Vacation Packages to Pamukkale

General Information about Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a town located in the western half of Turkey. This place is very close to Hierapolis, an ancient city that functioned as a spa, whose origins date back to 190 BC.

Pamukkale means "Cotton Castle" in Turkish. This area receives that name because there is a very white formation of limestone and travertine. This formation is a product of the thermal waters since these drag the minerals that make it up.

In turn, from the top of this hill of minerals that look like snow, water gushes out that forms pools and natural waterfalls that run along the sides of this geological formation. Bathing is allowed in these pools and their waters reach 35°C. It is also possible to walk through the formation, but always barefoot so as not to damage the travertine**.**

Pamukkale: The Roman Spa

At the top of Pamukkale, within the same enclosure, are the ruins of the Roman city of Hierapolis, which is an archaeological treasure in itself.

This city was built by the Romans as a destination to rest, taking advantage of the nearby hot springs. Today, you can still visit several of the constructions that saw their splendor during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, such as the thermal baths, the Temple of Apollo, some monumental gates and a large Necropolis.

How Is the Culture in Pamukkale

Eat and Drink in Pamukkale

Coming out of the travertines, in Pamukkale, you will find several restaurants where you can try traditional Turkish dishes. In addition, its facilities are usually very picturesque.

We recommend you try borek, a dish made with puff pastry stuffed with cheese, spinach or meat, or Sac Kavurma, a typical dish made with sautéed lamb or goat meat.

To drink you can order ayran, an alcoholic drink made from yogurt, water, and salt, or try traditional Turkish tea.

And for dessert, you can't leave without trying rahatlucum, a carrot, lemon, and walnut-based dessert.

Pamukkale: Cleopatra's Pool

It is said that Cleopatra VIII, the Ptolemaic princess who was the only daughter of Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and Mark Antony, used the natural hot spring pools in this region to take immersion baths to rejuvenate her skin and take care of her health.

According to the Romans, this was so because the waters of Pamukkale had been blessed by the Gods and had healing properties.

Today, you can bathe at these hot water pools in which you find submerged Roman columns, a product of the ruins of previous installations.

Barefoot by the Cotton Castle

If you want to walk through the travertine and marvel at the postcard images that this white castle offers, you should take off your shoes, as the floor is very fragile and the rubbing of shoes can break or damage it.

You should also keep in mind that it is necessary to bring swimwear that dries easily, because even if you decide not to enter the part of the hot spring pools, there are several parts at the top of the hill where natural ponds are formed, where the warm water covers the feet. And don't forget sunscreen and a light coat, easy to transport, in case you decide to stay to watch the sunset.

A Natural and Archaeological Treasure

Pamukkale is located in an area of ​​seismic activity, in which the movement of the tectonic plates gave rise to hot springs that, from the top of the hill, dragged different sediments towards its sides that over the years gave rise to these formations. of limestone and travertine and hot spring pools among the surrounding forests.

This wonder of nature attracted previous civilizations, whose archaeological remains can be found.

This is why Pamukkale became a great tourist attraction, both for lovers of nature's creations and for those curious about history and archeology.

Due to this, for several years, irresponsible tourism was exercised in the area, since a highway and hotels were built in the upper area, thermal water was used to fill artificial pools and the travertine was stepped on without any type of control.

All these practices brought many claims and in 1988 UNESCO intervened. The road was covered with swimming pools, the hotels were demolished, the site was placed under protection and Hierapolis, the Roman settlement located next to Pamukkale, was declared a World Heritage Site.

Thanks to these measures, you can visit today the beautiful enclosure and marvel at this historical and natural landscape.

The Turkish Eye and Other Presents

If you come to Pamukkale and are looking for something to give as a gift, a nice option is the miniature recreations of the Cotton Castle made with resin, as you will find them in the different commercial stalls near the hot springs, shining like 3D postcards of this beautiful place.

If this doesn’t convince you, then you can opt for "The Turkish eye". This amulet used to be placed on newborns to protect them from any evil. You will find this ornament in every corner, as its use for energy protection against envy has become popular over the years.

If you want to take this as a present, you will be able to choose it at many colors. And maybe, you will want to take one for yourself, because as soon as you share your photos you may need one!

What to See and Do in Pamukkale

Pamukkale is considered one of the jewels of Turkey, as its imposing "Cotton Castle" formed by sediment offers travelers unique postcards.

Are you looking for natural hot springs that resemble the best dreams of Paradise? Do you want to take a hot air balloon ride and see the imposing limestone hill of Pamukkale and its mineral waterfalls? Do you want to walk in the travertines of Pamukkale and see the very pool of Cleopatra?

Well then you can’t miss this wonderful destination. Find which of the proposals for Pamukkale tour packages is for you. You can modify and adapt them according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your adventure according to your needs!