Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Pamukkale, an awe-inspiring natural wonder, is known as Turkey's "Cotton Castle." Additionally, the placement of the amazingly well-preserved ruins of the Greek-Roman town of Hierapolis; the bizarre, realistic white travertine terraces; and the clear pools lend glitz to summertime visits to Pamukkale. Pamukkale-Hierapolis has been designated a "UNESCO World Heritage" site because of its extraordinary fusion of manufactured and natural wonders.

It is also the most popular destination in Turkey, with over 2 million visitors a year. When visiting Pamukkale in the summer, you can cool yourself in a magnificent pool filled with warm, mineral-rich water and swim around lovely ancient columns. The busiest time of day is just before sunset. However, Pamukkale is relatively uncrowded in the winter.

Overview of Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Location Turkey
Address Merkez, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey
Timings 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Every day)
Criteria Cultural and Natural
Google Map

Highlights

  • UNESCO recognizes it as a World Heritage Site. The fascinating travertine terrace pools at Pamukkale draw more than a million visitors yearly.
  • An ancient town called Hierapolis was built on top of one of the highest travertine pools. A number of the structures here are around 2,200 years old and still stand, each with its unique story.
  • Depending on the weather, paragliding over Pamukkale is possible every day. However, turning it on and off takes an hour to an hour and a half.
  • A significant cherry-growing region in Turkey is the Honaz district. On the first or last Monday in June, a festival is held annually to introduce these cherries to the public.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools Ticket Prices

To enter this tourist attraction, you have to buy tickets. Below are the details of ticket price:

Category Price
Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum ticket 200 Turkish Lira (TRY)
Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum ticket + Audio Guide

275 Turkish Lira

(TRY)
Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum and Laodicea Archaeological Site ticket 250 Turkish Lira (TRY)
Automobile parking ticket 20 Turkish Lira (TRY)

About Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Southwest Turkey's Denizli Province is home to the natural component known as Pamukkale, which translates to "cotton castle" in Turkish. The area is well-known for a carbonate mineral left behind by hot spring water. It is situated in the River Menderes valley, which has a temperate climate for most of the year, in the Inner Aegean region of Turkey.

The travertine formation, which is a total of 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) long, 600 meters (1,970 feet) wide, and 160 meters (525 feet) high, was formed on top of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. It is visible from the hills 20 km away, on the other side of the valley, in the town of Denizli. 

Since classical antiquity, this region's thermal springs have attracted tourists. The snow-white limestone's surface, carved over millennia by calcite-rich springs, is known by its Turkish name. Mineral-rich waters gather on the mountainside and cascade into ponds below as they drip slowly. Along with Hierapolis, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

Travertine, a sedimentary rock created by mineral water from the hot springs, is used for the terraces in Pamukkale. There are 17 hot springs in this area that range in temperature from 35 °C (95 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F). The spring's water travels 320 meters (1,050 feet) to the top of the travertine terraces, where it deposits calcium carbonate on parts that are 60 to 70 meters (200 to 230 feet) long and occupy an area of 24 to 30 meters (98 ft). 

When calcium carbonate-supersaturated water reaches the surface, carbon dioxide escapes from it, and calcium carbonate is deposited as a result. The water leaves behind calcium carbonate as a soft gel that eventually crystallizes into travertine.

Interesting Facts about Pamukkale Thermal Pools

  • From the time of Classical antiquity, people have been going there.
  • The hot spring's waters have a temperature range of 35 to 100 °C.
  • Pamukkale is known as the "cotton castle" in Turkish, according to a literal translation.
  • Due to the similarities between these white terraces and the cotton plantations that grew in central Turkey, the Turkish refer to it as the "cotton castle."
  • Cleopatra is rumored to have swum in Pamukkale's Sacred Pool, also known as Cleopatra's Pool.
  • There are 17 hot water springs nearby.
  • Pamukkale receives more than 2 million visitors each year and is one of Turkey's most popular sites to visit. 

FAQs

Q: What makes Pamukkale thermal pools unique?

Ans: Pamukkale is a geological wonder and a traveler’s joy. It is a village in western Turkey known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that cascade down the bright white terraces of a steep valley side. Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city, built in 190 B.C., is located nearby.

Q: What can you do at the Pamukkale Thermal Pools In Turkey?

Ans: Bathe in the travertine pools, visit the Hierapolis ruins, enjoy the view from the Hierapolis theater, bathe in Pamukkale’s antique pool near the Temple of Apollo, visit the Hierapolis museum, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and many other activities are available at Pamukkale Thermal Pools.

Q: Where are Pamukkale Pools?

Ans: The Pamukkale pool is located in Turkey.

Q: How to get to Pamukkale?

Ans: The most accessible way to reach Pamukkale is by flight. The closest airport to Pamukkale is Cardak Airport. Daily flights are also available to and from Istanbul. In addition, you can take a shuttle bus to Pamukkale from the airport.

Q: What is the best time to go to Pamukkale Thermal Pools?

Ans: Visiting in the spring (April–May), when the weather is mild and the days are long, would be more leisurely. With its mild climate and shorter days, autumn (September–October) is also advantageous.

Q: What is the best time to visit Ankara?

Ans: April to June and September to November are the best months to plan your Ankara tour. However, the favorable climate conditions allow you to enjoy outdoor activities.

Q: Are there special tours for families in Ankara?

Ans: Yes, we offer a wide range of tour packages, and you can craft any of them according to your theme and choices. Our Ankara packages provide tailored experiences for families, including interactive museum tours and outdoor activities.