Visit Pamukkale in Turkey: full guide

Have you decided to explore the wonderful Turkish territory? If you are west of the country, visit Pamukkale, one of the country’s jewels!

Pamukkale is located in the southwest of Turkey, more precisely in the hollow of the sublime valley of the Merandre River, in the province of Denizli. Located fifteen kilometers northeast of the city of the same name, it is close to the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman thermal city founded more than 2000 years ago. Hierapolis includes the ruins of a particularly well-preserved theatre of the ravages of time and a two-kilometre long necropolis. This splendid natural site is a must! The Pamukkale hill is covered with limestone of an immaculate white, from the hot springs of the region which makes the place almost unreal. When in the ancient basin, it is world famous for its immersed Roman columns, unhappy consequence of a devastating earthquake.

So if you're visiting the corner, visit Pamukkale promises you a great experience.

Pamukkale in a few words

Pamukkale’s site is quite interesting from a historical point of view given its immediate neighbour, Hierapolis. This ancient city was founded in the second century BC. By a powerful king of Pergame. Hiera comes from the name of the wife of the founder of Pergame, now Bergama. We owe the Romans who managed to take the city the splendid buildings that made the reputation of the city. It was dedicated to the gods Apollo and Pluto. Today, we can only grasp its beauty by looking at the ruins that form the current city. In the north are the baths, the Domitian door and the gigantic necropolis with nearly 1,200 tombs. We even murmur that it was here that the tomb of Saint Philip would have been found...

Still active and functional, the Pamukkale thermal pools, nicknamed "Cleopatra swimming pools" by Marc Antoine In his time, welcome you willingly. The water, naturally hot (more than 40°C), is very sparkling and has many virtues! Moreover, a whole range of service has declined around this miraculous water, as in any thermal resort that respects itself. In addition, visiting Pamukkale is an opportunity to benefit from massages, mud baths and other relaxing activities in its thermal baths. And then there is also the Roman Bath. An ancient spa that has become archaeological museum, it houses the remains discovered during the excavations.

Empreinted with mythological legends, the site is a must-see tourist, whatever the reason you come!

1. Hot air balloon

This is undoubtedly the best known and most unforgettable way to visit Pamukkale. Indeed, the balloon tour promises a unique point of view on the area from the air! Between fifteen and twenty people can board simultaneously in these flying baskets. Of course, this unique activity requires a mild weather, but if all conditions are met, what a show! The vision of the sky punctuated with balloons overlooking the Pamukkale thermal site and its famous white travertine will leave you compelling memories.

The experienced pilot can explain the operation of his machine. If piloting is simple, it requires a certain dexterity and a good knowledge of the terrain. After all, the balloon is the first flying object of history!

Modalities

Normally a bus specially chartered by the company will pick you up at your hotel In the early morning. It will lead you to the take-off zone, where you will see the large size of these aircraft: you are assured, it is really impressive. Breakfast is available before take-off. After an hour and a half suspended in heaven, the landing is done smoothly. The most? The cup of champagne once on the ground.

At what price?

Come on. 150€ and 200€ per person, fare including the journey and small attention quoted above. Certainly, the flight rate may seem high, but such experience does not have a price, it is certain. Then you will stay almost an hour and a half in the air, all the same!

2. On foot

Not bad this tourist site, is it? If you want to reach the maximum of the famous natural basins, a single solution: you go on foot. You can thus enjoy the effervescent softness of these waters that can exceed forty degrees per place! To reach this coveted spot, a few efforts will be needed. And it starts by going through the barefoot site, passing from basin to basin thanks to the judiciously placed gutters at their edges. Once you arrive on the large alley, beautiful slope built in the middle of the basins, you can climb the hill or go down to the village. It’s upstairs that you can swim! Often crowded, prefer to avoid the months of July and August to relax in these waters with recognized benefits.

Our advice : bring to drink and eat, the village furnished for tourists offering foodstuffs out of price...

Modalities

To visit Pamukkale, there is two inputs : the north entrance (by the ruins of Hierapolis) and the south entrance (directly at the foot of the basins). If you want to save your strength, take the north entrance: you will avoid having to climb the big alley. The site of Pamukkale and Hierapolis is open every day 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. .

At what price?

You'll have to count 50 Turkish pounds ( 7,50 € only) per person to enter this sumptuous site. The advantage is that this entry ticket gives access to the entire Pamukkale site and the city of Hierapolis! If you want to swim, count 50 additional Turkish pounds.

3. Paragliding

The tandem paragliding is certainly the most effective way to contemplate the beauty of these immaculate limestone masses. This alternative to the hot air balloon is the opportunity to start the free flight with a seasoned monitor. Biplace wing baptisms are offered to tourists all year round. You can admire the ancient city of Hierapolis, whose foundations are more clearly distinguished once high in the sky. Safely, the pilot will take advantage of the ascending currents to allow you to admire this splendid Turkish region.

Our advice is obviously to book a flight at sunrise or sunset. This is the ideal for making pretty pictures and videos, which you can buy once the landing is done. More intimate than the hot air balloon flight, the paragliding overflight is an equally extraordinary experience. Finally, provided you have the stomach tightened! When do you leave?

Modalities

Visit the operator’s office, located in Traverten Sk., 20190 Pamukkale. You can also book an online flight! No panic, activity takes place all year round and flights are organized 6 times a day . A helmet and boots will be lent to you, but do not hesitate to bring you warm clothes. In addition, if you fly with your own shoes, they must be obligatoryly closed and equipped with laces. The flights last on average 35 minutes, the first take-off taking place 06h in the morning and the last to 7 p.m. .

Price

The rate is 80€ about, but depends on the selected options (video, etc.) and also on the season of the year, affecting as everywhere the rates in the tourism sector.

4. A bike

The little queen is a simple and effective way to explore the region. Turkish roads are generally of good quality and attract many cyclotourists throughout the year!

Hierapolis and Pamukkale are many stops planned by amateur and bike enthusiasts: sports/sports, bloggers/bloggers or Lambdas visitors. If it is not possible to climb up to the bike pools, you can quite visit the surroundings and enjoy the view of the ruins and travertins of the top of a hill. The surrounding trails offer spectacular views of the site. In particular, they make it possible to feel a feeling of freedom in the middle of a preserved nature and lunar landscapes. Moreover, some are marked and made available to one-day cyclists who will avoid losing themselves. What is recommended is to think about charging your smartphone or camera...

Modalities

Bicycle rentals are often offered in the hotels in the region given the high demand. This clean, reliable and simple way of locomotion allows you to visit the region at a lower cost. Some tips: the Turks roll fast enough, place well on the road when you move. And plan hot clothes and waterproof during your excursions: the weather is fast, in the region...

At what price?

A bicycle rental in the day is just a little expensive, count between 15€ and 25€ for 24 hours.