Pamukkale village has some charming hotels and pensions, and despite the constant coach parties it’s a good place to get a taste of village life, if you steer clear of the main road. Several other attractions are within easy reach, including Afrodisias, one of Turkey’s most complete and absorbing archaeological sites, and Laodicea, one of the biblical Seven Churches of Asia.
Long before Unesco, the Romans recognised the appeal of the site and built a large spa city, Hierapolis, to take advantage of the water’s curative powers. The tourist boom of the 1980s and 1990s had a detrimental effect on the site, as a line of hotels above the travertines drained away the waters, leaving the travertines dry, dull and dirtied. In a drastic attempt to preserve the site, all the hotels have been demolished and visitors can no longer bathe in the pools; however, the flow of water is still very slow, and it may be that the real culprits are the many swimming pools in the village below.
Calcium’s not just good for bones. If the many habitués of the spa town of Pamukkale are to be believed, it works wonders on muscles and sinews too. ‘Cotton Castle’, 19km north of Denizli, has built a centuries-long reputation on the restorative qualities of its calcium-rich waters. The unique formations of travertine (calcium carbonate) shelves, pools and stalactites, which hug the ridge above town like a white scar, were created by the area’s warm mineral water, which cools as it cascades over the cliff edge and deposits its calcium. It’s a strange piece of landscape unlike anything else you’ll see in Turkey, and it now appears on the Unesco World Heritage list.
The pools of Pamukkale
Pamukkale,
This is possibly one of the most amazing places I have ever had the pleasure to visit!!After many visits to Turkey myself and my 17 year old daughter finally got the chance to visit this breathtaking attraction and where lost for words with the beauty of it.We also opted to swim in the thermal pool which was like stepping into…
We have booked a day trip through travelshop from Kusadasi to the pools. We were picked up at the hotel and drove for 3 hours to the pools. This is an absolute must see for everyone visiting Turkey. The touroperator was stunning and we had a lovely day. However we encountered a bad attitude with the guy selling tickets for…
Must go to see the thermal pools if going to Turkey. its a long drive but it's worth it. its beautiful and breathtaking. Don't forget your swim wear.
Before heading to the pools and the ancient ruins, make a stop at the foot of the hill and take in the view, as it is here that the uniqueness of Pamukkale sinks in. It looks so different to all of the other mountains because of it's unique geology. Once up on top of the hill, amongst the hordes of…
A lovely place to visit and a rare chance to see what miracles Nature alone can do! White terraces made of – snow? ice? cotton wool? limestone? Actually they are only good to look at from a distance – an incredible sight, especially in combination with the bluish – green pools nearby!! BUT you must be careful when you are…
An experience like no other.., walking bare foot up through the hot springs and bathing in the natural pools. ..and then discovering the ancient city perched at the top of the hill.Wow! I'm glad we took bottles of chilled water 35degrees is pretty draining.
This is a must-go destination at turkey and in fact, it is probably one of the most value for money attraction. All for only 20 bucks for both Pamukkale Thermal Pool and the Hierapolis. At pamukkale, you'll see nice white sandstone that remains due to volcanic eruptions in the past.
At the top and the base of the ascent, you'll…
The Pamukkale thermal pools and the surroundings would have to rate the most amazing place I have ever been to – even more than Cappadoccia! The gardens are beautiful and the view over the township of Pamukkule from the top of the white mountains is spectacular!
The hotel we stayed in was top class too.
I didn't think anything could…
we went there in April, and our travel agent told us, it's better we visit in afternoon so we can wait for sunset in the perfect season. We went up there around 4 pm, we walked around the ruin of Hierapolis and the antique pool. The white terace was beautiful.. But it's so pity that the water was not enough…
One of the really unique things to see in the world.
There are actually 3 things to see here – the ruins of Heirapolis and its museum of antiquities, the natural cascades (the "cotton castles") and the hot springs pool (which has a complex of changing rooms, a dining area, and the actual bathing area)
The ruins were interesting, but…