Is Pamukkale worth visiting? Everything you should know

Pamukkale travertines are no hidden gem, so is Pamukkale worth visiting? I’ve listed the pros and cons of visiting the Turkish hot springs so you can decide for yourself (hint: it’s totally worth it!).

Ever seen pictures of the limestone travertine terraces in Turkey and thought: Wow! Where is that?

This natural wonder is Pamukkale, and there’s no other place on earth like it!

Pamukkale, which means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, may not be a hidden gem or quite like the pictures you see on Instagram, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression.

So, if you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting or you should skip it, read on. I’ll go through the details in this post.

Let’s dig in.

This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more

Is Pamukkale worth visiting? Pros and cons

To give you a better overview of the pros and cons, I’ve listed them here below.

Pros	Cons
✅ Unique place	❌ It doesn’t look like the pictures
✅ Worth visiting for the history	❌ Pamukkale has tried up
✅ Beautiful hot springs	❌ Over-tourism
✅ Hot air ballon ride	❌ It’s far for a day trip if you’re coming from the coast or Istanbul
✅ Perfect for all ages

What is Pamukkale cotton castle?

Pamukkale is a series of white travertine terraces in Turkey.

The pools are formed by thermal waters that flow down from a higher source. As the highly calcite-laden water evaporates on the cliffs, it creates small cotton cloud-like terraces.

Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish.

Pamukkale history

Pamukkale was first established as a spa town way back in the Hellenistic period, around 2,000 years ago.

Over the years, the calcareous hot water has created these travertine terraces that look like floors and steps.

The travertine also contains radon gas, which is believed to have a relaxing effect and can be used for healing purposes. Hence, people have used Pamukkale hot springs as a spa and healing getaway for thousands of years.

In 1988, UNESCO awarded Pamukkale a World Heritage Site.

The Pros

Should you visit the Pamukkale thermal pools?

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis are definitely worth visiting! Here are the best reasons to visit Pamukkale:

It’s one of the most unique places in Turkey

Pamukkale is one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. The travertine terraces and crystal-clear blue pools are like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

So, whatever cons there are to visiting – this is still the number one reason to go: it’s so unique.

Worth visiting for the history!

If you’re interested in history and culture, Pamukkale is also worth a visit.

Hierapolis, the remains of a Roman thermal spa town located at the top of the travertine terraces, is a fascinating site to explore.

The Roman amphitheater is a must-see, with its impressive terraced seats carved into the mountainside. And if you’re into tombs, you’ll love the ones in the area, including the supposed tomb of Philip the Apostle.

Beautiful hot springs

One of the main reasons people have been visiting Pamukkale for centuries is its natural hot springs.

Although the main bathing pools on the travertines are currently closed, there are still some areas where you can take a dip in the hot springs.

For a more unique hot spring experience, check out the Antique pool, also known as Cleopatra’s Antique pool or Cleopatra’s pool.

Here, you can swim in warm water in a flooded Roman ruin, complete with submerged columns and mosaics.

Although there is an extra fee of 32 TRY ($3.80), it’s definitely worth it for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Hot air balloon ride

While most people go to Cappadocia to see the fairy chimneys, the views of Pamukkale from a hot air balloon are almost as amazing.

You can take a ride and see the rugged ridges of the Denizli Province mountains and the stunning cliffs and snow-capped mountains from a bird’s eye view.

Hot air balloon tours take place in the early morning for the best views and lighting.

Check availability here

Perfect for all ages

Pamukkale thermal pools are a great destination for any ages! The park’s wooden boardwalks make it easy to visit for everyone, including families with young children and seniors.

The Cons

Is Pamukkale worth visiting?

If you’re considering visiting Pamukkale thermal springs, there are some downsides, too. Let’s take a look:

It doesn’t look like the pictures

So, you know those pictures of Pamukkale you’ve seen online?

Well, it doesn’t always look like that in real life.

The travertines don’t have constant water flowing through them anymore, so they’re not as impressive as they used to be.

Pamukkale has tried up

The hot weather in the summer has also dried up the water in the pools. Since the population around Pamukkale has grown a lot due to tourism, the local government has had to reroute the water to meet the needs of the town’s population.

Today, the pools are manually fed with water pumped onto the cliffs, and they’re not turned on every and all day.

Over-tourism

To be honest, one of the main downsides of Pamukkale is the crowds.

It can be overwhelming and not very easy to enjoy. You might even see inappropriate behaviour from fellow visitors, which can be disappointing and frustrating if you’ve traveled a long way to see the site.

The staff do their best to manage the crowds, but they have limited resources and visitors often ignore their instructions or climb on blocked-off sections of the travertines.

However, there are still ways to enjoy the beauty of the cotton castle. For example, you can visit during off-peak times or explore the area away from the main tourist spots.

It’s far for a day tour if you’re coming from the coast or Istanbul

If you’re staying in Bodrum or Istanbul and want to visit Pamukkale pools, be aware that it’s a long drive. It takes around 3-4 hours from the coast (one way) and you’ll need to fly from Istanbul.

You can always stay the night, if you have time. This hotel is magnificent!

The verdict: Is Pamukkale worth a visit?

So, I’ve weighed the pros and cons, and the question is: is Pamukkale worth a visit?

Absolutely!

Pamukkale is a one-of-a-kind destination that is simply breathtaking. It’s one of the most unique places in Turkey, and definitely worth seeing.

If you’re concerned about crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (March, April, and October, November). You’ll get better temperatures and more available parking.

one day in Pamukkale one day in Pamukkale itineraryitinerary — *The **turquoise water** in Cleopatra pools*

Where to stay in Pamukkale

Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.5) is located just 5-minutes walk from the town entrance of the Pamukkale. Enjoy a large outdoor pool, a spa and modern rooms where you can relax after a day of exploring. Check rates and availability here.

FAQ

When is the best time to visit Pamukkale?

The best time to visit Pamukkale is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer tourists.

Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit for warmer weather, but it gets crowded and hot.

Winter (December to March) is the low season with lower prices, but it can be colder and the pools may be partially frozen.

Which entrance should I choose?

There are two entrances to Pamukkale: the North Entrance and the South Entrance.

The North Gate is less crowded and has a smaller parking lot, but it’s closer to the Hierapolis ruins.

The South Gate is larger and has more parking spaces, but it can get crowded during peak season. It’s located in the town of Pamukkale.

If you plan to visit the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis first, then the North Entrance may be more convenient. If you’re looking for more parking options, then the South Entrance may be a better choice.

Where do I get tickets?

You can buy tickets at the entrances. The entrance fee is 200 Turkish Lira TRY (11 Euros / 11 US Dollars) for adults and children.

How to get around Pamukkale?

Pamukkale is a small town and you can get around by foot. Most hotels are located close to the travertine pools.

Inside Hierapolis and the hot springs of Pamukkale, you’ll need to walk. Some tours offer transportation with shuttle.

Can I take a day trip to Pamukkale?

Yes! Pamukkale natural pools are a popular day trip from Antalya, Izmir and even Istanbul. If you’re staying in one of these cities, consider taking a day trip to the thermal pools.

Here are the best day trips with Viator from:

Antalya to Pamukkale: Book here
Izmir to Pamukkale: Book here
Istanbul to Pamukkale: Book here
Istanbul to Pamukkale 2-day tour: Book here