What Is So Special About Pamukkale Turkey? (Waterpools, Things To Do, And More)

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?

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? 

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

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 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

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 

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

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

Taking A Bath In Cleopatras 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

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

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

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

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. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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