PAMUKKALE TURKEY!
Hi everyone! We continue our blog post serious with a new one; Pamukkale Turkey and places to visit in Pamukkale! Pamukkale Thermal Pools is one of Turkey’s most important tourism destinations. It is on the Unesco World Heritage List and is visited by approximately 3 million travelers annually.
So, if you are planning a Tour to Pamukkale, this might be a must-read blog for you! Enjoy reading it…
WHERE IS PAMUKKALE LOCATED IN TURKEY?
Pamukkale is located in the south of the Aegean Region of Turkey. It is about 22 kilometers away from Denizli city center, which is the largest district of Denizli. Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient cities are located in the region where Çürüksu Stream (ancient name Lykos), a branch of the Büyük Menderes River, come out.
The distances of some popular destinations to Pamukkale are as follows;
Istanbul to Pamukkale is approx 600 km, the easiest way to reach Pamukkale is getting a flight from Istanbul to Denizli Airport. Note: Denizli (Çardak) airport is the nearest airport to Pamukkale Turkey!
Ephesus/Selcuk/Kusadasi to Pamukkale is approx 200 km, the easiest way to reach Pamukkale is getting a Daily Pamukkale Tour or Private Transfers.
Cappadocia to Pamukkale is approx 615 km, the easiest way to getting from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is by taking flights.
Antalya to Pamukkale is approx 240 km, the easiest way to reach Pamukkale is taking an intercity bus or taking private transfers.
Fethiye to Pamukkale is approx 200 km, the easiest way to reach Pamukkale is taking an intercity bus or taking private transfers.
Pamukkale to Aphrodisias is approx 80 km, the easiest way to reach Aphrodisias is taking private transfers.
If you would like to have more details about getting to Pamukkale, you may read the below posts; Getting from Istanbul to Pamukkale and Getting from Cappadocia to Pamukkale!
PAMUKKALE HOT SPRINGS AND WHITE TERRACES
Travertines of Pamukkale is one of the greatest gifts bestowed in the Aegean region which means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. Pamukkale, which is mentioned with the ancient city of Hierapolis, is one of the rare cities that witnessed the meeting of nature and history. Terraces of Pamukkale, with its magnificent view, healing pools, and Hellenistic-Roman ruins, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 as a cultural and natural heritage.
In addition, it has been an important center of healing and belief in every time frame of history. Pamukkale with its eye-catching white travertines, Cleopatra Pool, and Hierapolis Ancient City; is one of the destinations most worth seeing in Turkey.
The reason why the travertines in Pamukkale are white; The abundant amount of calcium hydro carbonate in the water starts to dissolve by contacting with oxygen after leaving the source. During the contact, while carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide evaporate, the remaining calcium carbonate collapses to the bottom and forms a rock over time.
Travertines are formed by feeding from the Natural Hot Spring/Thermal water of Pamukkale. There are approximately 17 hot spring sources in Pamukkale in the temperature range of 33 -100 degrees. After the water leaves the source, it covers an average distance of 250-300 meters until the area where the travertines are formed. Precipitated calcium carbonate accumulates over time and solidifies. During the time the thermal water flows, it accumulates a thin layer that grows about 3 cm per year. In this way, today’s whitish appearance of the travertines has been created.
Thermal waters in the region are also used in agriculture. The travertines, visited by millions of local and foreign tourists every year, are 50 meters high, about 3 kilometers long, and 250 – 600 meters wide.
There is also a wonderful artificial lake in Pamukkale. Without disturbing the natural and cultural structure in Pamukkale, the lake built here ensures that the spring water flowing from the travertines is accumulated and controlled here and the local or foreign tourists who come here spend time in the cafes around the lake.
If you want to spend time in Pamukkale Travertines, you do not need to pay extra for swimming or taking photos. It is already included in the ticket you use to enter at the beginning. The case you should be careful while taking time in the travertines is; only barefoot visits are allowed. The waters on the terrace are not very deep. It is approx 50 – 80 cm.
Another of the most attractive places in Pamukkale is Cleopatra Antique Pool. After the collapse of the Hierapolis Ancient City Agora with an earthquake in 692 A.D., it was filled with thermal water that came to the surface. This pool, which contains ancient columns and statues, is one of the most important destinations of Pamukkale known all over the world. The natural spring water in it is approximately 20 degrees throughout the year.
Pamukkale which is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist regions; in addition to its visual and historical beauty, thermal water attracts many tourists due to its benefits for human health. In terms of chemical properties, water contains calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and fluoride.
Following the doctor’s examination, it is recommended for the treatment of cardiovascular stiffness, blood pressure, rheumatism, paralysis, skin, eye, nervous system and vascular diseases, and vascular inflammation. Also, when drunk warm; it is recommended for stomach spasms, urination and inflammation, and treatment of kidney stones.
Usually, 4-5 hours are enough to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and spend time in Pamukkale. It will be enough to spend a maximum of 1 day to explore all around Pamukkale and participate in all activities. If you are staying in Pamukkale, you can watch the sunrise with a hot air balloon tour and enjoy this unique view.
If you have time, we strongly recommend you to come to Pamukkale at sunset. All the colors of the sky are reflected in the travertines and offer unique photographic views to its visitors. Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient city is open to visitors both in summer and winter. Pamukkale’s entrance and exit times vary according to seasons. In the Summer season, Pamukkale opens at 6.30 am and closes at 23.00. In the Winter period opens at 10.00 am and closes at 15.30.
PLACES TO VISIT IN PAMUKKALE TURKEY (THINGS TO DO)
Hierapolis Archeological Museum
The Hierapolis Archeology Museum has started to serve as a museum with the arrangements made in the area that includes the Roman Bath, library, and gymnasium, which are one of the largest buildings in Hierapolis. The museum, which welcomes its visitors with its impressive historical texture and rich collection, exhibits works from the Lycos valley such as Hierapolis Tripolis, Attuda, Laodikeia.
Hierapolis Museum is located right between Pamukkale Travertines and Cleopatra Pool. Both are about a 1-minute walk. It is a great option for travelers who are more interested in historical artifacts than spend time swimming in the pools. The entrance fee is approximately 7 Turkish liras (approx. 1 eur) and entrance tickets can be obtained from the ticket offices at the entrance of the museum.
Travertines of Pamukkale
Travertines are formed by feeding from the Natural Hot Spring/Thermal water of Pamukkale. There are approximately 17 hot spring sources in Pamukkale in the temperature range of 33 -100 degrees. After the water leaves the source, it covers an average distance of 250-300 meters until the area where the travertines are formed. Precipitated calcium carbonate accumulates over time and solidifies. During the time the thermal water flows, it accumulates a thin layer that grows about 3 cm per year. In this way, today’s whitish appearance of the travertines has been created.
Cleopatra Pool Pamukkale / Antique Pool
After the collapse of the Agora of Hierapolis City with a great earthquake in 692 A.D., it was filled with thermal water that came to the earth. This pool, which contains ancient columns and statues and has a natural formation, is one of the most important destinations of Pamukkale known all over the world. The natural spring water in it is approximately 20 degrees throughout the year.
Hierapolis Ancient City Pamukkale
It is believed that the city of Hierapolis was founded by Apollo, one of the gods frequently encountered in Paganism. Hierapolis means “sacred city“. It was very famous for its thermal springs and natural hot spring waters in ancient times as well as today. The city of Hierapolis, one of the most important health centers of the ancient period after Asclepion, was completely destroyed after a great earthquake in the 1st century AD.
Pamukkale Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the 2 most popular activities in Pamukkale. This activity, which lasts about 40 minutes, including the transfer times, is carried out with professional certified pilots. Paragliding in Pamukkale, which offers breathtaking moments for travelers who love outdoor activities, is priced at approximately 60 – 90 USD.
Hot Air Balloons in Pamukkale
Hot Air Balloons are the most popular activity in Pamukkale! these flights are carried out only in two places around Turkey; Cappadocia and Pamukkale. It is frequently preferred by travelers who do not go to Cappadocia or cannot participate in hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia for various reasons. Hot air balloons in Pamukkale, with a price range of 100 to 150 USD, move twice a day, one in the morning and the other in the early afternoon.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT PAMUKKALE
Turkey is a country with four seasons. Although spring and autumn months are more preferred for destinations such as Cappadocia, Istanbul, or Ephesus; the Winter season offers a better experience for Pamukkale. You can experience the hot springs better and observe the visual feast Pamukkale offers you better.
PAMUKKALE TOURS
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Ancient City are not located in a city center where you can easily walk but on the slope of a mountain. In addition, Pamukkale is a very underdeveloped town in terms of transportation possibilities. In this regard, travelers are recommended to participate in tours booked through travel agencies which save their time, and make them enjoy Pamukkale!
The most preferred Pamukkale Tour Types are as below;
Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul
This is one of the best seller tour packages that travelers prefer to book! Including the two most important destinations in western Turkey, it offers travelers great experiences. This package picks you up from your Istanbul hotel, visit Ephesus Ancient City on the first day, and after visiting Pamukkale on the second day, return to your Istanbul hotel.
It includes; domestic flight tickets, small-group or private tours, licensed tour guides, all transportations, entrance fees, breakfast, and lunch services! So, once you book this package, the only you need to do is to follow your schedule and explore these 2 most famous destinations. In the below link, you might see more details; Ephesus and Pamukkale Tours from Istanbul!
Pamukkale Day Tour from Istanbul
Some travelers have various reasons not to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. For example; Some of them have visited before, some are not interested, or some have a very limited time and just want to explore Pamukkale. At this point, we have “Pamukkale Day Tour” packages that we have prepared to meet the demands of the travelers. This is a day trip that lasts only 1 day, starts from Istanbul, and returns to Istanbul.
Pamukkale Tour from Kusadasi/Selcuk/Ephesus
Pamukkale is about 200 km away from Kusadasi or Ephesus. Travelers who arrange their own itineraries frequently having problems with the transportation between Kusadasi to Pamukkale since there are not many options. The easiest way is picking a Day Tour from Kusadasi/Ephesus to Pamukkale.
There are guaranteed departure day tours which start around 08:00 am and return around 19:00. These day tours to Pamukkale include; transportation, entrance fees, licensed guides, and lunch! So, it makes your day way easier!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Pamukkale has one of the most unique formations that you may ever explore; Pamukkale Travertines or called Hot Spring Terraces of Pamukkale! In addition to the visual feast it offers, it reveals the history of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. All of them in total make the Pamukkale become one of the most indispensable destinations of Turkey.
Turkey has a larger and richer cultural structure you can imagine. There are hundreds or even thousands of historical and cultural places that can be visited and seen. Continue reading our blog posts and benefiting from useful information to plan your trip smoothly. If you ever need help with creating your itinerary or have questions, do not hesitate to contact our team!
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