Snow-white terraces
Pamukkale's travertines are white terraces built up over thousands of years by hot, calcium-rich spring water. Together with the ancient city of Hierapolis just above, they are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What to see
- Travertines: to protect them, you walk barefoot; carry your shoes.
- Hierapolis: Roman theatre, necropolis (cemetery) and main street.
- Antique Pool: you swim in warm water among fallen ancient columns; charged separately.
- Hierapolis Archaeology Museum: finds from the area, inside a Roman bath.
- The iron-rich, red-coloured hot springs of Karahayıt are a few kilometres away.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The midday heat is intense in summer; towards sunset the light is at its best and the travertines turn pink.
Getting there, how many days
Pamukkale can be reached from Denizli Çardak Airport and Denizli bus station. One full day is enough; it can also be done as a day trip from Ephesus, but the journey is long, so staying a night is more enjoyable.
