Cascading hot springs create terraced white calcite pools in this unique Turkish landscape. Visitors can explore the pools and nearby Roman ruins of Hierapolis.
Pamukkale, which means "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a unique geological site in southwestern Turkey. The area is known for its white travertine terraces created by mineral-rich hot springs. Next to these terraces, you'll find the ancient city of Hierapolis with its Roman ruins. You can walk on the terraces, explore the ancient theater, and swim in Cleopatra's Pool among submerged Roman columns.
Travertine Terraces and Thermal Pools
The travertine terraces of Pamukkale are a geological formation consisting of white, calcium-rich structures that cascade down the hillside. These terraces create a series of shallow pools filled with mineral-rich water. They extend over 2,700 meters in length and 600 meters in width. As you walk barefoot along the terraces, you'll feel warm water beneath your feet and see the white landscape against the blue sky. The mineral content gives the water a milky blue color.
Ancient City of Hierapolis
At the top of the travertine terraces, you'll find the ancient city of Hierapolis. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, Hierapolis was an important Roman spa town. Today, you can explore the ruins, including a theater that once held 15,000 people. From the theater, you can see the surrounding landscape. As you walk through the city, you'll come across the remains of Roman baths, temples, and a large necropolis with over 1,200 tombs. The on-site museum, located in a former Roman bath, displays artifacts found in the area.
How to Visit and Best Times
To avoid the midday heat and crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The site opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 8:00 PM in summer. The weather is mild from April to June and September to October, making these good times to visit. You must remove your shoes when walking on the travertine terraces to protect the formations. Bring a bag for your shoes and belongings, as there are no storage facilities at the pools.
Cleopatra's Pool
Cleopatra's Pool, also called the Antique Pool, is a thermal pool within the Hierapolis complex. This warm, mineral-rich pool contains submerged marble columns and capitals from the Roman period. Some stories say that Cleopatra once bathed here, but this is not historically confirmed. You can swim among the ancient ruins for an additional fee. The pool's temperature stays around 36°C (97°F) year-round.
Nearby Attractions: Karahayit
About 5 kilometers north of Pamukkale is the village of Karahayit, known for its red thermal springs. The water here has high levels of iron, which gives the travertine formations a reddish-brown color. This site is less crowded than the main Pamukkale terraces. You can soak your feet in the small public foot bath in the village center or visit one of the local thermal hotels for a spa experience.
Practical Information
As of 2023, the entrance fee to Pamukkale and Hierapolis is 200 Turkish Lira, which includes access to both the travertine terraces and the ancient city. Cleopatra's Pool requires a separate ticket. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially in summer. Wear shoes that are easy to take off, as you'll need to go barefoot on the travertine terraces. If you plan to swim in the thermal pools or Cleopatra's Pool, bring a swimsuit. The nearest major city is Denizli, about 20 kilometers away, which has an airport and bus connections to other parts of Turkey.
