From Alanya, Side, Antalya: Salda Lake and Pamukkale Day Trip
Discover the natural beauty of Turkey on a day trip from Alanya, Side, or Antalya to Salda Lake and Pamukkale. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, relax in the thermal springs, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Turkey’s natural and historical wonders with this full-day trip to Salda Lake and Pamukkale from Alanya, Side, or Antalya. This immersive experience combines breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and opportunities for relaxation, making it the perfect adventure for travelers seeking a blend of beauty and culture.
The day begins with a convenient hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. As you leave the city behind, enjoy the scenic drive through Turkey’s countryside, filled with lush greenery, charming villages, and rolling hills. Your first stop is Salda Lake, a hidden gem known as the "Turkish Maldives" for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by rugged mountains, Salda Lake is a haven of tranquility. Take time to stroll along the shore, snap stunning photos, or simply relax and breathe in the fresh air.
After soaking in the beauty of Salda Lake, the journey continues to Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage site. En route, pause for a delightful lunch featuring authentic Turkish cuisine, giving you a taste of the region's culinary delights.
Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is famed for its surreal white travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the dazzling sight of these natural terraces, shimmering under the sun. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the travertines, feeling the warm water flowing under your feet as you explore this otherworldly landscape.
Beyond its natural beauty, Pamukkale is home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a fascinating archaeological site with a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Wander through the ruins of this once-thriving spa city, including its well-preserved amphitheater, Roman baths, and the Temple of Apollo. Let your imagination take you back in time as you explore the streets where ancient Romans once walked.
For those seeking relaxation, Pamukkale offers thermal pools where you can soak in mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties. Whether you choose to relax in these rejuvenating waters or continue exploring the terraces and ruins, the experience is bound to be unforgettable.
As the day winds down, the group gathers for a dinner stop in the quaint town of Korkuteli. Savor local dishes in a cozy setting, reflecting on the day’s adventures and creating lasting memories with your fellow travelers.
Finally, relax during the comfortable drive back to your hotel. By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced the awe-inspiring beauty of Salda Lake, the historical grandeur of Hierapolis, and the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. This day trip is a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation, showcasing the very best of Turkey’s diverse treasures.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Let the wonders of Salda Lake and Pamukkale enchant you on this one-of-a-kind journey.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Begin your adventure with a seamless hotel pickup from Alanya, Side, or Antalya. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you embark on your journey.
Duration: 1 Hour
Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast in the quaint town of Korkuteli. Enjoy a variety of local flavors in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to energize your journey.
After enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast in the charming town of Korkuteli, we set off towards the iconic Salda Lake.
Duration: 1 Hour
Discover the serene beauty of Salda Lake, often called the "Turkish Maldives." Take in the tranquil atmosphere, stroll along the pristine shores, and capture stunning photos.
Duration: 3 Hours , Extra Fee
Explore the iconic travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Walk through its historic ruins and relax in the thermal springs or cascading terraces.
The Cleopatra Pool, also known as the Antique Pool, is a natural thermal pool surrounded by ancient ruins, believed to have been a gift to Cleopatra herself.
Duration: 1 Hour
Following our exploration of Pamukkale, we will pause to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. This meal offers a perfect opportunity to savor authentic Turkish flavors and recharge.
Conclude your unforgettable day with a comfortable ride back to your hotel. Please note that drop-off times may vary depending on the location of your hotel.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Visit Salda Lake, often called the maldives of Turkey.
- ● Explore Pamukkale’s UNESCO-listed travertine terraces and thermal springs.
- ● Discover the ancient city of Hierapolis and its impressive amphitheater.
- ● Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner featuring authentic Turkish flavors.
- ● Travel comfortably with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Breakfast and lunch
- Professional live guide in English and Russian
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to Pamukkale Hierapolis
- Entrance fees to Cleopatra's Pool (optional)
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●Pamukkale involves walking on travertine; bring non-slip footwear.
- ●The thermal pools at Pamukkale are optional and have an extra fee.
- ●Prepare for a full day; travel time will be significant but comfortable.
- ●Please ensure you bring your children's passports, as they may be required for entry at museum sites.
Know Before You Go
- ●Vegetarian meal options are available upon request.
- ●Ensure your belongings are secure during stops.
- ●Tour timings may vary slightly due to traffic or weather conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
- ●As a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, walking on the terraces is only permitted barefoot to preserve their natural beauty.
- ●Please be ready for an early start as we aim to provide you with a full-day adventure.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Lara Brenner - Germany
16 July
It was a pleasant experience. Our guide, Dr. Hakan Yamal, was knowledgeable and highly professional. We truly enjoyed having him with us. Helin was also very responsive and supported us throughout the trip.
Ivan Petrovich - Russia
28 June
I’m really thrilled about this tour. It was both fascinating and informative. A special thank you to our guide, Olena she’s truly a professional. I highly recommend this tour!
You might also like...
Antalya, Türkiye
Antalya, Türkiye
Antalya, Türkiye
Antalya, Türkiye
Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Based on 15 Reviews
4.8/5
4.6/5
4.7/5
×
By Traveler Types
By star rating
21 July
The tour was well-organized, and the destinations were worth seeing. However, the food was very poor and nearly impossible to eat. Overall, the tour felt slightly overpriced. While the experience was interesting, it’s quite a long journey. I’d only recommend it if you’re staying in Alanya for over three weeks and have already explored most other options.
Helpful? Yes
16 July
It was a pleasant experience. Our guide, Dr. Hakan Yamal, was knowledgeable and highly professional. We truly enjoyed having him with us. Helin was also very responsive and supported us throughout the trip.
Helpful? Yes
28 June
I’m really thrilled about this tour. It was both fascinating and informative. A special thank you to our guide, Olena she’s truly a professional. I highly recommend this tour!
Helpful? Yes
05 July
A fantastic trip arranged by Ilkhem and his company, Extreme Tours. The drivers were on time, welcoming, polite, and made us feel safe throughout the journey.
Helpful? Yes
15 June
.jpg)
1.jpg)
The history of Hierapolis is truly fascinating, and the guides were very well informed. Turkey is an incredible country with a rich historical background. When we visited Pamukkale, it was very crowded quite different from the empty scenes often shown in photos. One downside was the “tourist shopping” stops. Even though the background of the products (like regional wine and onyx) was interesting, the salespeople followed us so closely that it felt uncomfortable and completely discouraged me from making any purchases.
Helpful? Yes
12 June
A great team to arrange excursions with while visiting Antalya. They were very helpful with any concerns we had, and the staff were all friendly. Cesur handled our booking, and he was fantastic. Thank you so much I’ll definitely book more tours with them next time I’m in Turkey.
Helpful? Yes
11 June
The tour was truly amazing. Both lunch and dinner were very tasty. Our tour guide was a kind person who explained everything thoroughly. Mehmet did an excellent job.
Helpful? Yes
28 May
I really enjoyed visiting Pamukkale and Hierapolis, as well as the thermal baths. Everything was well-organized. The guide was very helpful, and Mete kept everyone updated through WhatsApp with hotel pick up times and other details. Thank you.
Helpful? Yes
01 June
Excellent value for the price, and both Salda Lake and Pamukkale are must-visit destinations. We were picked up from our hotel in Alanya at 04:30, and after gathering a few more groups, the trip began. Breakfast was served after about an hour and a half, and dinner was provided at the same location on the return. Lunch came after the stop at Salda Lake. The meals were decent, especially considering the overall cost of the tour (all were buffet-style, with drinks paid separately). Our guide and driver did a fantastic job. I would definitely recommend this tour and company, and I plan to use their services again on my next trip to Turkey.
Helpful? Yes
13 May
The tour was fantastic. Our guide was incredibly friendly, upbeat, and spoke excellent English. Hotel pickup was well-organized, and everything ran smoothly from that point on. Although the journey to Pamukkale takes about 5 hours, it didn’t feel long thanks to the guide’s interesting commentary and the well-timed stops along the way. Dalin, the organizer, was also very helpful and responsive to all our questions during the booking process.
Helpful? Yes
21 April
This trip was truly fantastic verything went smoothly from beginning to end and exceeded all my expectations. The landscapes were stunning, the locals were incredibly welcoming, and each day was packed with adventure, enjoyment, and delicious meals. Whether it was immersing myself in the local culture, trying out new activities, or just unwinding and soaking in the atmosphere, the trip offered the perfect balance of excitement and rest. I returned feeling refreshed, inspired, and already planning my next visit. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and memorable escape.
Helpful? Yes
18 April
My sister and I really enjoyed this trip. Our guide, Osman, was incredibly helpful and a genuinely kind person. He explained everything clearly throughout the journey, and everything went perfectly. Thank you.
Helpful? Yes
11 May
Kadir was very approachable and arranged a fantastic day for us. I would definitely recommend the trip, especially with Kadir as the guide.
Helpful? Yes
13 January
Kadir was warm and well-informed. It was a very pleasant day overall. The experience offered great value for the price. I would definitely suggest it to others.
Helpful? Yes
02 May
The tour was efficiently organized, and the guide was highly professional. These sites are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Alanya. I recommend this company for exploring the area.
Helpful? Yes
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved
