There are changing rooms available. Read More How to Spend a Few Days in the Old Town of Dali, YunnanContinue. Once you reach the top, you can choose to start exploring the ancient ruins of Hierapolis before taking in the travertine terraces. To fly between the two, youll probably have to transit in Istanbul, which will be time consuming and expensive. The cost for the pass (February 2023) is 1000 Lira but includes entrance into 300 museums and archaeological sites throughout the country. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Find affordable Pamukkale hotel deals here. The pool formation forms a plateau. Temperatures are more moderate from November to March. The pools at the bottom are almost deserted, and the water is still lovely and warm. :p. Haha! It is one of Turkeys most beautiful and magical places definitely up there withCappadocia. This Greco-Roman city used to be bustling back in the day. Though Istanbul is packed in the springtime, this represents the off-season for Pamukkale's regional tourism, which is driven by summertime traffic to beach resorts. Towels are not included in the price, so bring your own or buy one. We looped back to the lower gate at the end of our visit to catch a bus back to Denizli but also to viewthe scenery again. These world-famous Turkey hot springs are a short distance from Denizli, located in southwestern Turkey. Best Time To Go To Pamukkale Thermal Pools Are The Pamukkale Thermal Pools Safe How Long To Stay At Pamukkale What To Wear In Pamukkale Best Places To Ive been thinking about a trip to Turkey a lot recently and this certainly helps out planning an itinerary such a great idea to break up a journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia! Required fields are marked *. How to choose hiking boots: a beginners guide, How to start a travel blog a professional guide. I cant lie. I really love the colours in your photographs too I guess Ill have to bump it up my bucket list of places to visit , Itd be so cool to go and see if its changed much since your mom went! If possible, leave valuables at your hotel. You can fly into Pamukkale in the morning, enjoy a full day relaxing by the hot springs and the surrounding Hierapolis. Entry for the South Slope begins down at the edge of Pamukkale Village and requires you to walk up a slight slope barefoot. Its worth noting that Pamukkale is visited by two million people per year which equates to 5,500 people per day! These rides take place at sunrise, so the views are spectacular. Can I swim in the pools: Absolutely! There are no changing rooms, so wear your bikini under your clothes. If you're planning a trip to India or any other destination, we'll get the best Travel Agents (who are experts in your specific trip requirements) to compete for your business. As such, take your time walking up the cliffside and tread carefully! Thanks for explaining why the area was so dry. Festivals like Watermelon festival, Apple festival, and Music & Cultural festival are organized in these months. There are at least two buses every night in summer in each direction. 10 years ago Save Hi! We'll e-mail a link to reset your password. Remember to wear a hat and drink plenty of water, slapping on that sunscreen too as there is no shade while out on the Pamukkale travertines, and even when youre in the Antique Pool, that sun can be fierce, despite the slight shade from the trees. So yeah, it is not snowor salt. If you are short on time, you can manage a day trip to Pamukkale from Istanbul. Men have no problemas usual. We just returned from Turkey and visited Pamukkale. This also gives time for a day trip to the beautiful and little-visited ancient ruins of Afrodisias and Laodicea, and to appreciate the village of Pamukkale itself. On this Turkey road trip, weave through coastal cities like Izmir, organic vineyards, and unwind in thermal baths at Hierapolis that date back to 2,000 B.C. Wow, it looks amazing! Take a seat in one of the rows and admire the fine details of the stage, or enjoy the view across the plains below while you ponder how old these things really are. You could have a nasty fall if youre too busy taking photos and not paying much attention to where youre putting your feet. We travel & write about food, accommodation & the best things to do in the Balkans. If you love heat, July and August are hot, hot, just below 40C (104F)! Read about us here. The pool is open April-October, Hot Air Balloon Ride: get an overhead view of the pools and ancient sites, Lunch if you dont want to eat at the dodgy places we looked at, or it isnt included in your tour package. So stop dreaming and come and bathe in the magical hot springs inside the cotton castle of Turkey. Pamukkale has been known for its healing hot springs since the beginning of time. This ancient spa city's location atop Pamukkale's tourist-magnet travertines is quite spectacular. Pamukkale climate is nice and warm throughout the year. The Aegean and the Mediterranean seas make it a pleasant place to be with sunny summers and warm winters. The theatre is especially noteworthy as it overlooks the rest of the ancient colony, giving fantastic views. You will likely dry off fairly easily in the sun but you may want to take a wrap to pull over your swimwear while it dries. Thank you for reading . Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s). When to go to Pamukkale. Aside from the fact that the best time to visit Pamukkale was at least three decades ago, April to June and September to October would be the ideal months for a trip. The Zeugma mosaics are among the top archaeological treasures in Turkey (Trkiye). Temperatures soar, especially in the summer, and can leave you dehydrated if youre not careful. Heres what to know before you go. Imagine enormous, snow-white cotton balls that look like puffy cotton candy made of snow intersected by terraces filled with pale blue hot springs. Although the shoulder seasons can bring a bit more rain than during the summer, rain isnt often unpredictable if it does come at this time, and a quick check on the forecast should tell you what will occur. This area is something that will make your jaw drop. This has actually been on my Turkey must-see list for quite some time so I found this post so helpful! I had read many places that the Cleopatra Antique Pools were not open in winter, but we were there in winter, and as you can see people were swimming. This is one of those places that will remain with you forever, however, do remember to tread carefully and dont end up like my friend! The turning on and off of the water flow is managed by the conservationists. Before coming to Turkey, we thought that Pamukkale was a place you look at from a distance, but dipping your feet in would not be allowed. Those who want a little more could choose to gotandem paraglidingover the travertines or take ahot air balloon flight. But also ended up with a broken leg. If youre in Istanbul, you can fly to Denizli in one hour. A springtime visit to Pamukkale undertaken between April-June is ideal. Pamukkale makes an easy and unforgettable day trip from Istanbul! If youre planning to visit Pamukkale in spring, the best month will be April. This pass also means you can skip the entrance line. The bus departs Greme around 23:30 every night (in summer) and arrives in Pamukkale around 9:00 the following day. You can also experience some local festivals during this time. You will have the opportunity to swim even in the coldest days of the winter time. Across the terraces, there are a total of seventeen hot springs, which range in temperature from 35 to 100 degrees Celsius (95-212 Fahrenheit). The fastest route takes about 7 hours to drive 570 kilometers. With thatsaid, dont let the difference put you off from visiting Pamukkale. So walk down to find a nice and mellow pool (or stay on top if you like crowds). To drive to the resort town of Kusadasi will take about 2.5 hours. Well worth the extra effort. The best time for visiting Pamukkale is spring (April to mid-June). You can guess what happened next she fell over. You may wish to do the same. This combination makes it the best spot to take pictures in Pamukkale. During the warmer months, temperatures in Pamukkale can rise to a maximum of 36 (97). We took the night bus from Greme after spending a wonderful time in Cappadocia. I was curious about how the water was so warm, and I learned from the buggy driver (read on for info on that option) that the water is heated by volcanic lava, and the white calcium water is carried up to the surface. These natural thermal pools or hot springs pull people from all over the world and have been doing so for thousands of years. And I had no idea you could get so cheap flights from Istanbul. Visitors can better picture life here in ancient times with sculptures, relics, and art from the area. BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT PAMUKKALE 6. Despite that, this part of Turkey does experience many mild, sunny winter days, so you may also hit the jackpot as we did with blue skies. We will be in Pamukkale for one day and one night- what's the best time of day to visit the travertines so it's least crowded and best photo ops? Hell yes- and you definitely should. Velvet white rocks. Construction started in the 1st century BC and could seat 15 000 spectators. If you search for the top attractions to see in Turkey, the hot springs of Pamukkale will 100% appear very close to the top of any list. A number of small hotels, hostels, restaurants, backpackers' lodges and other tourist services line the streets of the town of Pamukkale, nestled at the bottom of the slope. Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Pamukkale. You could even make a stop in Pamukkale on your journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Summer can be unbearably hot while winter can see snowfall! If you plan to explore more of Turkey, the All Turkish Museum Pass also allows access to Pamukkale. Pamukkale-Hierapolis is also more than just ruins. Pamukkale climate is nice and warm throughout the year. The journey takes around 10-12 hours by bus and 12-15 hours by train. While the photogenic travertines get busloads of day-trippers passing through for a quick soak and photo op, staying overnight allows you to visit the site at sunset and dodge some of the crowds. Come here to see Turkish families having a good time, grab an ice cream or a bite to eat or feed the geese and ducks on the pond. I appreciate it, Suzy! Great post! Autumn (mid-September to October) is also a good option, but the days are shorter and theres more chance of rain. When and how (or if!) Can you swim in Pamukkale hot springs? A UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Turkey, a visit to Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) also takes in the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, the once great city that was built around it. PAMUKKALE TOURS 6.1. Each seat had its own little tv screen, WiFi and a USB port. Visiting the Necropolis, the theatre, and the Byzantine church are all a must. Where to stay in Pamukkale 5.1. In April, May, September and October, mild temperatures and reduced crowds make for a lovely weekend getaway. Besides the friendly staff, clean and spacious room, lovelyswimming pool, and freetransport to the Pumakkale hot springs, thefantastic breakfast buffetis the best thing about the Venus Hotel. I am glad we decided to take the golf cart tour of Hierapolis, given its sheer size. When is the best time to visit Turkey? Lets walk, eat, and discover Istanbuls coolest neighbourhood together, Read More How to Spend a Day in Karaky Istanbuls Coolest NeighbourhoodContinue, Meet Kas, your next holiday: The best place on the Turquoise Coast, Read More Exploring Kas: Things to Do on Turkeys Turquoise CoastContinue, Your email address will not be published. The views up to the travertines were sublime. We will show you how to reach Pamukkale from Istanbul, Cappadocia andKa on the Turquoise Coastin this guide. Youll see trips to Pamukkale and Ephesus in any southern tourist resort. Many of the smaller hotels, called "pensions," maintain their own tiny mineral water pools on site. Although it can get crowded in summer, there are fun local festivals like the cherry festival, seedless Grapes festival, friendship festival and many more. You can read our privacy policy here. Only in Pamukkale. Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Ephesus? ContactAbout UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerSubscribe, A Guide To Pamukkale in Turkey: Cotton Castles & Hot Springs, How to Spend a Few Days in the Old Town of Dali, Yunnan, The Stunning Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, Turkey, Top Things to Do in Tbilisi: The Coolest City on Earth, Umalas Retreat: The Best Pool Villa in Bali For Families, How to Spend a Day in Karaky Istanbuls Coolest Neighbourhood, Exploring Kas: Things to Do on Turkeys Turquoise Coast. I had read about the Pamukkale Cotton Castle and thought there was an actual castle on site. Our guide to Pamukkale for first-time visitors will show you how to make the most of your time in Turkeys Cotton Castle. Pamukkale is one of the most spectacularsights in Turkeyand is a delightful and exciting place to add to your Turkey itinerary. A round-trip flight ticket can cost you as low as 25. The travertine pools are not the only place to swim in Pamukkales warm waters. Another option is Cleopatras Pool. Some tourists stay in Pamukkale itself but its a fairly charmless town and, given the past tourist-related issues, we feel its probably better to book accommodation away from the site itself, in either Denizli or Karahayit. The water is naturally warm year-round. Hierapolis grew in influence and size, fell under the Romans and Persians, and was rebuilt several times after devastating earthquakes. What an amazing natural wonder! > Check prices and availability on Agoda or Booking.com <. Entrance to the Cleopatra pool area is free of charge (you can look at it for free), but there is a 50 Lyra charge for swimming. Your email address will not be published. The site is characterized by white terraces formed of sedimentary rock (travertine, to be exact) and has been deposited by hot spring waters over millennia. The thing is simply that its, well, a little slippery. The best time to visit Pamukkale is May Based on a number of criteria such as the weather conditions, cost of flights and hotels, peak travel seasons and much more, May is the best time to go to Pamukkale. Why would you go anywhere else with food so good and genuine hospitality? Going the other way means that youll be walking uphill, and the crowds will be getting more instead of less. Pamukkale means "Cotton Fortress" in old Turkish, but the Turks were certainly not the first to name it. Pamukkale is best known for its picturesque white travertine terraces flowing with mineral-rich water. , Thank you for reading! Almost all hotels and guesthouses will offer some breakfast. The sun is shining bright, rain is minimal and temperatures are getting warm, so you can enjoy your time outdoors. The kids were unhappy that we did not bring our swim gear with ussorry kids. It is possible to visit Pamukkale by bus from Istanbul. No, its not far at all! We considered a dip but the atmosphere was akin to that of a British Butlins (hamburger joints, sunburnt tourists, Macarena playing over the loudspeakers). The hotel offers a pool, restaurant and bar, which are convenient for when youre done exploring the surrounding scenic landscape. Our two boys (aged five and ten) loved the day we spent here. The wind will be chilly and the days will be shorter but it is still a great time to visit Pamukkale if you like the cold weather. We are sure no other balloon flight anywhere in the world can beat that of Cappadocia. Ive been looking more into Turkey recently, such an interesting country. Dumb of me. Good to know, Thanks for reading, Baia! We visited the market in the Old City, which was far less touristy than its Grand Bazaar equivalent in Istanbul, hence offering a more intimate look at local life. Taking the night bus is the best way to travel between Cappadocia and Pamukkale. A springtime visit to Pamukkale, undertaken anywhere between April and mid-June, is ideal. Turkey A winter wonderland in the middle of summer? Founded as a curative centre around 190 BC by Eumenes, The World Heritagelisted saucer-shaped travertines (or terraces) of Pamukkale wind sideways down the powder-white mountain above the village, providing a, The Roman theatre is the highlight of Hierapolis, dramatically sitting uphill from the site and overlooking the ruins and mountains beyond. With how Turkish Airlines and Pegasus are set up, you can literally fly from Istanbul to Pamukkale at 5am, then fly back to Istanbul at 7pm on the same day. I didnt even know that it existed, but now Im like about to plan a trip there haha. The conservancy charges a small fee for entry into the plateau, payable only in cash, as well as a separate fee for entrance into Hierapolis and the museum. If you must bring valuables, consider storing them in stuff sacs to prevent water damage. TIPS FOR VISITING THE PAMUKKALE HOT SPRINGS, PAMUKKALE OPENING HOURS AND ENTRANCE FEES. The pools are all shallow, so its not really swimming but bathing and wallowing in the shallow, warm water. Pamukkale is not unsafe in any particular way. You can then take the shuttle bus from the airport into the city center (about one hour), depending upon traffic, and then a taxi or a short bus ride to Pamukkale. I might have to add this to my next travel itinerary! Summers are jam-packed with festivals (and visitors), The train is a 6-hour journey, but it is super-scenic and worthwhile. It is still stunning and most certainly worth thestop. This area is called the Pamukkale Natural Park, and its a pleasant area to stroll around, especially around sunset. It literally was a spa, first used in the 2nd century BC. The Aegean summer heat sears sensitive skin, pricks up migraines and can make visiting the region a distinctly uncomfortable experience. The highlight of the Hierapolis ruins is the well-kept theatre, which has survived most of the devastation from the several earthquakes. Make a note of the location as you will need to catch the bus back from the spot across the road. The weather in Autumn is pleasing and it is a relatively low season for tourists. The area around the lake is a world away from the touristy hot springs and travertines. Or, if you have time to waste, take a bus from the airport to theotogar(bus terminal) in Denizli and transfer there to another bus that will eventually get you to Pamukkale. I hope you can make it for next time! Blue Mosque dress code and tips for entry. Just tell us about your trip and travel agents in our network will create custom-made trip plans and quotes for you to choose from. We stayed at the excellentVenus Hotel, and we recommend staying here without hesitation. The journey takes about 10 hours, and the bus stops a few times for bathroom breaks and to grab a bite to eat along the way. I had never heard of Pamukkale before. Transportation is frequent so its quite convenient. The pools toward the bottom of the travertines are much quieter than the ones on top. Seasons in Pamukkale. Pamukkale, though Turkeys most popular attraction by numbers, is barely known outside its country borders. Best Places To Visit In Turkey For Every Type Of Traveler, Check Out The View In The Theater Of Hierapolis, Bathe in Pamukkales Antique Pools near the Temple of Apollo; there are pools carved in the rock by the Romans that you can soak in alongside submerged columns and marble pieces of the temple! To prevent damage to the site, visitors must walk barefoot. I love articles like these that highlight off-beat places to travel to. This place looks incredible! However, it will take much longer to get there in comparison to flying. Pamukkale is easily visited on a day trip from the coastal resort towns of Kusadasi, Bodrum or Seluk (near Ephesus). Where to Stay in Pamukkale This thermal spa location is nicknamed Turkeys Cotton Castle thanks to its fluffy white terraces. What time does it At this time of year, the number of tourists visiting Pamukkale is still low and very manageable. The best time of the year to visit Pamukkale is in autumn to avoid the crowds of tourist buses, and its not so hot anymore. But nothing is as unpredictable as the weather so in case of rain make sure you bring warm clothes. We rented a car at the airport and drove there it is a very easy and scenic drive. Is Pamukkale safe: Pamukkale is safe, but it can be slippery. Wed recommend arriving as early as possible as many visitors arrive on a day trip from Denizli by bus in the early afternoon. Best Time to Visit Pamukkale Hot Springs. The pools toward the bottom of the travertines are much quieter than the ones on top. Also, the cotton castle is much whiter and higher here. This combination makes it the best spot to take pictures in Pamukkale. Entrance to the Cleopatra pool area is free of charge (you can look at it for free), but there is a 50 Lyra charge for swimming. The natural rock pools of Pamukkale are one of Turkeys most visited destinations and one of the most gorgeous. However, daylight hours are shorter than in the spring, and the potential for rain looms more often in the fall. Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. Pamukkale is open all year round, but spring, especially May, is an incredible time to visit Pamukkale. The ruins of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis are adjacent to the travertines, and you could visit them before or after the hot springs. What is the weather like in Pamukkale: You can expect sun throughout the year. They have tons to offer Thanks for reading. This spa city was founded in 190 BC, and the ruins are notably well-preserved. Read our top ten things to do in Georgias capital of cool. Glad I was able to help answer your question. July and August is high season in Pamukkale. Why Do The Hot Springs Of Pamukkale Look Like That, Why Are Some Travertines Filled With Water & Others Not, Pamukkale Hot Springs Entrance Fees & Opening Hours, Best Time To Go To Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Best Places To Stay At Pamukkale Hot Springs, Final Thoughts On Pamukkale Thermal Pools, weird and beautiful sights are your thing, Denizli is just 15 minutes from Pamukkale. Summer can be unbearably hot while winter can see snowfall! I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The Roman temple of Apollo once surrounded Cleopatras Pool, but, after an earthquake, these columns fell into the pool, where they remain until today. But saving this for future. This place looks incredible. The temperatures hit 40 degrees from June to September, with July and August feeling stifling hot at times. Autumn (mid This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Its often nondescript sights like this that we find very rewarding to visit and often spend more time there than we really should. We had wondered why the pools had no water in them even though it had been raining for two days and the nearby spring should have produced water. One way is through the South Slope. Its not as expensive as in Cappadocia and less balloons are in flight! The bus ticket price is 120 Lyra (things change, so this will too). Why would you travel all the way to Turkey and not visit the canyons and caves whose skies are overrun by hot air balloons? We suggest seeing the ruins first and then going for a relaxing soak in the hot waters afterwards. I encountered people flying to Istanbul at 5am and flying to Cappadocia that same evening. The hotels drained the thermal waters to fill their swimming pools and the terraces turned a greyish brown. What on earth is Pamukkale? These days normal hoi polloi like you and I can feel like royalty as we swim over the columns and other marble pieces scattered inside Cleopatras Pool. Is Pamukkale natural: Yes, the area has been popular for thousands of years and was once used as a Roman spa resort. Pamukkale is a Turkish destination still quite low on many peoples radar, which is a treat if youre looking for being on the off-the-beaten path. It is white and it is beautiful, so to preserve the slopes white color, no shoes are allowed. Several sources of hot spring water in the area combine to create exceptionally high calcium carbonate water. Lowest temperature in Pamukkale is recorded as 21.2 in January. A small lake forms at the bottom of the travertines, where the water runs out. We came here for lunch on the first day, and we liked it so much that we came back for dinner that same day and the following night. Things to do in Thankfully, in 1988, UNESCO stepped in and declared Pamukkale a World Heritage Site. Turkey is liberal compared with other countries in the region so bikinis are okay. The bus ride will cost you 30 Turkish Lira. Your email address will not be published. It looks so beautiful, thanks for all the tips! For fantastic Turkish and Mediterranean food and hospitality, we recommend White House Restaurant. The weather is perfect to swim in Cleopatras Pool and walk bare feet around the travertines. You can enter Pamukkale from three places: All three entrance points have ticket offices. Also, the cotton castle is much whiter and higher here. I guess sometimes all we really want is somethingnormal. The ride is approximately 30 minutes and costs 3.50 TL ($1.20 USD) per person. When is the best time to visit Pamukkale? Your email address will not be published. Who knew that Turkey had more to offer than just hot air balloons? The glare from these snow-white terraces is intense. It is believed that Queen Cleopatra from Egypt bathed in this exact pool. However, this is high season for tourists - local & international alike, and can get very crowded. I mean, I get it! When is the best time of year to visit Pamukkale? Many tourists who go to Turkey on holiday also visit Pamukkale, especially because it is a real experience to see with your own eyes. In the spring, visitors can expect moderate, dry weather and longer daylight hours. I cant believe how timely this post is! The reception is available to call you a taxi, if needed. The facade is 300 feet long and there are 50 rows of seats divided into seven parts. On top of that, youll get a warm welcome and be treated like a real guest from when you arrive.
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