Pamukkale, although wondrous in natural beauty, has become a tourist take-over.
I visited the white mountains in the month of October, and there was little room to enjoy the luke-warm springs. The short hike to the top was visually enticing with transparent cyan pools amongst a crisp white background. These mineral-dense waters are said to have scientifically-proven healing powers and have been known to cure some illnesses.
What we did…
When I visited the mountain it was crowded with sweaty tourists (including myself; TIP: bring a hat and sunscreen.) However once you arrive to the top, the landscape opens up to the vastness of what once was the Greek/Roman city of Hierapolis. These ruins are incredibly well-preserved and provide enjoyable scenery as you walk freely along the hilltop.
The Antique Pool located at the top of the plateau is beautiful but comes with an entrance fee of 32TL ($12CAD). It’s a good idea to bring your own towel, but if you forget you can buy one inside (towels cost 11TL ($4CAD) small, 20TL ($7CAD) big)
Among the Antique Pool, you will also find an ancient Roman Theatre and an archeologic museum. Hieropolis was a health spa, and was visited by those looking for relaxation and entertainment. The Roman theatre provided just that, seating more than 12,000 people.
“Hierapolis, it would appear, was a place many sick people came in search of a cure, but died instead. One of these was the Apostle Philip, who died while on a visit here with his daughter in the year 80. Ruins of his grand martyrium(monumental tomb of a martyr) lie up the hill and just outside the city walls.”
-Sited from this link
Where we stayed…
We stayed in a lovely small hotel about a 10 minute walk from the travertines. The hotel offered thermal pools and even our bath ran warm water from the springs.
The average price for accommodation is around 55TL-140TL ($20CAD-$50CAD), but you can find a room for as low as 34TL ($12CAD) if you are on a budget.
Here is a link to tripadvisors accomodation list for Pamukkale
What to bring/checklist
- You will want to bring a hat, and sunscreen if you go in Spring, Summer or even Autumn.
- Bathing suit or swimwear and a towel are advisable if you wish to dip in the springs or the antique pool of Hierapolis.
- I recommend bringing a day-pack with a lunch/dinner picnic because concession prices at the top can be expensive, and it is likely you will pass your whole day exploring the attractions.
Information
Opening times and admission fees
Hierapolis/Pamukkale travertines joint site entry: 25TL ($9CAD).
Open: Nov-March 6am-6.30pm, April-Oct 6am-midnight.
Antique pool entry: 32TL ($12CAD).
Open: Nov-March 8am-5.30pm, April-Oct 8am-7.30pm.
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Experience Turkey
Secret campsites, ancient ruins, and small towns
