Pamukkale Town is located 11 miles north of Denizli and is home to one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey, the snow white travertine terraces known as the Cotton Castle.
This landmark is an amazing natural wonder and is considered a must-see when visiting Turkey.
These travertine terraces are an incredible sight with hot water pools known for their high mineral content.
The mineral rich water has good health giving properties when you take a dip in the warm water.
These travertine pools in Pamukkale Turkey formed in the same way as stalactites in limestone caves.
For many centuries mineral-rich water has flowed over the cliffs creating calcium deposits on the steep slopes.
These calcium deposits in the water have fanned out into a series of dazzling white terraces that have pools of bright blue water. The travertines shimmer in the daytime but the colors that are produced at sunset are on another level of picturesque.
With the magnificent landscapes and glistening pools, a Pamukkale sunset has a magical beauty and should be experienced.
There are many other places of interest and things to do in Pamukkale, not only can you enjoy paddling and bathing in the water terraces, but you can also paraglide and get a bird’s eye view of the travertines. There are many companies offering tandem paragliding for visitors.
If you don’t fancy running off the edge of a mountain into thin air, watching the para gliders is also an experience with the bright colors of the parachutes against the blue and white travertines.
Pamukkale Nature Park is another place to visit. It’s located at the foot of the travertines and is an ideal location for a picnic or just a stroll. There is a small café and paddle boating on the lake. For children, you can find a pool with water slides.
Another stunning location in Pamukkale is the hot pools known as Cleopatra’s pool. These pools are warm and stay at a steady thirty six degrees. It’s pretty much like taking a bath and can soothe weary muscles.
You can paddle amongst century old columns and marble blocks or stand under rushing fountains. A visit to this antique pool costs extra as it’s not included in the Pamukkale tickets.
If you wish to visit some history you will enjoy the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. The Hierapolis ruins are one of the most impressive things to see in Pamukkale. It is up a bit of a hill but well worth the effort.
The ruins rest on a plateau above the Pamukkale terraces. It’s believed to have been founded by the God Apollo. The name Hierapolis means ‘sacred city’ after its masses of temples.
This city’s origin dates from the 2nd century BC but most of the Hierapolis ruins date from the Roman Period.
This location was famous for its mineral pools and much like today, people would flock to the city to bathe in the Hierapolis hot springs hoping it would cure their medical conditions.
In 60 AD an earthquake destroyed the former city. It was rebuilt but completely abandoned in 1334 after another earthquake struck.
The ancient ruins include a Byzantine church, Necropolis, ancient city walls, a colonnaded street and the grand Hierapolis theatre.
At the foot of the travertines is a little town that has numerous small hotels, pensions, restaurants and shops.