In Turkey there are incredible landscapes that seem taken from another world. Passing through Cappadocia and its deserts with precious rock formations, until reaching the "cotton castle". This white mountain with thermal water pools is one of the most incredible and beautiful places to see in Turkey. In addition, there are also the ruins of an ancient city - Hierpolis.
In this post I will tell you what to see and do in Pamukkale and some travel tips that can be useful to organize your visit.
On my trip to Pamukkale I dedicated two days to visit the place. I would have liked one or two more days to finish enjoying the place and not go so fast visiting everything. So if you are still not sure of the recommended days to visit the area, add a minimum of 2 days, recommended 3.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN PAMUKKALE, TURKEY
Visit the thermal pools of Pamukkale
The main tourist attraction to see in Pamukkale is its hot spring pools. If the weather is good you can swim in them and in case of bad weather or cold, don't worry, because it is incredible to go up and down between their pools.
The color of the water is incredible. It is a light turquoise blue that stands out a lot with the white color of the terraces.
The entrance to the terraces and natural pools costs 150 lira and includes a visit to the Roman ruins of Hierapolis as well. There are 3 access doors: north door, south door and intermediate door.
To get there you can do it by taxi, rental car or with an excursion. The excursion option is recommended, since it includes transportation with pick-up and return to the hotel, a guide in Spanish, entrance fees, lunch, and a 30-minute massage (depending on the contracted tour).
Recommendations to visit the thermal pools of Pamukkale:
Take a towel in your backpack. Even if the weather is bad and you don't plan to take a bath, you will end up getting wet for sure, even if it's just your feet.
Don't forget the sunglasses. The white surface with the sun's rays makes it horrible to be without sunglasses, plus it can be dangerous.
Sunscreen and hat all day (replenish cream regularly).
Photo camera
In the backpack, carry a spare shoe (if you have one). Bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes. The paths between the pools are a bit slippery and on our visit we saw a couple of people fall into the water.
Stroll among the ruins of Hierapolis
Pamukkale is famous for its thermal pools, but there are plenty of other things you can do, including touring the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis.
The ancient city of Hierapolis had its greatest splendor in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, when the Roman nobles came there to rest. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the year 1354, even so, the ruins that you can visit are very well preserved. The archaeological complex of Hierapolis and the travertines of Pamukkale were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.
Among the archaeological remains of Hierapolis you can visit the theater, from where you have incredible views of the mountains next to Denizli, the necropolis, with hundreds and hundreds of tombs, and the gate of Domitian with the main street flanked by columns.
Next to the Roman ruins is the Archaeological Museum, which you can visit to learn a little more about what Hierapolis was like in the past and you can see various objects such as ceramics, sculptures...
Fly over Pamukkale in a balloon
Surely you have seen in thousands of images of Turkey, landscapes of Cappadocia full of balloons flying. It is one of the most popular activities to do in Cappadocia, but you also have the option to do it in Pamukkale. Seeing the area's landscapes, thermal pools, and ruins from the air is one of the best things to do. Prices are similar in both destinations. They are around almost 200 euros per person.
Paragliding in Pamukkale
If you prefer to see the Pamukkale area from the air, in addition to doing a balloon flight, you can do a paragliding flight.
You will have amazing views of the Pamukkale village, the thermal pools, the Roman city and the Denizli mountains. If you want to try it, prices are around 70 euros.
Visit more ruins near Pamukkale
In the surroundings of Pamukkale there are more ruins of ancient cities, such as Laodicea, an important commercial city located 10 kilometers south of Hierapolis. There are also the ruins of Aphrodisias, named after the temple of Aphrodite that stood in the city.
To visit these ruins it is advisable to do with a rental car. The option of doing it by taxi is very expensive. In case you do not have a rental car, there are some tours that you can hire at your hotel or in the town of Pamukkale.
WHERE TO STAY IN PAMUKKALE
In Pamukkale there are not as many accommodation options as you can find in Cappadocia. Although you can find accommodation from hostels to 5-star hotels.
We stayed at the Pamukkale hotel. It is a simple option, but very comfortable and economical. We stayed two nights in a double room for 44 euros (22 euros per night) in a room with a private bathroom, air conditioning... the truth is that it worked out great for us.
Here is a list of some great options where to stay in Pamukkale:
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I hope you enjoy your trip to Turkey very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!