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Located north of the Turkish city of Denizli, this renowned hot spring resort boasts not only thousand-year-old natural hot springs but also unique, cotton-like hills. The Turkish word "Pamuk" means "cotton" and "Kale" means "castle," hence the name Pamukkale.
Pamukkale gets its name from a legend as well as its unique landform: the Pamukkale region, located in Denizli, a major textile industrial town, is rich in hot spring resources. Hot spring water rich in calcium carbonate continuously gushes out from the ground and then flows down from the edge of the hill. After more than 10,000 years of calcification and precipitation, the water has formed layers of semicircular white natural steps that are stacked up like a castle, and look like fluffy cotton balls from a distance.
April to October is the peak tourist season in Turkey. In summer, there are especially many tourists coming to Pamukkale. However, if you don’t want to avoid the crowds and take photos, the best time to come to Pamukkale is December . At this time, there is no strong reflection of sunlight, not too many tourists, and the temperature is slightly lower but not very cold. The most special thing is the strong contrast between ice and fire on the mountain and below. It will be a rare experience.
In addition, the best time to view Pamukkale is one hour before sunset .
Acropolis of Aphrodisias
There are many more ancient sites near Pamukkale. The Acropolis of Aphrodisias, built over 2,000 years ago, still has Greek-style bathhouses, arches, beams, stone corridors, and marble columns pointing to the sky. They are all carved from snow-white marble with intricate patterns and magnificent shapes. The Temple of the Moon Goddess, standing alone in the open space, always shines with a cold glow in the moonlight. The Acropolis of Hierapolis is also a Greek-style building. It has been destroyed by the earthquake and only ruins remain. Archaeologists have only unearthed the scale of the city.
In the huge aristocratic cemetery, under the setting sun, with the faint light, only the silhouettes of a few house-shaped tombs remain between the sky and the earth.
The ancient monuments in Asia Minor that once amazed people have been reduced to ruins by the passage of time, but Pamukkale, not far away, still has green waters like mirrors and hills and rocks like ice, bathed in the glory of the gods, becoming an eternal miracle.
Ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis
Built by the Kingdom of Pergamon in the second century BC, the site still retains fragments of its baths, amphitheater, streets, theater, and ancient cemetery. The Haier Poly Theater is a large open-air amphitheater, excavated along the mountainside. The tombs in the cemetery are built of marble blocks and feature intricately carved marble coffins, once the burial place of prominent figures. The intact coffins scattered across the vast wilderness, bathed in the dim glow of sunset, further highlight the desolate atmosphere of time.
Ancient Roman ruins
Besides the hot springs, the ancient Roman ruins are also a worthwhile attraction. Built in 190 BC during the reign of Eumenes II of the Pergamonian dynasty, they reached their peak between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, becoming the epicenter of Roman bathing culture. Among the ruins are the lunette-shaped ancient theater, built in the 2nd century. Also visible are the Temple of Apollo, though earthquakes over the years have reduced it to ruins. Furthermore, the two-kilometer-wide necropolis contains numerous sarcophagi, reportedly numbering over 4,000, offering a glimpse into the flourishing of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.
35 Turkish Lira
All day
Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and white travertine terraces formed over millennia. It is closely associated with the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, which was a spa destination and religious center. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Pamukkale is located in Denizli Province, southwestern Türkiye. It is accessible by bus or car from Denizli city (20 km). Taxis and shuttle services are available from Denizli bus station or airport. Walking is suitable within the site to explore terraces and Hierapolis ruins.
For general entry, booking is not mandatory. For Cleopatra’s Pool and guided tours, booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended during peak season.
3–5 hours are sufficient to explore the terraces, swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, and visit Hierapolis ruins; a full day is ideal for a relaxed experience including hikes and photography.
Guided tours are available in Turkish, English, German, and French. Audio guides can be rented onsite, usually in English and Turkish.
Start at the main entrance, walk barefoot along terraces upwards, visit Hierapolis ruins along the way, stop at Cleopatra’s Pool, then hike to the top for sunset views. Return via a descending path for photos of terraces from above.
Night visits are rare; special guided tours for photography or wellness may be arranged by local operators. Some hotels offer evening terrace views.
Peak season is late spring and summer weekends. Early morning visits or weekdays in shoulder seasons have fewer crowds.
Main terraces and Hierapolis ruins have uneven surfaces; elderly and disabled visitors may need assistance. Children can enjoy the pools but require supervision. Wheelchair access is limited.
Cash (TRY) is recommended for small shops and pool entry. Most cafes, hotels, and ticket counters accept cards and mobile payments.
Vegetarian and halal options are widely available, including mezes, lentil soup, and vegetable dishes.
