Pamukkale, called the “Cotton Castle” due to its stunning white terraces, is one of Turkey’s most unique natural wonders. However, Instagram is not always the reality. I took a day trip to Pamukkale from Antalya and although it’s beautiful, I’m not sure I would return or at least, I would do it differently.
With mineral-rich Pamukkale hot springs and breathtaking travertines, it’s usually top of the list of must-see destination for travellers to Turkey. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need for a memorable trip to Pamukkale.
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What are the Pamukkale Hot Springs & Thermal Pools?
Pamukkale’s thermal pools are one of the most distinctive features of this natural wonder. The Pamukkale hot springs have been famous for their therapeutic properties for centuries.
The hot water, rich in minerals such as calcium carbonate, has formed natural white terraces called travertines. These terraces, filled with warm, turquoise water, create a surreal landscape that looks like a cotton-covered hill.
The thermal pools are believed to have healing properties, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing soak.
The mineral-rich waters flow down the mountainside, cascading into terraced pools that visitors can dip into. These travertines of Pamukkale have created one of the most photogenic spots in Turkey, making it an essential stop on any Turkish itinerary.
Where is Pamukkale?
Pamukkale is located in the Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey, around 250 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast. It sits near the ancient city of Hierapolis, which adds a fascinating historical element to the natural beauty of the area.
The closest major city to Pamukkale is Denizli, but it’s easily accessible from Antalya, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
How to Get to Pamukkale
From Antalya to Pamukkale
The most convenient way to reach Pamukkale from Antalya is by bus or car. The drive from Antalya to Pamukkale takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. You can either rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive or take a direct bus from Antalya to Pamukkale, which offers an affordable and comfortable travel option.
I opted for a full day tour with a guide, which cost 2800 Turkish lira per person, but included transport, a delicious buffet lunch, and the entrance fee to Pamukkale (see below – it’s expensive!). However, we only spent 3 hours at Pamukkale and stopped off a little too much along the way.
We booked the tour with a street vendor in Antalya, so we could negotiate the price, but there are plenty of tours on GetYourGuide too (be sure to double-check if they include the entrance fee):
From Istanbul to Pamukkale
Traveling from Istanbul to Pamukkale by plane is the quickest option. A direct flight from Istanbul to Denizli takes about 1.5 hours, followed by a short bus ride to Pamukkale. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus, which takes about 10 to 12 hours.
From Cappadocia to Pamukkale
A flight from Kayseri or Nevşehir (Cappadocia) to Denizli takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, followed by a short drive to Pamukkale. There are also long-distance buses available, though the journey can take up to 10 hours.
From Bodrum or Izmir to Pamukkale
The drive from Bodrum to Pamukkale takes around 3 hours, while the drive from Izmir is about 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a domestic flight from either city to Denizli, followed by a bus ride to Pamukkale.
Here are some GetYourGuide options from Bodrum and Izmir:
Things to Do at Pamukkale
Here are the best things to do in Pamukkale:
1. Soak in the Pamukkale Thermal Pools
The Pamukkale thermal pools are the highlight of the area. The warm waters of the pools, with their soft, milky white terraces, are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. Spend time wandering through the travertines of Pamukkale, dipping your toes or taking a leisurely soak in the healing waters.
Note that only one section of the thermal pools are open at a time (to help preserve the area). You must navigate the section barefoot, which can be slippery and uncomfortable (and hilly – they’re terraces, after all).
Also, the water running into the pools is warm (the water rushing in from the sides), but the water in the pools themselves can be cold. I visited in April and it was definitely not warm enough to be bathing in the pools! Dipping our feet in the warm running water was lovely, though.
2. Visit Hierapolis Pamukkale
Hierapolis was an ancient Roman city that thrived in the area around the 2nd century BC. The ruins of Hierapolis Pamukkale are a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world, including the well-preserved Roman theatre, the temple of Apollo, and the grand necropolis.
Exploring Hierapolis is a must-do activity when visiting Pamukkale, literally, because you have to walk through it to get to the travertines. There’s also a museum that explains more about the excavation of the area.
3. Cleopatra’s Pool
Cleopatra’s Pool is one of the more unique attractions at Pamukkale. This ancient thermal pool, fed by natural hot springs, is said to have been used by Cleopatra herself.
The soothing waters are said to have rejuvenating properties, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. This is the best place to actually bathe… when it’s open. Like I said, I visited in April and Cleopatra’s Pool was closed!
Our guide said that it is only seasonal, so it is due to open in May, but more likely it won’t be open until June or July. Why you would close the warmest pool to swim in during the cooler months and reopen the hot spring pool in the heat of summer is a bit lost on me?
4. Take Photos
Let’s be real, this is why most people are here. The view of the white mineral-rich formations against the green fields below is spectacular, especially at sunrise or sunset.
And, don’t get me wrong, I took lots of photos (as evidenced in this blog) and the pools are gorgeous… but you’ll be competing with crowds!
Full disclosure: I have a Google Pixel phone with the Magic Eraser function, which removes people from the background – highly recommend!
Pamukkale Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
Pamukkale Entrance Fee
As of April 2025, the entrance fee for the Pamukkale hot springs and travertines is EUR33, which is pretty steep! This fee includes access to the thermal pools, the travertines, and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. For an additional fee, you can swim in Cleopatra’s Pool.
Opening Hours
Pamukkale is open every day of the week, with opening hours from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM in the summer months and 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM in the winter, though I’ve seen variations on this, so it may be subject to change.
The thermal pools are open throughout the day, but it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay at Pamukkale
Although Pamukkale is a popular day trip from Antalya and other nearby cities, there are several options for those wishing to stay overnight, which would allow you to enter or exit early to avoid the worst of the crowds.
However, note that you can’t book a hotel in Turkey using Booking.com (my go-to for hotels) but other sites, including Airbnb, are fine.
Tips for Visiting Pamukkale
When to Visit Pamukkale
The best time to visit Pamukkale is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. However, visiting in April was definitely chilly! I was lucky to avoid the rain and that is was fairly mild, but I still wore a jacket and scarf.
The summer months (July and August) can be quite hot, with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F), so if you visit during this time, be sure to stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven terrain while exploring the travertines and Hierapolis. However, once you reach the pools themselves, as I mentioned, it’s barefoot only.
Also, factor in that you’ll probably be paddling rather than swimming, so wear trousers that are easy to roll up (I didn’t – big mistake). Also, a wear something with pockets so you can keep you phone or camera safe while you’re navigating the slippy terraces.
If you plan to swim in the thermal pools or Cleopatra’s Pool, don’t forget your swimsuit. You may also want to bring a towel for drying off. I saw many people fall on the terraces, so bring a change of clothes, just in case; even if you don’t plan to swim, you may still get wet!
What to Pack
- Sunscreen to protect against the strong sun, especially in summer.
- Water to stay hydrated, as the heat can be intense during peak hours.
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- A camera to capture the stunning views and unique landscapes.
- Change of clothes.
- First aid kit – like I said, many people fell and I saw a few people with cuts.
My Pamukkale Experience
Pamukkale is a magical destination that combines natural beauty with ancient history, making it one of Turkey’s top attractions. Whether you’re soaking in the thermal pools, exploring the ruins of Hierapolis, or relaxing by Cleopatra’s Pool, a day trip to Pamukkale from Antalya is an unforgettable experience.
However, my warning would be to go with low expectations. The crowds are a lot and there’s not much to do, especially if Cleopatra’s Pool is closed. It may be bad weather or not as scenic as you envision.
As long as you don’t arrive with the picture-perfect, travel-brochure-style images you might see on social media or in tour agencies, you’ll be fine and the day will be enjoyable!
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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