Pamukkale, a quaint little town nestled in the heart of Turkey, boasts the most spectacular sights. Incredibly well-known for it’s Cotton Castles, where the landscapes are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This place left me in awe, and below are the firsthand experienced hints and tips I wish I had known before venturing to this amazing part of the planet.
GETTING TO PAMUKKALE
When it comes to reaching Pamukkale, you have several options to suit different preferences.
- Driving has become increasingly popular in Turkey, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace while being more cost-effective than private transfers or a taxi.
- On the other hand, flying is the quickest and most efficient option, especially if you’re traveling from Istanbul. A little under an hour and you will arrive in Denzili. Just purely due to time constraints we went for this option. And conveniently, our accommodation had arranged a transfer for us from the airport.
- Alternatively, buses provide a well-connected network to and from other towns and cities in Turkey. While booking online may be a bit challenging, relying on local hosts can save you unnecessary stress. I opted for this option to get to the next destination.
- If you’re looking for a seamless, albeit pricier, experience, private transfers offer comfort and speed, particularly for long-distance journeys.
- Lastly, day tours from Istanbul are available, but I would recommend maximising your time for exploration and wandering by staying at least one night in Pamukkale.
GETTING AROUND PAMUKKALE
Once you’ve arrived in Pamukkale, the town itself is charmingly compact, making walking the primary mode of transport. Stroll through its streets, soak in the local ambiance, and enjoy the convenience of navigating the town on foot. If you’re headed to the ruins, you can either continue on foot or opt for a taxi, depending on the entrance you wish to access.
WHERE TO STAY
During our stay, we found ourselves in the heart of Pamukkale, indulging in the warm hospitality of Melrose House Hotel through booking.com. The staff went above and beyond, even helping us secure a last-minute overnight bus when I realised I had mistakenly booked the wrong date. The spacious rooms provided a perfect vantage point to wake up to, with panoramic views of the Cotton Castles and the incredible sight of hot air balloons floating through the sky. Absolute dream!
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT PAMUKKALE?
Timing is everything when it comes to experiencing the magic of Pamukkale. We visited in early October, and even during the off-season, this town was bustling with activity.
Specifically, when you are visiting the Cotton Castles, unless you arrive before sunrise, you won’t have it all to yourself. However, fear not! I’ve gathered some hints and tips to help you find a little slice of heaven amidst the crowd.
COTTON CASTLE HINTS AND TIPS
- Golden Hour Glory: There’s something truly enchanting about witnessing the Cotton Castles at sunset. To ensure you catch that perfect golden light, make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand. This will give you ample time to find a prime spot, soak in the breathtaking surroundings.
- Rise and Shine: If you prefer a more serene and less crowded experience, set your alarm early and head to the Cotton Castles at sunrise. This is when the tour buses haven’t arrived yet, allowing you to savour the tranquility. Although we missed the opportunity, we’ve heard from fellow travellers that this is a photographer’s paradise.
- Seek Hidden Marvels: While many visitors tend to flock to the top terraces, we discovered that the lower pools offer an equally stunning vantage point with fewer people around. The easiest way to access these hidden gems is to walk through the town entrance. We stopped here after sunset and captured the most beautiful photos of the water and sky and no one was around.
- Unobstructed Panorama: Even though I would recommend the lower pools, if you are wanting a remarkable view of the Cotton Castles and Pamukkale, I’d recommend exploring the top terraces too. Once you’ve ascended to the highest point, take a right turn along the boardwalk. There, you’ll stumble upon smaller pools that provide a stunning panorama of the landscape.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Cotton Castles were the main reason for my visit however there are other incredible attractions in Pamukkale:
- Explore the Ancient City of Hierapolis: Pamukkale is not only renowned for its surreal terraces but also for the ancient city of Hierapolis, which stands as a testament to the region’s rich history. Take a step back in time as you wander through the well-preserved ruins of this once-thriving Greco-Roman city.
- Discover the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum: For a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the region, a visit to the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is a must. Delve into the exhibits that showcase a fascinating collection of artefacts, including statues, sculptures, pottery, and religious relics. The museum provides valuable insights into the daily life and achievements of the ancient inhabitants of Hierapolis.
- Relax in the Thermal Baths: Pamukkale’s thermal waters have been renowned for their healing properties for centuries. Indulge in a therapeutic soak in one of the thermal baths, where the warm, mineral-rich waters are believed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
- Visit the Cleopatra Pools: Pamukkale is also home to the legendary Cleopatra Pools, where you can take a dip in the mineral-rich waters said to have been favoured by the famed queen herself.
EAT AND DRINK
Although Pamukkale may be small in size, it offers a few dining options. Most of them can be found near the town entrance to the ruins. Our own research led us to dine at the hotel during our short stay. However, on our last night before embarking on an overnight bus journey, we savoured some mouthwatering burgers at Dr. Tom’s Burger House.
Hands down, Dr. Tom’s Burger House deserves a special mention. These burgers were nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re looking for a non-traditional meal that will leave your taste buds begging for more, we highly recommend making a pit stop here.
Pamukkale was a short but truly unforgettable stay. While the time was limited, at least next visit there will be the ruins and a swim in the archeological sites to on the list to explore. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, I 100% recommend adding Pamukkale and its awe-inspiring Cotton Castles to your bucket list.