Turkey has another unique and very amazing place named Pamukkale Travertines. Many people are wondering: What is special about Pamukkale Turkey? Pamukkale thermal pools are very rich in minerals and they are also ancient. Here is the Complete Guide Pamukkale Travertines 2023 to discover Turkey’s great travel destination like a local. You will be able to find a location, entrance fees, opening hours, travel tips, where to stay, and more in Complete Guide Pamukkale Travertines 2023.
Pamukkale itinerary (Pamukkale travel guide)
Pamukkale or a.k.a. Cotton Castle is a natural site in Denizli Province in Turkey. Pamukkale location is not too hard to find. When you get there, you’ll be able to see both Pamukkale thermal pools in Turkey and Hierapolis-Pamukkale ancient city.
During this blog post, you will be able to discover Is Pamukkale worth visiting or not with this Pamukkale itinerary.
First of all let’s start with a question that is really important: Why is Pamukkale white? Pamukkale is white because of its natural carbonate minerals from centuries ago. If you are asking How would you describe Pamukkale? Honestly, it’s a very interesting place with many white balconies which are full with mineral waters inside.
Every year, so many local or foreign people travel to Pamukkale in order to see that miraculous view with their own eyes. So, that’s why is Pamukkale famous. Besides, its amazing formation, Pamukkale Cotton Castle is one of the Unesco world heritage sites. Actually, it’s a well deserved title for that place. Hierapolis Pamukkale is one of the Unesco sites near Antalya.
Where is Pamukkale?
Pamukkale is located in southwestern Turkey. Pamukkale travertines belong to Denizli Province. Here is an interesting fact with details for you. Denizli means “with sea” but there is no cost to sea in Denizli province. Still, we have heavenly white pools which are called Pamukkale travertines.
How to get to Pamukkale?
Pamukkale is located in the city of Denizli in the Southwestern(Aegean) region of Turkey and is an easily accessible place in terms of location. You can go to Pamukkale by car, bus, train, or plane.
If you prefer to go to Pamukkale by car. It is 575 km from Istanbul and takes 6 hours 38 minutes, 223 km and 3 hours from Izmir, 650 km and 8 hours from Cappadocia, 240 km and approximately 3 hours from Antalya.
👉 Check here for safe car rental in Turkey.
If you want to go by road and prefer a bus, the road will be a little longer. If you are wondering about the bus companies where you can travel safely in Turkey, you can take a look here.
Another option is to go to Pamukkale by plane. Since Antalya and Izmir are close to Pamukkale, you may not find many flight options. It is easier to find direct flights from cities such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ankara.
Denizli airport name is Denizli Cardak Airport (DNZ). The journey from cities such as Istanbul takes approximately 50 minutes.
👉 If you are wondering where I can find the cheapest flight ticket in Turkey, take a look.
Pamukkale The last alternative to go to Turkey is the train. To go from Istanbul to Pamukkale by train, you first need to go to Eskişehir by high-speed train from Istanbul and then take the Pamukkale Express departing from Eskişehir. This journey takes 13 hours in total. You can also make the same route from Ankara city. However, there is no train from cities such as Izmir and Antalya to Pamukkale.
What is the history of Pamukkale?
Pamukkale thermal baths are natural hot springs for 400.000 years. These geological creations are very unique in the world. That’s why it is very famous and welcomes visitors from all around the world every year. It is mentioned as a holy city in archaeological literature as well.
Short History of Cotton Castle Hierapolis Temple
From 2000 years ago, the kingdom of Pergamon built the Hierapolis ancient site near Pamukkale travertines. You will be able to see ruins, an ancient Roman bath, theater, Cleopatra pool, museum, and more there.
How do I spend a day in Pamukkale Turkey?
You can spend the whole day at Hierapolis archaeological site because there are too many things to see. Hierapolis ancient city has a massive field with ruins, hot springs, a museum, an ancient pool, etc. Next to the ancient city, you will be able to see Pamukkale Natural Park.
Also, you can visit Laodikeia Ancient city, nearby Hierapolis – Pamukkale. Photography, swimming, visiting the museum, and learning more about history will take you all day, at least half of the day.
Pamukkale Turkey Map
You can take a look at the historical and natural places you can visit during your visit to Pamukkale Turkey on our Pamukkale map.
Is Pamukkale the same as Hierapolis?
Yes, they are in the same area. When you enter the ruins area once, you will be able to visit all of them. (However, if you want to swim in the ancient pool you have to pay extra money for the ancient Cleopatra pool) But they have different historical backgrounds and details as we mentioned above.
The Hierapolis-Pamukkale area consists of main places like the one below. They are basically in the Hierapolis Archaeological Site. There is a huge area to explore. But don’t worry. It’s easy to find and walk around. Here is from up to down seeing on the map.
- Hierapolis Ancient City
- Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Ancient Pool
- Hierapolis Pamukkale Archaeological Museum
- Pamukkale Travertines
Pamukkale’s south entrance (south gate) is under the Hierapolis ancient theater. Also last but not least, you can visit Pamukkale Natural Park which is between the entrance of Pamukkale travertines.
Family attractions in Turkey: Pamukkale Natural Park
In this park, you will find artificial ponds, swimming pools, and other hot springs things. Don’t skip the mud bath in Pamukkale Natural Park. This place is definitely for families. We want to add another beautiful attraction for those who are not tired yet. Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon tours are waiting for you.
Is there hot air balloons in Pamukkale Turkey?
Yes, there are Pamukkale hot air balloon tours and this experience is very unique as well as Pamukkale travertines. Hierapolis Balloons are just like Cappadocia hot air balloons. Prices might be cheaper than in Pamukkale. Pamukkale hot air balloon prices are up to 3500 Turkish Liras. Pamukkale hot air balloon excursion mania prices are 120- 170 euros. You can take private balloon tours for 500-700 euros as well.
See offer 👉🏻 Pamukkale hot air balloon private price
At a close distance, you can find some daily tours to the Pamukkale hot air balloon from Antalya or other cities.
Here is a booking chance for an excellent hot air balloon experience in Pamukkale with flight certificate.
Pamukkale hot air balloon vs Cappadocia
We can’t compare two hot air balloons because both regions are very unique experiences. Through Pamukkale hot air balloons, you will see Hierapolis and cotton castle travertines from the top and sky. On the other hand, there is a place called Cappadocia, which has another natural heritage Fairy Chimneys and you will see amazing chimneys and other colorful balloons from the sky. So it is up to you.
But now we should go back to Hierapolis ancient city because we have so many things that we haven’t mentioned yet.
How and When to Visit Pamukkale Travertines? (Pamukkale cotton castle)
Here is the complete guide to Pamukkale Travertines 2023. If you are wondering, What is the best time to visit Pamukkale? It really doesn’t matter. Turkey has a natural beauty in each season. Denizli is an Aegean province. So the weather is not so cold as in the other cities or the east side of Turkey. So, it’s up to you.
Is Pamukkale safe?
The answer is a total yes. Denizli is not a metropol. It’s a very quiet city. But there are few famous tourist destinations in Denizli, like Pamukkale travertines or Hierapolis ancient city. So, those points can be a little crowded in the season but you must add Pamukkale to your bucket list.
Of course, this should also be noted. The travertines are under special protection and it is necessary to remove the shoes at some points in order to preserve their texture. I think it’s better not to go here with very long clothes. You don’t want to trip and fall. Also, those who go in winter may catch a cold if their trousers get wet in cold weather.
For families with children, the stroller will not be very suitable in every part. Be sure to have alternatives such as a kangaroo baby carrier. This is definitely my favorite one. Carrying your child has never been this easy.
Pamukkale is a popular destination for solo travel Turkey.
Can you still visit Pamukkale?
Yes, you can. It’s open and accepts visitors from different countries at any time. So you can plan your vacation in order to visit Pamukkale travertines whenever you want.
How many days do you need in Pamukkale?
You should spend at least one or two days discovering the top attractions. If you have much more time you must explore the hidden gems in Denizli province. Besides, you should definitely discover nearby Pamukkale. We will talk about other touristy spots below.
Pamukkale Travertines Prices in 2023 (Pamukkale Turkey price)
First of all, let’s make something clear. So many people ask, Is Pamukkale open right now? Yes, Pamukkale is open right now. Pamukkale cotton castle opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It opens each day of the week. But just in case, you should check the official pages before you go. (Here is the official page of the Hierapolis Pamukkale visit.
Please note that the museum closes at 7 PM.
Do you have to pay for Pamukkale? Yes, there is an entrance fee. It is not free to entrance. Also, they wonder if Pamukkale is expensive. Honestly, it was not. It was very cheap before. Now it has a normal price but is still worth seeing.
How much does it cost to visit Pamukkale? (Pamukkale travertines entrance fee)
Pamukkale entrance fee for 2023 is 700 TL(26 USD or 24 Euro) for now. Either you can buy your ticket from here, or you can provide it from the ticket offices. That ticket includes the Hierapolis Archaeological Site area completely -even the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum and Pamukkale Travertines.
Alternative Pamukkale Hierapolis entrance fee
We have several offers for travelers on a budget and long-term tourists. When you go to Hierapolis Pamukkale, nearby you can visit Laodikeia’s ancient city. Because Laodikeia ancient city is one of the best things to do in Denizli, apart from Hierapolis ruins and Pamukkale hot springs.
Laodikeia Archaeological Site entrance fee normally is 280 TL. But there is a campaign for visitors which makes you save money. If you buy a site combined ticket which covers the Hierapolis Archaeological site, Hierapolis Museum, and Laodikeia Archaeological Site Pamukkale ticket price is 850 TL.
Pamukkale Tickets Online
You can also buy this combined tickets online. Here I drop the official link for Pamukkale tickets online.
If you are planning a long-term vacation in Turkey, you should buy a Museum Pass for more savings. Via this, you will pay no entrance fee to Pamukkale for once.
Museum Pass Turkey has many benefits for those who are in love with ancient ruins, museums, and archaeological sites. Not only in Pamukkale, museum pass Turkey covers more than 300 museums, historical and oldest ruins in Turkey for fifteen days.
So, save the Pamukkale entry fee and Hierapolis ticket price and enjoy.
Is Pamukkale open in winter?
Yes, Pamukkale opens in winter, too. You can visit Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis archaeological sites and ancient ruins in four seasons. Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothes and suitable shoes or sneakers for a comfortable trip in order to walk around.
Pamukkale Visiting Hours (Pamukkale opening hours)
Hierapolis ancient city and Pamukkale opening hours are between 1 March – 31 May (spring months) 06:30-20:00, 1 June – 30 September (summer months) 06:30-21:00, and 1 October – 31 October 06:30-20:00, 1 November – 29 February 06:30 – 18:00 (closing time).
But check here for more detail about Pamukkale 2023. Because each entrance may have different opening and closing times. Pay attention to box office closing time. It closes at 20:30. Hierapolis ancient city and Pamukkale travertines are open daily. Make sure that the place has any exceptions or force majors.
Hierapolis Archaeological Site, Pamukkale Travertines and Thermal Pools
History, ancient aesthetics, and cure are side by side in Denizli. Hierapolis Archaeological Site, Pamukkale travertines and thermal pools are must add places to see a list. Unforgettable memories and delicious beauties are waiting for you in the travertines of Pamukkale.
Hot springs in Turkey, Pamukkale, are very beneficial for your body. You can swim in Pamukkale thermal pools Turkey or you can rest in hot springs thermal spa hotels in Denizli. So, how do you get to Pamukkale hot springs? If you want, to go to the Pamukkale hot springs you can go via following this Pamukkale official website link.
Pamukkale Cleopatra pool entrance fee is not included in the general entrance. You need to pay more if you want to swim in these ancient baths.
Pamukkale thermal pools opening hours can change according to the season. From 1 June – 30 September you can swim in there from 08:00 to 21:00. Better to track the Pamukkale opening times in order to swim easily.
Cleopatra Pool Turkey History
Egyptian queen Cleopatra was there. But there is an amazing thing to know as well. While you are swimming in this ancient pool with ruins, you will see a perfect view inside and outside. Cleopatra antique pools Turkey or Hierapolis antique pool is a very popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Cleopatra Pool Turkey entrance fee
Cleopatra pool entrance fee 2023 is around 200 Turkish liras. If you wanna swim in Hierapolis sacred pool, you should pay extra money for this experience but it is worth it for this ancient and unique swimming. You can use the lockers for your personal belongings. There is a cafeteria inside as well.
If you have time, we highly recommend it for a full of inspirational moments.
Guided Pamukkale tour from Denizli
There are several daily tours to Pamukkale from Denizli with experienced tour guides. Daily Pamukkale tour prices are between 70-200 $. You can view daily Pamukkale tours, hot air balloon rides, and more from here.
For extreme lovers, there is an exciting event there as well. You should check Pamukkale paragliding tours for stunning travertines and ruins view from the sky.
You don’t need to be in Denizli province for guided Pamukkale tours. There are many day trips from nearby cities and towns like Kusadasi, Izmir, Antalya, Istanbul, etc. Check here for a daily Pamukkale tour from Istanbul.
Many daily tours cover the Hierapolis entrance fees like the Pamukkale Tour that you can join from Antalya to Pamukkale day tour.
For those who do not have much time in Turkey, there is a 2 day tour Ephesus Pamukkale which is affordable as well.
Also, there is a 4 days Ephesus and Pamukkale tour which includes the Cappadocia region. If you join a luxury Istanbul Ephesus Pamukkale tour, you will be able to flash a glance at heavenly and unique places to visit in Turkey. Get ready for those magical and unforgettable journeys.
Pamukkale has a beauty that you can visit during four seasons. Bon voyage!
Pamukkale, Turkey Hotels
Pamukkale hot springs hotels are very unique and worth to stay. Especially if you are looking for cures, recovery, or remedies you should try Pamukkale hotels. The best places to stay in Pamukkale are probably thermal spa hotels. But you can also find Pamukkale luxury hotels, Pamukkale hotels 5-star or cheaper options via Pamukkale hotels TripAdvisor.
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Packing: How do I explore Pamukkale?
You will be on foot mostly. So, make sure that you are in comfortable shoes for walking.
You can read my barefoot shoes for travel blog post.
Just keep in mind that you wear casual clothes because you will walk barefoot around the thermal pools. If you are gonna swimming in the Travertines of Pamukkale or Cleopatra pool Turkey, you should take your swimsuit and towel with you.
Especially during spring and summer, the sun may be very burning. So take a hat with you in order to cover your head. Stay hydrated during the day as well.
READ 🎯 Summer essentials for travel
For more caring about the environment and being an eco traveler, don’t use plastic non-returnable bottles for your drinks.
What to buy from Denizli Province?
You can buy “leblebi” which means roasted chickpeas and textile products particularly towels from Denizli, Turkey. Especially Can Leblebi is my favorite one. But you can see hundreds by the roadside.
Denizli is one of the famous cities if we are talking about high-quality textile products. While you are there, make sure to shop for products such as loincloths and towels. Dive into Turkish bath towels and learn more.
In addition, online sales of world-famous Turkish towels are also available.
If you like this post, you may want to read is Turkey safe 2023 blog post.
Frequently Asking Questions About Pamukkale Turkey
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pamukkale and Hierapolis Turkey. If you have more questions, please meet with us below in the comments.
Is Pamukkale worth visiting in 2023?
We are in 2023 and Pamukkale cotton castle is still worth visiting. Don’t miss that famous Unesco heritage spot.
Does Pamukkale Turkey’s entrance fee cover Hierapolis ancient city?
Yes, once you get to the Hierapolis area you will be able to access both.
Should I pay extra money for Pamukkale thermal pool entrance fees?
No, you should only pay extra money for the ancient pool of Hierapolis as known as Cleopatra Pool. There is no extra charge for other swimming thermal pools.
Is it worth going to Pamukkale in winter?
It is worth going to Pamukkale in all seasons. Especially in winter, the crowd and people density are low compared with the end of spring and summer months. This is a good choice in anyways.
When is the best time to visit Pamukkale?
Early spring will be a good choice for those who don’t like too much heat and crowds. But it is better to check the current Pamukkale weather if you are going to swim in the travertines or Hierapolis ancient pool.
Can you swim in Pamukkale?
You can swim in some Pamukkale travertines, but not in all pools. Some of them are open for swimming, you can take some photos there as well. But it is not allowed for every hot spring pool in Pamukkale. Pamukkale thermal pool tickets are covered by Hierapolis entrance tickets.
Why is Pamukkale famous?
Pamukkale is famous because it has a natural heritage from centuries (one of the most beautiful Unesco heritage) and next to it, there is an ancient city that is waiting for its guests.
How old is Pamukkale Turkey?
Pamukkale travertines are approximately 400. 000 years old! These unique hot springs are a result of a rare geological formation.
Why is Pamukkale white?
It is because of the minerals and calcium grounds. Those natural limestones have been hosting healing thermal spring waters for many years.
Who built Pamukkale?
One of the Pergamon kings II. Eumenes built the city. The city took the name of Hierapolis because of the founder Telephos’s wife Hiera.
Can you swim in the pools of Pamukkale?
Yes, you can swim in the particular pools of Pamukkale. This is a very popular spot for photography, too. If you want to swim among the ancient ruins and columns, you can pay an extra fee and swim in the ancient pool.
How many days can you use the Pamukkale entrance ticket?
Generally, those entrance tickets are single-use only. But it may change sometimes in some destinations. You can ask for detailed information from the ticket offices.
Is Pamukkale a World Heritage Site?
Yes, Pamukkale – Hierapolis is a Unesco world heritage. It is an unmissable destination for travelers.
Why is Hierapolis-Pamukkale famous?
You can see both natural heritage and historical ancient cities in the same field. That’s why Pamukkale Hierapolis is famous.
How is Pamukkale being protected?
Pamukkale is being protected by both Unesco and the General Directorate for the Protection of Natural Assets of Turkey.
Are the travertines of Pamukkale worth seeing?
It is not possible to see travertines all over the world. It is only available in a few countries. Travertines of Pamukkale are really special with their white color. If you are coming to Turkey, you should definitely walk among Pamukkale travertines and swim in Pamukkale thermal pools.
Can you wear shoes in Pamukkale?
You must take off your shoes and socks while walking among the travertines. Shoes are not suitable to be worn as they damage the natural texture of travertines.
What do you wear to Pamukkale thermal pools?
You can choose your usual swimming clothes. But do not forget to bring a towel with you. The temperature of the pools may vary from pool to pool and according to the season.
How far is Pamukkale from Istanbul?
Pamukkale is 575 km from Istanbul and takes a total of 6 hours and 38 minutes by car. If you are traveling by plane, the travel time is 1 hour.
How far is Pamukkale from Ankara?
The distance between Ankara and Pamukkale is 474 km by road and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes by car. If you want to go by plane, it will take between 4 hours and 11 hours as it will be connected to Istanbul. By train, you can go to Eskişehir first and then to Pamukkale.
How far is Pamukkale from Izmir?
The distance between İzmir and Pamukkale is 223 km by road and takes about 3 hours by car. If you want to go by plane, it will take between 7 hours and 11 hours as it will be connected to Istanbul. We recommend going by car or bus.
How far is Pamukkale from Cappadocia?
The distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale is 650 km by road and takes about 8 hours by car. Traveling by plane can take up to 12 hours and is a more expensive option as it has a connecting flight to Istanbul.
Can you take a day trip from Istanbul to Pamukkale?
Yes, tours are available. In fact, if your time is short, it would be much more logical to go on a tour. You can take a look at affordable tours to Pamukkale Hot Springs.
What is the nearest airport to Pamukkale Turkey?
Pamukkale is located in Denizli, Turkey, and Denizli Airport (DNZ) is the closest airport to Pamukkale. You can go to Pamukkale by shuttle from Pamukkale airport.
How far is Pamukkale from Antalya?
It requires a 240 km and 3-hour journey from Antalya to Pamukkale by car. The plane, on the other hand, has a connecting flight in Istanbul and takes around 7 hours.
Where do you fly into Pamukkale?
There are only direct flights from Istanbul to Denizli airport. If you are planning to go to Pamukkale by plane from other provinces of Turkey, all flights will be via Istanbul. In some provinces, it may be more logical to travel by car.
If you have any questions about coming to Turkey, Why should visit Turkey? Check out our article.
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