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Travertine Pools at Pamukkale

  • Denizli, Aegean Region, Turkey

Last updated: 16 March, 2024

This ancient hilltop spa centre is home to extraordinary scallop-shaped, cotton-white travertine formations that dazzle the eye with their shiny white brilliance.

The terraces form when warm natural springs of water, containing high concentrations of dissolved calcium bicarbonate, cascade over the edge of the cliff. As the water cools, calcium forms and deposits harden creating an unusual series of terraced shelves and ridges – and between them, natural spa baths.

Soak away.

Don't miss

Just nearby is ‘Cleopatra’s Pool’, a man-made geothermal pool apparently made by Anthony for Cleopatra. Pay a little extra to swim in the hot spring waters, where you can laze on fallen fluted columns. The original structure around the pool was heavily damaged by a 7th-century earthquake.

While you’re there

Next door, on the same site, are the evocative Roman-era ruins of Hierapolis, an arresting UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 80 AD. Today, it is notable for its fine theatre, impressive necropolis, museum and martyrium of the apostle St Philip.

The overall experience – of Hierapolis and Pamukkale – is worth every mile of the long haul inland.

Logistics

Price from: £8
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s at least a three-hour drive inland from either Bodrum, Fethiye or Antalya. There are car parks at either end of the site, with regular shuttle buses into the centre. The travertine pools and Hierapolis are one site at Pamukkale, with one entrance fee.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday. Opening hours are much shorter in the winter months.

To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go as early after dawn or as late in the afternoon as is possible.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Antalya

Hierapolis ("Holy City") was an ancient  Greco-Roamn city in Phrygia located on hot springs in South West Anatolia. Its ruins are adjacent to maodern Pamukkale. Hierapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hot springs there have been used as a spa since the 2nd Century B.C.E. and people came to soothe their ailments with many of them retiring or dying here. Some of the highlights; the large necropolis is filled with sarcophagi, the main street with the gates and latrines, cathedral, the theatre and St. Philips tomb. The hot springs causing cascades which are called the Cotton Castle. Because of the distance we have to leave Antalya early and return late but its worth it to experince this wonderful place. begining to end for base approax walking time over 45 min with theatre visit

Price €67

Min age 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [1281 ratings]

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  • Antalya

Hierapolis (“Holy City”) was an ancient Greco-Roman city in Phrygia located on hot springs in South West Anatolia. Its ruins are adjacent to modern Pamukkale. Hierapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hot springs there have been used as a spa since the 2nd Century B.C.E. and people came to soothe their ailments with many of them retiring or dying here. Some of the highlights; the large necropolis is filled with sarcophagi, the main street with the gates and latrines, cathedral, the theatre and St. Philips tomb. The hot springs causing cascades which are called the Cotton Castle. Because of the distance we have to leave Antalya early but its worth it to experince this wonderful place.Highlights Explore Hierapolis and Pamukkale with a small group and a guide Soak in the Mineral hot springs at Kleopatra Pool The tour includes a lunch and entry of pamukkale sights Convenient, round-trip transportation from hotel...

Price €50

Min age 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [231 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Istanbul

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic destinations with our expertly crafted tour. Designed for small groups of up to 20 travelers, this experience offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and comfort. Explore the battlefields of Gallipoli, the ancient city of Troy, the stunning white travertines of Pamukkale, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, all guided by professional English-speaking experts. Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ephesus, Göreme, and Hierapolis, plus skip-the-line access and boutique accommodations for a stress-free adventure. Enhance your trip by adding pre-tour accommodation, airport transfers, a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul on the final day, or post-tour accommodation in Istanbul—just contact us after booking. With personalized attention, enriching experiences, and seamless logistics, this tour is the ultimate way to discover Turkey. Book now for a journey you’ll cherish forever!

Price €1,239

Min age 8

Rating 4.72 / 5 [156 ratings]

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  • Istanbul

Experience all of the must sees during Cappadocia Tour, Ephesus Tour, Pamukkale Tour. Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon as you float above the fairy chimneys that dot the landscape. Stay in one of the charming cave hotels built into the volcanic rocks of Göreme. Tour the famous sites of the region such as the underground city of Derinkuyu, Uçhisar Castle, Göreme Open Air Museum, Selime Monastery and the Ihlara Valley. Discover the ancient city of Hieraplois in Pamukkale. Relax in the beautiful white travertines heated by thermal water. Retain your youth with a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool. See what remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world and visit the Virgin Mary’s last dwelling place. Have an adventure you’ll never forget your Pamukkale Tour from istanbul.

Price €1,149

Min age 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [108 ratings]

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  • Istanbul

4 days Highlight of Turkey tour Day 1: Cappadocia Explore the highlights of Cappadocia, including the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag (Monks Valley), and Devrent Valley. Discover the fairy chimneys and ancient rock-cut dwellings. Experience an unforgettable hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering panoramic views of the surreal landscape. Day 2: balloon ride tour and Cappadocia tour Continue your adventure with a visit to the Kaymaklı Underground City, Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar Castle. Hike through scenic valleys and enjoy the region's unique geological formations. Day 3: Ephesus Fly to Ephesus, home to the ancient ruins of one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Visit the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the Grand Theatre, where history comes to life. Day 4: Pamukkale Travel to Pamukkale to see the famous white travertine terraces and soak in the thermal waters. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Price £1,217

Min age 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [82 ratings]

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