Pamukkale in 1 Day

 

Pamukkale Entry Fee: 1114 Lira or 30 Euros

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Hours: 

Open (April to October) 6:30am - 8pm and (October to April) 8am -6pm

One of the most beautiful things about Turkiye is that the landscape changes from province to province. I remember the first time I saw a picture of Pamukkale on Facebook when a friend had visited.  It absolutely stunned me.  I knew that if I ever visited Turkiye, I would definitely make a visit to this white wonder.

I started my journey from a small town called Fethiye. I was able to catch the local bus, Goltur, to get to Denizli.  From there the kind driver helped me transfer to another smaller bus to get to Pamukkale.  The bus ride cost me 250 Lira, which also included the transfer from Denizli to Pamukkale.  It dropped me off in town and I was greeted by the bus station manager.  He took me on his scooter to my hotel with my luggage.  

I stayed at the Bellamaritimo Hotel, which was close by to the attraction.  It was run by an amazing family of mother, father and his two sons who help out.  After I was settled in, the next morning I came down for breakfast and was treated to a full on Turkish Breakfast.  As a solo traveler, I wasn't sure I would be able to have one as there are many mezzes given sometimes.  I sat at a table and the sons started bringing me small plates of food as the mother behind the counter was preparing them for me.  The father brought me a hot cup of tea. I enjoyed every bite!

Once my morning feast was over, I started my itinerary for the day.  I had booked a paragliding session at 10am that morning and waited for them to pick me up from my hotel.  I had booked this experience through Get Your Guide. Once they arrived, I was taken to the highest point and we took off from there.  We glided over Hierapolis and Pamukkale for 15 - 20 mins.  We soared around while my pilot took pictures and videos of us in the sky.  We landed somewhere closer to town.  From there, I was driven back to my hotel so I could change my clothes for my day at Pamukkale.

Tandem Paragliding

The father had offered to drive me to the south gate (top entry gate of Hierapolis and Pamukkale) in his car, however, his car wouldn't start.  So, he called his son to come get me and drive me to the south gate.  I was taken to the top because I wanted to see the Hierapolis and many other ruins also around that area. It was also easier to start at the top and make my way back down to town. There was a booth where you could pay for entry.  I went in October of 2023 and the entry fee was 700 Lira.  The fee now is 1114 Lira in 2025.  This price includes the Hierapolis, Archaeological Site and Museum.

You can walk around at your own pace or pay for a guided tour.  I preferred to walk around without the guided tour.  I visited many of the ruins and the Amphitheatre there.  

The Great Theatre

The Great Theatre has a history of over 1800 years and it is one of the best preserved structures of the Mediterranean.  It is thought that gladiator fights were also held here.

Cleopatra's Swimming Pool

Along the way, you will pass the Cleopatra Swimming Pool.  This is where it is claimed that Cleopatra herself, came to swim in the thermal pools.  In the Antique pool, you can see ruins and columns that have fallen in from an earthquake.  There is a strict rule that pictures are not to be taken on phones.  They have an appointed photographer that takes everyone's pictures which you pay for.  You can enter to view the pool for free but you must pay 100 Lira for bathers 13 years and older.

Pamukkale Archeological Museum

As you start to come further down from the swimming pool, you will see you have reached the Pamukkale Archeological Museum. Its the place where the archeological findings from Hierapolis are kept to showcase. There are sarcophagus and other pieces that showcase the Greco-Roman past of Pamukkale.  It is free to enter with your ticket.  

Pamukkale

Once you've visited the museum, you can head to your main destination; Pamukkule (white cotton castle).  These pools are made from calcium carbonate and are filled with mineral water from the hot springs.  There are 17 hot springs in the area. The temperature of these pools are anywhere from 35 degrees (95 F) to 100 degrees Celsius (212 F).  The terraced areas used to be a lot larger however over time, over tourism has damaged the terraces and are now sitting there empty and dry.  These areas are restricted now and are being looked after in hopes it will come back to its original state.

Travertine Terraces

It is best to visit this spot either first thing in the morning when it opens or later in the evening.  It gets very crowded with school children on field trips mixed in with the tourists making day trips to Pamukkale.  Most of these people tend to stay towards to the top to experience the warm pools.  This makes it easier for others to enjoy if we head just about halfway down, the pools will be much emptier so you can take all the pictures you want without the crowds.  When you are done at Pamukkale, you can head down to the base or north gate to leave.  

Just remember that shoes are not allowed on the white cotton castle at any time.  There are security guards there watching you and will yell at you to take them off.  You will have to carry them down with you until you are able to put them on again. 

After visiting the cotton castle, head into town and grab yourself something to eat.  I found a lovely mom and pop restaurant that sold Urfa Lahmacan (Turkish Pizza) for 50 Lira.  I had two and they were made fresh for me. I drank it down with their national drink, Ayran.'

Grab yourself a souvenir in the little stores at the base of Pamukkale and then head back to your hotel to rest from your full day. I took the bus back to Denizli the next day.