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 truly a wonderful phenomenon of nature. We saw it yesterday from the bottom of the large hillside. Our hotel host suggested that we walk around the lower part of the Thermal Pools the first afternoon and drive to the top early the next morning. We followed his advice and it gave us a different perspective of the site….
My husband and I visited here during our honeymoon, did not know what to expect but wow what a wonder to see. In fact our photos (which do not do it justice) could not be seen until later as the glare of the salt was so strong you could not see very well, would suggest sunglasses as a definite. It…
The white terraces of Pamukkale are extraordinary to see and well worth a visit. It is very crowded with swimmers, especially in the "Antique Pool", which seemed to me like a nightmare. But just to paddle in the little pools left on the terraces is pleasant.
While in a beautiful Antalya hotel on the sea, accepted the 50 euro lure from a travel operator to a daily excursion to the otherwise wonderful Pamukkale white pools.
Already knew the place, since i got there in 1985, driving my motorcycle from Italy.
I have been to TR at regular intervals : always astonished by the progresses achieved by…
These pools are amazing my tour of Turkey only gave us two hours here but I had a bad blister that was caused by some uncomfortable shoes. It was very painful and happened the first day of my trip. After wading in the pool for about an hour my blister started to heal over night it was completely healed. Amazing
I've had baths cooler than this. And you are floating over ancient columns. So relaxing if you can avoid the crowds
We went to Pamukkale as an overnight stop on our trip by car through Turkey. I am soooo happy that we only booked one night there. What a complete waste of time! The hotel we stayed at was nice, beautiful pool (Hotel Hal-Tur) but I would not recommend to anyone to go to Pamukkale. The site is so contrived, with…
Before I visit here already know here got the unique landscape. Once when arrival, since I visit the national park below the mountain hill, can not see the unique landscape that show in the various wallpaper, so I take some nice national park photo first. Then continue the journey to the top of the hill. About 15 minutes more driving…
We booked to go to Pamukkale with local agent in Icmeler and although it was a long tiring day we really enjoyed it. It took well over three hours by coach to reach, but we stopped on the way for turkish breakfast. Before we reached Pamukkale we were taken to an Onyx factory and jewellery shop, which we could have…
The pools have stunning views.Though the sun was at its peak but afternoon is the best time to view these thermal pools .The bright sun shining over the travertines makes the scenery more breath taking.Theres single ticket for entry for thermal pools and Heirapollis ancient city.
I totally agree with the decision of not letting people enter the traventines otherwise…