Tourist Places To Visit In Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a very small town located in western Turkey. It’s so small that you can easily explore it on foot. But despite its size, Pamukkale’s beauty paints a very large and beautiful picture. The name Pamukkale in Turkish means Cotton Castle and you will understand the depth of this only once you get there. Pamukkale is easily one of the highest rated tourist places to visit in Turkey. There is plenty to see and do even though it is small. Here is a list of the best tourist places to visit in Pamukkale.

The white Travertine terraces are the most talked about landscape of Pamukkale and is the reason people come in millions each year. For thousands of years, mineral-rich waters have formed natural thermal pools on the cliffs here and they make for a jaw-dropping sight. There are 2 entrances, one at the bottom and one on top. We suggest starting from the south entrance and making your way upwards to see the other sites.

The Cleopatra pool or Antique pool as it is also known as, is a stunning Bath which has remains of some fallen Roman columns under water. It is located above the thermal pools and is a short climb away. The water is warm at a temperature of 36°C and is a great way to relax and unwind. The entry to the pool area is free, but there is a fee to be paid if you want to swim. The pool is open from 8 am to 5:50 pm from November to March and up to 7:30 pm during the summer.

The ancient city of Hierapolis sat on top of the cliff as the Greek-Romans lorded over. The city was founded in somewhere around the 2^nd century BC but was destroyed in an earthquake. It was in the 2^nd and 3^rd century AD that the city really prospered and was known as a spa centre. You will find ruins of Temples, Baths, a necropolis and other buildings that formed the city. 

On a slope at the very top of the hill are the remains of a very well preserved Amphitheatre. With seating of more than 65000, the theatre leaves you amazed at the extravagance of the Roman era. You can also see where the VIP guests would have been seated during this period and also some lovely decorative panels near the stage area. It should definitely not be missed.

The Hierapolis Archeology Museum was once used as a Roman Bath & Gymnasium. The building was converted into a museum in 1984. The museum holds a lot of information about the archaeological site and interesting artefacts, especially from the Bronze Age. It is definitely a place of interest to anyone interested in history.

Though there is not much to see of the castle ruins, the view of the travertine terraces from here is beautiful, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s slightly off the road, but a great way to escape the crowds and get an aerial view of Pamukkale.

The red pools of Karahayit make for the ultimate dip at 55°C. These hot springs are located about 5 km north of Pamukkale and are known for their red colour and the healing power of its water as they are rich in minerals. Soak in the goodness of the hot water and then cool down in one of its cooler pools. Being away from the Pamukkale Travertines, it does not get as crowded and is a hidden gem!