m. and arrive at 6 a.m. the following day.
Where to Stay in Pamukkale
There are many hotels in Denizli but if you stay in Denizli, you have to travel to see travertines. It is better to stay one of hotel near travertines in Pamukkale. There are many accomodation choice in Pamukkale near the travertines.
Best things to do in Pamukkale Turkey
Pamukkale’s travertine pools
Pamukkale’s milky-white pools are one of the best things in Pamukkale. There are hundreds of pools of sparkling turquoise water on the enormous limestone hill. The water is just the right temperature to relax and soak in. It appears to have healing properties as well.
This location is extraordinary. These white calcium travertines are the reason so many tourists come to Pamukkale. They are a stunning sight that the majority of people have probably never witnessed before.
Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool
Pamukkale was once a well-known spa town known for its mineral-rich water. At the Antique Pool, which is also known as Cleopatra’s Pool because it was said to have been a gift from Marc Anthony to Cleopatra, tourists can still enjoy its calcium-rich mineral water today.
Visit the Hierapolis
The Attalid kings of Pergamon built a spa town in ancient Pamukkale at the end of the 2nd century BC. Hierapolis was the name of the town, which was centered on the ancient cult of Goddess Leto. It was the location of Roman public baths, a gym, an agora, a vast necropolis, and an ancient theater, whose ruins can still be seen today.
Hierapolis theater
The Hierapolis Ancient Theater, which once held more than 10,000 people, is one of Pamukkale’s most well-known attractions. Built on the site of an ancient Greek theater that was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 CE, the theater is more than 1800 years old.
Paraglide and hot air ballooning over Pamukkale
On this Pamukkale paragliding tour, you’ll fly high above Turkey’s cotton castle and get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning blue-and-white landscape. This is a wonderful experience.
The balloon ride, which lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, lets you see the best of Pamukkale from above. You’ll glide over Pamukkale’s enormous Roman theater, Hierapolis’ ruins, and stunning travertines. It’s a magical experience to see this unique landscape from above, especially with the sunrise.
Best time to visit Pamukkale Turkey
When the weather is mild and the days are long, the spring (April through May) is a more pleasant time to visit. Due to the mild weather, autumn (September-October) is also regarded as favorable.
The most unpleasant time to visit Pamukkale is also its peak season. Pamukkale is at its busiest between June and August due to summertime tourism to nearby coastal destinations.
Try to stay away from July and August! Not only will you come across hundreds of tourists from other countries, but this is also the time local has school holiday! It is almost certainly the worst time to visit!
How long should you spend in Pamukkale?
It only takes a few hours to see the travertine terraces, and you won’t need more than a day to see the entire town. However, depending on when your flight arrives, you may need to stay two nights if you want to photograph both sunrise and sunset
Can you swim in thermal pools in Pamukkale?
At Pamukkale, you can swim in two areas: Cleopatra’s Pool and the public travertine pools. Your admission ticket automatically includes admission to the public travertine pools. Keep in mind that the pools at the hill’s highest and lowest points have the hottest water.
