Things to do in Pamukkale

Things to do in Pamukkale

Things to do in Pamukkale are endless. There is a wide range of things to do in Pamukkale during one night or a week stay. Pamukkale is best the place which will make your holiday unforgettable in Turkey.

Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Castle, is a great place to visit. For many hundreds of years, a warm stream of calcareous water has flowed down through a very large number of terraces. The streams have always chosen their way along the many terraces that can be found against the slope. Because of this, the hill now has a very special appearance. Many compare it to a ski slope, but just a little different. It is indeed totally white, so you would think that you have ended up in the ice age. The water flows with carbon dioxide and lime have formed a petrified waterfall that is white. Because this looks so spectacular, it is called Pamukkale. So, in reality, it has nothing to do with a castle. Here is list of the things to do in Pamukkale.

Travertines

For many centuries it has been believed that warm and very calcareous spring water has a good effect on the quality of the skin and it would have a healing effect on all nerves and muscles in the body. The Romans were also convinced of this and they saw this place as a natural health resort where they liked to spend time. This was already two centuries before Christ. The Greek town of Hierapolis was not very far from the so-called Roman health resort and even today you can still find beautiful ruins from this ancient period in Pamukkale. You can also see the Temple of Apollo, a city wall, a bathhouse, and a theatre.

Hierapolis City Ruins

The ancient Hierapolis City consists of the main street with small streets in the centre. You can find the “necropolis” (cemetery) up the hill which is the main attraction as it is the best-preserved site from Roman times and stretches out over several kilometres. The main street, the “Frontinus Street”, is decorated by several columns and statues and starts with the gate of “Domitian”. Between this gate and the “Byzantine” gate is the “agora” which is one of the largest ever discovered. You can also visit the remains of temples, city walls, and churches.

Pamukkale Antique Pool

In the centre of this ancient city, you can find a beautiful swimming pool where you can bathe yourself. The hot spring is filled with old Roman columns and is a truly unique experience.

Hierapolis Theatre

The ancient theatre was built in the 2nd century AD and had a capacity of 12,000 spectators. It is very well preserved, and you can still see a lot of its original details. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is also worth to visit as you can find interesting artifacts like jewellery, oil lamps, statues, tombs, coins and more.

Temple of Apollo

The remains of the temple of Apollo are also interesting to visit. In a room under the temple of Apollo lies the Plutonium cave, named after the god Pluto. Ancient historians such as Strabo described the fumes in the cave as deadly.

You can discover all these sites in Pamukkale on a day tour.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Enjoy the best view over Pamukkale from the basket of a hot air balloon! You will fly over the travertines and Hierapolis. This is your opportunity to take the best photos of Pamukkale.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Pamukkale is an experience worth living at least once in your life. The unique location makes it one of the most suitable places for Paragliding. It is the best way to enjoy the most beautiful view of the travertines and Hierapolis.

Pamukkale Gyrocopter

Flying in a gyrocopter is another exciting way to see Pamukkale from the air. The gyrocopters engine powers a back propeller that pusher the aircraft forward and the air passes naturally through its rotor blades. Together with your experienced and fully licensed pilot, you will fly over the ancient city of Hierapolis, the theatre and the white terraces. The gyrocopter can fly at very low speeds which gives you the chance to take the most beautiful photos.

Laodikeia

During a tour of Pamukkale, there are many other sights to discover. The historic city of Laodikeia is about 10 km south of Hierapolis and only 15 minutes’ drive from Pamukkale. Once the town was called Diospolis, which stands for “the city of Zeus”, but in the third century B.C. the name changed to Laodikeia, after the name of Antiochus’ wife. The city was often destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. You can now visit historical remains, including a theatre and the main street.

Karahayit Hot Springs

These mineral-rich hot springs with temperatures up to 55 ° C bubble just five kilometres from the limestone rocks of Pamukkale. The presence of various oxides (including iron oxide) in the water has tinted the calcium carbonate with a variety of colors. Underneath the springs is a small swimming pool, where you can soothe tired travel muscles and take a break of about two hours.

Pamukkale Dervish Show

This evening entertainment show is a great opportunity to get to know the tradition and culture of the Dervishes. The whirling dervishes perform and dance to express emotion and achieve the wisdom and the love of God. This spiritual and extraordinary show is a unique experience for children and adults.

How to go to Pamukkale?

Pamukkale doesn’t have an airport, but the nearest is in Denizli. The best way to travel to Pamukkale from the airport is to use the shuttle airport service. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it. When you travel with a group of people or children it is worth looking into a private airport transfer because you pay per vehicle and not per person. The Mercedes Minibuses are air-conditioned and comfortable and the driver will take you straight to your hotel. The distance between Denizli Airport (DNZ) to Pamukkale is 75 km and it will take you around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to your destination.