Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights In 2023?

BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2025

Pamukkale is one of the most visited regions in Turkey in 2025. With its natural beauty and historical intrigue, it welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2025, according to a recent Travel and Tour World report.  Home to the Hierapolis spa city, Pamukkale Turkey, has snow-white travertine terraces, which look dramatic against the backdrop of blue skies. Also, it is one of the most prominent destinations in Turkey to promote nature-based tourism.  Also, resembling a winter wonderland covered with snow, Pamukkale is actually a unique landscape formed by hot spring waters in a Sun-kissed zone of Turkey.  Where Is Pamukkale Turkey?  Pamukkale is in the Denizli Province of southwestern Turkey. It has Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique landscape, including white travertine terraces.  The unique landscape is built with the carbonite mineral deposits of the hot water springs here.  Furthermore, Pamukkale is in the Inner Aegean region of Turkey and it is in the valley of the River Menderes.  How To Reach Pamukkale Turkey From Istanbul? The distance between Pamukkale and Istanbul is close to 572 km, and based on your mode of transport, it will take between 6 hours 20 minutes and 11 hours to reach Pamukkale.  1. Istanbul To Pamukkale Turkey By Train You can take a train from Istanbul to Eskişehir and then board the Pamukkale Express from Eskişehir to Denizli, where Pamukkale is located. This 8-hour journey by train allows you to cherish the beauty of central Anatolia.  Otherwise, board a train from Istanbul to Yenikapı and then a train to Pamukkale. The train will pass through stations such as Istanbul Pendik, Eskişehir, and Goncalı. 2. Istanbul To Pamukkale By Air The Denizli-Çardak Airport (DNZ) is the nearest airport to Pamukkale. It is located at a distance of 67 km. You can take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Pamukkale and then take a shuttle or a bus to reach Pamukkale by road within 50 minutes.  3. Istanbul To Pamukkale By Road Companies such as Kamil Koç operate direct buses from Istanbul to Sarayköy. From Sarayköy to Pamukkale, it is a journey of less than 30 minutes by road.  Moreover, you can take overnight buses to Pamukkale from Istanbul.  What Is So Special About Pamukkale Turkey?  With thermal springs, white hills of cascading water, and crystal lakes, the unique landscape of Pamukkale looks stunning. Furthermore, it has Hierapolis or the “Holy City.”  Fortunately, all these unique features of Pamukkale are mostly intact even today. Moreover, as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention says, it is a wonderful fusion of natural beauty and cultural richness.  “The property is largely intact and includes all the attributes necessary to express its Outstanding Universal Value, based on the strong and tight integration between the natural landscape (the white travertine terraces and numerous thermal springs) and culture (the city ruins from the Greco-Roman and Byzantine period, especially the theatre and the necropolis). The boundaries of the site are adequate to reflect the site’s significance.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  Let’s explore its unique features and landmarks.  1. Cotton Castle Pamukkale Turkey Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkey, and the name comes from the travertine terraces, which have white formations with a cotton-like appearance. The terraces here form stepped pools, and together they look like a cascading castle of white cotton and crystals.  But do you know how this unique landmark was formed? Western Anatolia in Turkey has the largest deposits of calcium carbonate rocks in the world. However, it is also the region where the Earth’s crust faces the maximum pull.  Furthermore, various geothermal, seismic, and volcanic activities here create many fissures and faults. The Pamukkale plateau in the Denizli Basin is one of the main examples of this kind of geological formation.  Here, the calcite terraces and rimstone pools fall from over a 200-meter-tall cliff. Being rich in minerals, the cascading water covers the rocks with a thick layer of white sediments. These rocks look like layers of cotton and have thus got the name Cotton Castle.   According to NASA, the mineral deposition in this area is aged between 50000 and 600,000 years. The process started from the Pleistocene epoch, and the latest deposition here is related to the Laodikeia earthquake.  2. The Pools Of Pamukkale Turkey The thermal pools in the travertine terraces of Pamukkale were formed with mineral-rich hot spring water falling down the hillside and solidifying the deposits.  The vast Cleopatra’s Pool is probably the most prominent example when we talk about the pools of Pamukkale. The average water temperature of these pools ranges between 19 and 57 degrees Celsius. Sometimes the temperature can be as much as 100 degrees Celsius.  3. The Hot Springs Of Pamukkale The hot springs of Pamukkale have geothermal water, which is rich in minerals. Being mineral-rich, these waters have many therapeutic benefits. Moreover, it is a lifetime experience to swim in the geothermal pools on travertine terraces against the beautiful white walls.  4. The Ancient Hierapolis Or The Holy City Of Pamukkale  King Antiochus II founded ancient Hierapolis in the 2nd century BCE at the top of Pamukkale. Its strategic position near the thermal rings and along the trade route made it a thriving city during the Roman Rule.  Furthermore, Hierapolis became a prominent spa and healing city, and it grew in religious and cultural significance over time. The vast necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and the Roman theater are the telltale signs of a rich history of Hierapolis, or the Holy City of Pamukkale.  Moreover, during the Byzantine era, Hierapolis experienced tremendous growth as a Christian hub, and it became a bishopric. In addition, the necropolis area saw many churches being built, and it became a chosen resting place for Christian martyrs.  Finally, in 1988, UNESCO gave the combination of Hierapolis and Pamukkale the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  5. The Gate To Hel Or Pluto’s Gate In Hierapolis View this post on Instagram A post shared by M. Tolga Akbulut (@mtolgaakbulut) Pluto’s Gate was believed to be the gate to hell or the underworld. This prominent archaeological site was associated with Pluto, the Roman God of the dead, wealth, and the underworld.  The scientific explanation behind this place is that geothermal activities in Pamukkale caused the release of a large amount of carbon dioxide. Thus, it became a lethal area, and the priests utilized this natural phenomenon to convince pilgrims of the place’s mystical power.  What Are The Things To Do In Pamukkale Turkey? As I have already mentioned, the things to do in Pamukkale are the perfect fusions of natural, cultural, and religious explorations. Try these activities here.  1. Taking A Bath In Cleopatra’s Pool Cleopatra’s Pool got its name from Queen Cleopatra taking a bath in this pool. It is surrounded by marble columns that go back 1000 years.  This pool is just a 10-minute walk away from the main ruins of Hierapolis. 2. Exploring The Roman Theater The history of the Roman Theater goes back to the 2nd century AD. It could accommodate 12,000 visitors and was the venue for theatrical performances and gladiatorial battles.  Even today, the Roman Theater is well-maintained, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Pamukkale from this place.  3. Taking A Stroll Around The Necropolis The necropolis area of Pamukkale has tombs and family mausoleums that belong to the Byzantine, Roman, and Hellenistic periods.  The necropolis area is like an outdoor museum where you can read the plaques and learn a lot about the people who stayed here and how they viewed life and the afterlife.  4. Visiting The Local Villages The Pamukkale Village offers you a slice of the ultimate Turkish rural life. Try the mezes or appetizers, kebabs, and Pide or Turkish pizzas from local shops and restaurants here.  Also, you can explore the shops here to buy ceramic items, jewelry, and textiles.  5. Enjoying A Walk Through The Travertine Terraces Take a walk along the travertine terraces and experience the wonder of nature at its best. Furthermore, you can wet your feet in the warm waters of the pools here.  However, you have to walk carefully on the surface as it can be slippery.  Pamukkale Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Pamukkale Turkey.  1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Pamukkale Turkey? April to June, or the spring season, and September to November, or the autumn season, are ideal times for a visit to Pamukkale. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, the winter months of December to March are the best options.  2. Which City Is The Closest To Pamukkale Turkey? Denizli is the closest city to Pamukkale. The distance between these two places is around 17 km. Today, Denizli City is a bustling hub of textile production and export.  3. Is It Possible To Swim In Pamukkale? Yes, swimming is allowed in the travertine pools in Pamukkale. However, there are only some designated pools, such as the Cleopatra Pool, where you can swim.  4. Is 1 Day Enough In Pamukkale? Yes, one day is enough to explore the Pamukkale. You can take a bath in the travertine pools, explore the ancient ruins, and visit the local villages within 5-6 hours.  5. Which One Is Better? Cappadocia Or Pamukkale? Cappadocia and Pamukkale both have stunning landscapes. However, Cappadocia is famous for adventurous activities, like hot air balloon rides. On the other hand, Pamukkale is a place for natural exploration, visiting the ancient ruins, and taking a bath in the travertine pools.  6. What Language Is Spoken In Pamukkale? Turkish, the official language of Turkey, is the main language in Pamukkale. However, people here also speak in English.  7. Is Pamukkale Good For Skin? Yes, Pamukkale is good for the skin. The presence of silica, sulfur, and calcium in the water improves the elasticity of the skin, cleanses the skin, and alleviates eczema and other skin conditions.  8. Can I Drink Water In Pamukkale? The water of the thermal springs and pools of Pamukkale is rich in minerals. So, it is better to avoid drinking the water from the hot springs and pools in Pamukkale.  9. Do I Need To Pay Entry Fee To Visit Pamukkale Yes, you will need to pay an entry fee to visit Pamukkale. Furthermore, there will be an additional fee if you want to swim in the Cleopatra Pool.  Read Also: You Cannot Miss These Unique Things To Do In Indiana | Explore The Hidden Gems To Visit Your Visa Guide: Turkey Transit Visa Information & Hong Kong Visa Processing Time Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Let’s Know The Names

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

Scotland's second city, long eclipsed by sophisticated, tourist-heavy Edinburgh, has been quietly demonstrating that it's anything but second best. Glasgow has won many accolades for its culture. From the street art-filled east end to Rennie Mackintosh's architectural achievements (except for the tragically destroyed School of Art). Are you eager to visit the hippest city in Scotland? Everything you need to know is right here. Here are the mandatory things to do in Glasgow. Things To Do In Glasgow Glasgow in Gaelic stands for “dear green place.” And to no surprise, Glasgow is as green as it gets. It houses more than 90 parks and gardens that are woven through the city’s landscape. The Glasgow Botanical Garden is home to the largest plant collection in the UK. Here are some of the best things to do in Glasgow. Don’t miss out on your next trip. George Square George Square awaits everyone landing at Queen Street Station. It aids in the orientation of newcomers in the city center and is a constant site of protest and joy. George III is absent from the square. Enraged cotton and tobacco lords had monuments of him pulled down one after another. It happened ever since he lost their lands in the American War of Independence. Instead, the adjacent area known as Merchant City is booming these days, offering a ton of Glasgow activities. It also has a vibrant nightlife and boutique shopping. From that point on, Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle streets come together to form the Style Mile, a retail district. West End The city's famed West End houses opulent parks, incredibly elaborate Glasgow University buildings, and the ever-popular Kelvingrove Museum. It has everything from Salvador Dali's artwork to Glasgow's master architect and polymath Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The artwork feels like it belongs in a different universe. River Clyde It is difficult to visit Glasgow without spending some time on the banks of the River Clyde. It is where the superb Riverside Museum and the restored Tall Ship Glenlee are located. The SSE Hydro is close, but you can check out King Tut's Wah Wah Hut or the storied Barrowlands Ballroom. It is where Oasis first appeared. Art Museums The legacy of Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow's poster child, is deeply ingrained in the city. You might spend an entire vacation simply strolling down a path of his creations. Many additional Mackintosh artifacts can still be seen. However, the beloved Glasgow School of Art is now recuperating from a series of devastating fires. Visit the House for an Art Lover, have tea at Mackintosh at the Willow, or go to The Lighthouse. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre honors the life and career of the architect. Don't miss the opportunity to see the expansive city views from the observatory of the Water Tower from The Lighthouse. When the tower was first constructed, it had a functional dovecot. The carrier pigeons were employed to bring the Glasgow Herald journalists the afternoon sports scores. If you can escape Mackintosh's hold, there are still a lot of other cultural boxes to check. Behind an outstanding neo-classical façade, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) houses works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney. Of particular note is the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside the entrance, posing with an orange traffic cone happily placed on his head. Explore the east end's mural trail for a gritty perspective on art, where enormous pieces of art loom around corners and look down from office buildings. Bars And Restaurants The Merchant City offers a variety of cuisines. Highlights include the amazing, enduring Café Gandolfi fish bar, Obsession of India, and the insanely popular Paesano Pizza. The bars are extremely busy, even though they are a little forgettable. Head to the freshly reopened Babbity Bowster for a more sedate pint. In the West End, things are, maybe unsurprisingly, considerably more upscale. A longtime favorite in the area near Glasgow University is Stravaigin. Glasgow's 17-year drought for a Michelin star was just ended when Cail Bruich was included in the 2021 guide. It is located nearby on Great Western Road. Ashton Lane, a short stroll south, offers a night out unto itself with its jam-packed bar and restaurant scene. The cobblestone includes the always-popular Ubiquitous Chip. Are you thinking of going south of Clyde? Admirers of Malaysian cuisine are gushing about Julie's Kopitiam. In the much-maligned Govanhill neighborhood, Nanika is a fantastic tiny Asian fusion restaurant. Over a hundred different rums are available at the nearby Rum Shack, but if you'd rather keep things classy, stop by the Gnom café, which is next to Queen's Park. The Necropolis The Necropolis, an exquisitely decaying cemetery with a spectacular location, is located in Glasgow's east as well. Paths wind among a variety of tall-spired mausoleums and weathered burial stones stacked up on a hill behind the historic cathedral in the heart of the city. When you reach the top of the trail, you'll be treated to breathtaking views over the city. Food & Cuisine Glasgow is a city that truly knows how to feed you; forget stories of deep-fried Mar Bars coupled with Irn Bru, and discover one of Scotland's most lively culinary scenes instead. Glasgow has an abundance of excellent places to stay, a thriving entertainment scene, and everything you could possibly need for a weekend getaway. Good cuisine, in fact, is a source of pride for the city's residents and a constant topic of conversation. Ask a Glaswegian where to eat, and you'll never receive a straight answer. But one thing you'll hear a lot is that the city's culinary center is located in Finnieston. The neighborhood that’s been named the hippest place to live in the UK. Of all the options, Crabshakk is unquestionably a must-see. This wonderful restaurant specializes in delicious Scottish seafood offering a rotating menu of specials and some amazing house specialties. The sizzling pan of scallops with caramelized anchovy sauce is a must-try. In addition to supporting Scottish food, The West End's enduringly well-liked Ubiquitous Chip has been setting the standard. It has been offering upscale, contemporary Scottish cuisine since 1971. One of Glasgow's most exciting culinary endeavors, Dockyard Social, is located in Finnieston as well. It is a street food market housed in a large industrial warehouse with three inspiring goals. It aims to highlight the best of the city's culinary scene, assist start-up food businesses, and support the neighborhood. This provides the most impoverished residents with professional culinary training. There are still foods to try throughout the entire city if you venture outside of Finnieston. A'Challtainn is located east of BAaD (Barras Art and Design), a hip urban area in the Barras Market. With a focus on sustainably sourced seafood from Scotland, this stunning restaurant has already won a few accolades in its brief existence. It won Best Rookie to the Glasgow culinary scene. While you're in the center, make sure to check out Paesano for their exceptional pizzas. They are masterfully charred in wood-fired ovens built in Naples using only the finest Italian ingredients. Wrapping Up Glasgow is home to the third-oldest underground train system in the world. The majority of the city's attractions, however, are easily accessible on foot. One single loop that revolves around the inner or outer line makes it impossible to misunderstand. When Celtic and Rangers, the city's Old Firm rivals, play, it's advisable to stay away from Celtic Park. It is located in the east of the city and Ibrox in the south. Almost 130 years later, one of the most bitter rivalries in sports is still incredibly bitter. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about things to do in Glasgow, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath UK City Hidden Gems: Things To Do In Manchester Coastal Bliss: Top Things To Do In Bournemouth

BY  sagnika Feb 25, 2025

If you are planning a relaxing and luxurious vacation, you must book a cruise! Imagine having all kinds of amenities such as restaurants, pools, entertainment, and fun areas in a floating hotel or resort. Well, that is how you will feel when you book your spot on the best Mediterranean cruises 2025!   Yes, you might face some issues if you have motion sickness especially if the sea or the ocean is choppy. However, in most cases, cruise ships are so big that there is minimal movement along with recent times technology, the stabilization technology.   Let us explore more about some of the best cruises if you are making plans for February vacation ideas. Furthermore, you can choose a bit of both worlds, some adventurous activities and some leisure time!   Best Mediterranean Cruises 2025 Destinations Right Here!   If you are planning to go on a cruise vacation, nothing better than the Mediterranean cruises! Celebrity cruises bring you the perfect combination of beautiful scenery, dazzling ports, glamorous activities, and delicious cuisine in the form of Mediterranean cruises.   If you are planning to immerse yourself in the historical culture of the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and others, this is the one way to go about it. What is more? Fruits, vegetables, grains, wheat, and olive oil represent the Mediterranean like no other!   Have you always wanted to visit the Parthenon in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome? Well, what are you waiting for, book yourself a romantic holiday on the best Mediterranean Cruises. Discover the beautiful scenic views and experience the exotic locales and cuisine.   1. Greece Cruises   Want to explore the turquoise-blue waters along the white beaches? After all, Greece and the Greek Islands have some of the best views that nature can offer. Additionally, the historical and cultural heritage of the destination is known worldwide attracting visitors everywhere.   You can explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes, visit the temple of Athena Lindia, or walk across the ruins of Kamiros. If you are someone who loves palaces and old historical places, you have gotta go to the Palace of Knossos and the Palace of Phaestos.   Simultaneously, how can you miss visiting the Acropolis in Athens? Of course, there are several beautiful beaches adjoining small coastal towns offering you picturesque harbors in Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu.   2. Spain Cruises   You can visit Barcelona, a place known for its football and cuisine while on the Spain Cruise. Departing from the US, one of the cruise companies, Celebrity Cruises, will take you on the ride of a lifetime. The trip will mostly be anywhere from seven to sixteen days itinerary.   Furthermore, you can explore Portugal along with Spain on some cruises, so decide and accordingly make bookings. The cultural diversity you will experience when you get off the cruise for day trips or excursions will blow your mind.   Additionally, the architectural heritage at the Giralda in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada will win your heart. Making a memory for a lifetime, you can go on exciting hikes around the active volcanoes and the calderas in the Canary Islands.   3. Croatia Cruises   If you want both mountains and oceans together, I have the perfect destination for you, especially when you are booking some of the best Mediterranean cruises 2025. The city, Dubrovnik, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which you must visit.   With charming streets flanked by mountains on one side and on the other side, the Mediterranean. There is Modra Spilja Cave and Rector’s Palace in the location which you can visit once the cruise docks at the port.   Simultaneously, the cruise will also take you to Split, an ancient Roman city. The seafront businesses and cafes are perfect for you if you love spending time looking at beautiful views and eating local cuisine such as Arabasici, Dalmatinska Pasticada, and Soparnik.   4. France Cruises   The minimum days for which you can go on a French cruise is three days, and it can go up to seven days. There are a few companies that function in the French Riviera namely Princess, Avalon Waterways, Viking, and others.    Are you someone who enjoys architecture? Then you must go for one of these best Mediterranean cruises 2025. You must visit the 19th-century Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica, Notre Dame de la Garde, on your tour to Marseille.   If you are an art lover, how can you forget the Mona Lisa at the Louvre? You can visit when you are on the cruise with France as your destination. Apart from taking a stroll across the open-air market and art galleries in towns like St. Paul-de-Vence and Baux-de-Provence.   Lastly, you must visit the delicious bakeries offering you flaky croissants and creamy cheese-filled cakes. Known for their patisserie shops, you must try out those pastel-colored macarons.   5. Rome Cruises   Rome is known as the “Eternal City” for travelers all around the world! Starting from the port of Civitavecchia. The Rome cruise organizes beautiful trips including excursions where you will get immersed in the culture and the practices.   Whether it is the Baroque Trevi Fountain or the ancient Roman Colosseum, you must experience these beautiful places. After all, Rome Cruises is not just historically perfect but inspiring if you want to book one of the best cruises for families.   Do you know anything about the Cappella Sistina by Michelangelo? You can see that as well if you visit Vatican City with the beautiful Vatican museums! After all the place is known for its art scene. Are you someone who likes taking strolls on the streets when visiting a new place?   When your cruise docks at the port, you can take a walk along the Tiber. Additionally, you can check out the Sant'Angelo castle.   6. Israel and Egypt Cruises   One of the best Mediterranean cruises in 2025, if you have any plans to go on a cruise, this should be it for you. Nile and Egypt are known for their splendor with ancient wonders like Luxor’s Valley of Kings, Kom Ombo’s temples, and the High Dam.   There are bustling markets in Egypt and Israel where you can go for strolling! There are other exciting port cities and museums, which you can visit when you are going on the excursion from the cruise. You will be getting a relaxed environment along with diverse cuisine and a lot of activities!   7. Malta Cruises   You can book the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to visit Valletta, Malta, offering you a beautiful view of the world. You will fall in love with the place when exploring the museums, and historic sites such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and check out the Baroque art.   There are several limestone architectures as the Mediterranean Sea surrounds it with the sun shining all year round. When you travel on the cruise, you will love the view along with enjoying yourself on the sandy beaches. You can go swimming, sunbathing and hiking on these beaches.   You can also visit the Grandmaster’s Palace while you can see the Grand Harbor from your cruise. If you know kayaking or want to learn about it, it can be an adventure for you when you go on a cruise trip.   8. Italy Cruises   The Mediterranean cruises that take you to Italy offer natural and cultural opportunities for all. The long coastline is one of the most beautiful places and the cruises will cover several well-known cities such as Rome, Venice, Naples, Siracusa, Genoa, and others. It is one of the best places to travel in Europe!   For example, there is a cruise company, MSC Cruises, that creates your tour package including land excursions apart from traveling by sea. So, the cruise takes you to Trieste along with Miramare Castle, Lecce, Matera, and Alberobello in Basilicata Puglia and others.   You cannot miss visiting the gateway to Florence along with Pisa. Whether you want to travel to the best places to visit in February or try to book some of the best cruises for Couples, you must include Italy in your itinerary as a destination.   Let’s Pack our Bags and Go...   After all, when you are done packing your bags and booking your cruise, I am sure you will make a list of things you want to do. When returning from any one of these continents, be it Greece France, or Italy, you will always remember them.   Comment below about which one of the cruises you are going to book when making travel plans. Additionally, you can also share with you cruise trips that have won your heart.