best time to visit pamukkale
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. You will have the opportunity to swim even in the coldest days of the winter time. You can buy the ticket from the bus station in Pamukkale (near White House restaurant) the day before departure, or online. This natural formation of bone-white pools of travertine limestone, formed into a sprawling stack of terraces over the course of geologic ages, has been an operational health spa since Roman times. When I traveled to Pamukkale, I stayed at the Melrose House Hotel. I am glad we decided to take the golf cart tour of Hierapolis, given its sheer size. This place looks incredible! Groups tend to move in herds like sheep. We bought the ticket directly from the bus station in Greme the day before departure. Glad I was able to help answer your question. Heres our season-by-season, month-by-month guide for when to visit Krakw. What is Europes most walkable capital city? Being at the bottom of the travertines, you get to look up at the cotton castle and get an idea of its immense scale. Pamukkale has been known for its healing hot springs since the beginning of time. Festivals like the Apple festival, Watermelon festival, Music & Cultural festival etc. The lustrous terraces as depicted in guidebooks and tourist board posters do not exist at least not right now. Only in Pamukkale. You really should go and experience the food and atmosphere at the White House. The, Housed in former Roman baths, this excellent museum exhibits spectacular sarcophagi from nearby archaeological site Laodicea and elsewhere; small finds, The foundations of the Temple of Apollo at Hierapolis remain today. Your email address will not be published. Pamukkale is astonishing. Enquire about your Holiday to India Now. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). It literally was a spa, first used in the 2nd century BC. The travertine floor can be slippery in places with running water underfoot as well as sharp-edged pieces of limestone. Read about us here. The stage area, The extraordinary octagonal Martyrium of St Philip the Apostle at Hierapolis is built on the site where it's believed that St Philip was martyred. This place is out of this world. Wed recommend arriving as early as possible as many visitors arrive on a day trip from Denizli by bus in the early afternoon. This has little to do with the meaning but more mentions the appearance of the natural phenomenon. Hey, I'm Selam! Best The best time for visiting Pamukkale is spring (April to mid-June). The nearest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli ardak Airport (DNZ). In April, May, September and October, mild temperatures and reduced crowds make for a lovely weekend getaway. There is a nearby archaeology museum in a Roman bathhouse you can visit to learn more about the area. The average temperature is between 20 and 30C. When you see a picture of the Pamukkale thermal pool landscape, youll be forgiven for experiencing a little confusion. Visit Pamukkale Turkey [History, Science and As these calcium-rich waters surface and flow downhill, they leave behind small calcium carbonate deposits that slowly harden back into limestone. Your email address will not be published. We arrived in Turkey at Istanbuls Ataturk international airport and spent a few days in Istanbul before flying to Izmir (1hr) and catching a train the same day to Seluk (1hr 20m). If you must bring valuables, consider storing them in stuff sacs to prevent water damage. And I had no idea you could get so cheap flights from Istanbul. We drove the car down from the gate to the bottom (or you can walk) to the little cafe near the lake. What is the best time to visit Pamukkale . The path through the, Hack across the Hierapolis hillside, in a westerly direction from the Martyrium of St Philip the Apostle, and eventually you'll come to a completely. 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. Yesss Im so happy to hear this!! Pamukkale The Roman temple of Apollo once surrounded Cleopatras Pool, but, after an earthquake, these columns fell into the pool, where they remain until today. Another option is Cleopatras Pool. However, daylight hours are shorter than in the spring, and the potential for rain looms more often in the fall. We travel the Balkans seeking out food, accommodation and the best things to do in the Balkans so youll save time travel planning & travel like a local. We are sure no other balloon flight anywhere in the world can beat that of Cappadocia. What an amazing natural wonder! Pamukkale-Hierapolis is also more than just ruins. Arrange your airport transfer between the airport and Pumakkale for as little as $32 per car fromGettransfer. You will have the opportunity to take the best photos because it is less crowded and theres a chance of snow because on some days the temperature can drop below 0C. Located in the southwest region of Turkey, Pamukkale is one of the most unique destinations in the country. Pamukkale From there, we purchased our tickets and then stumbled across the golf cart rental. Here's a snapshot of Pamukkale weather and the best time to visit Pamukkale, Photograph by http://5-five-5.blogspot.com, Photograph by https://onehundredninetythree.com, Photograph by http://photographingaround.me, Photograph by http://infowahyudi.blogspot.com, Find The Best Travel Packages From Top Travel Agents. How long to stay in Pamukkale 5. I love articles like these that highlight off-beat places to travel to. Highest temperature in Pamukkale is recorded as 104 in July. 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. When to go to Pamukkale. Imagine enormous, snow-white cotton balls that look like puffy cotton candy made of snow intersected by terraces filled with pale blue hot springs. Opening hours for Hierapolis and the Travertines: Open year-round. 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. Some allow you to see both, and in that case, youll stay one or two nights with bus travel and accommodation included in the price of your trip, or you can make a day trip to Pamukkale, usually leaving very early in the morning and arriving back in the early evening. Though, you need to be a little wary and ensure you carry some warm clothes, as temperatures might drop if it starts to rain. There are several ways to get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale; usethis guide for all of the nitty-gritty, Can I eat and drink at Pamukkale: While the prices will be more expensive than other nearby locations, there are plenty of restaurants in Pamukkale for visitors, though they looked pretty touristy, so we avoided them. 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. The water that hasnt yet solidified gives off the brightest blue shade as it cascades over the top of the travertine. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Pamukkale's calcium formations are as strange as they are beautiful. Still, the driver took us to several sites in the city, including the ancient theatre, the bazaar, and the tombs, which we would NEVER have been able to walk that far to see given my dodgy arthritis and the small kids in tow. I was just looking into visiting in September glad to hear its a good time to visit! 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 photos in this post were taken on a day the water flowed. The kids begged for a swan ride a pedal boat that cost just 30 Lira per person. Your email address will not be published. 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. Although it can get crowded in summer, there are fun local festivals like the cherry festival, seedless Grapes festival, friendship festival and many more. Having visited Turkey several times over the years, I would say April June or September-October are the best times to visit Pamukkale. A small lake forms at the bottom of the travertines, where the water runs out. However, it will take much longer to get there in comparison to flying. The summer sun can get quite hot during the day with temperatures rising up to 35C. 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. Once you arrive in the very small Denizli airport, just walk outside to take the bus to Pamukkale. Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? Is Pamukkale a UNESCO Site or a Wonder of the World: Pamukkale was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 along with Hierapolis. Visiting the Necropolis, the theatre, and the Byzantine church are all a must. White paradise. Its the middle of summer (probably), and all you see is a snowy white landscape in front of you or if you are like me, I thought it was salt for the longest time (doh!). Many people visit Pamukkale, the best-known calcium pool in Turkey, year after year and have zero problems, but be aware that water and rocks create a slippery surface. Dont forget we also rented the golf cart, so if you plan to walk Hierapolis, youll need much more time. If you have time, spend some time visiting sights within Denizli and the surrounding area includingDenizli Old City,Kaklik Cave,Tripolis andAphrodisias. (Last Updated On: October 10, 2022) There are many reasons people book a trip to Turkey. Unlike the Antique Pool, the adjacent site of Hierapolis is worth visiting. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Summers are jam-packed with festivals (and visitors), while a dusting of snow makes the city wonderfully photogenic during searingly cold winters. The Aegean summer heat sears sensitive skin, pricks up migraines and can make visiting the region a distinctly uncomfortable experience. We also chose not to walk in the travertines (remember arthritis and small kids), but we did walk around them to get a good view. This makes for perfect weather as it would not be too hot during the day, nor too cold at night. Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. Fethiye Seyahatbus company has a direct bus every morning at 8:00. Lowest temperature in Pamukkale is recorded as 21.2 in January. July and August is high season in Pamukkale. 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. What is the best way to see the Blue Hole of Belize? The baseline entrance fee (see below) is 200 Lira for adults and children over 6. Also called the Antique Pool is not a travertine and is filled with crystal clear, warm water. This ancient spa city's location atop Pamukkale's tourist-magnet travertines is quite spectacular. At this time of year, the number of tourists visiting Pamukkale is still low and very manageable. Read our tips on visiting Pamukkale in Turkey, including what to wear, what to pack and what not to miss. However, sometimes its simply not possible to avoid the crowds. Pamukkale is definately on my list. Because the travertine terraces sit atop a cliff, the sun will be strong so be prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and loose, comfortable clothing. We stayed at the excellentVenus Hotel, and we recommend staying here without hesitation. A Modern Wine Region Emerges Amid Turkeys Ancient Ruins I get that the summer months are convenient for travel, but be prepared. Ive been looking more into Turkey recently, such an interesting country. 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. Visit Pamukkale: Travel Guide to Turkey (2023) - Will Fly for Food Pamukkale If you plan to explore more of Turkey, the All Turkish Museum Pass also allows access to Pamukkale. It is one of Turkeys most beautiful and magical places definitely up there withCappadocia. But also ended up with a broken leg. Summer can be unbearably hot while winter can see snowfall! Is Pamukkale safe: Pamukkale is safe, but it can be slippery. Best Time To Visit Pamukkale This spa city was founded in 190 BC, and the ruins are notably well-preserved. Hierapolis was founded as a spa town in the early 2nd century BC. Ataturk airport is international and has connections to a number of domestic destinations throughout Turkey. Going the other way means that youll be walking uphill, and the crowds will be getting more instead of less. Best Thank you so much for reading. You can visit Pamukkale all year around as the waters on the white cliffs are always hot. OMG that blue is so gorgoues! The fastest route takes about 7 hours to drive 570 kilometers. If you love heat, July and August are hot, hot, just below 40C (104F)! The Cherry festival, Seedless Grapes festival, Friendship festival, Pepper festival, Grape festival etc. You can avoid the crowds during winter as the town doesnt have too much going on during this time. Learn how your comment data is processed. I appreciate it, Suzy! Entry for the South Slope begins down at the edge of Pamukkale Village and requires you to walk up a slight slope barefoot. This is a combination of tourists visiting the beach resorts around this part of the country and incredible weather. Its worth noting that most tourists stick to the pool area. If youre keen to tick Pamukkale off your Turkey bucket list, there are plenty of things you need to know, and thankfully, this guide will give you all the details you need to make your visit to Pamukkale five stars. The ride is approximately 30 minutes and costs 3.50 TL ($1.20 USD) per person. Youll find Roman columns that have submerged in the water due to a large earthquake many years ago. Required fields are marked *. If you dont have sunglasses, buy a cheap pair before visitingPamukkale. This place looks absolutely incredible!! 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! If youre lucky, the water will be flowing and you can manage a dip in the water. The Pamukkale travertines, together with the ruins of Hierapolis, is a designatedUNESCOsite. The blue colour of the springs is gorgeous. If youre in Izmir, you can take the train, the bus, or drive to Denizli. This travertine is why the terraces of Pamukkale have that blinding white appearance. 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. This place looks amazing and I would definitely try fit it in if Im ever in Turkey . Can you swim in Pamukkale hot springs? You can catch a train to Denizlifrom Istanbul,Izmir or Seluk (checkTCDD for the latest timetable). Most humid month in Pamukkale is January. No matter what the season, visitors to Pamukkale should arrive with a hat, sunscreen and UV-filtering sunglasses. I hope this article has shown you how easy it is to include Pamukkale in your Turkey itinerary. 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. The ride from Denizli airport to Pamukkale village will take about one hour, give or take. 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. A writer for more than a decade, O'Neil has written copy, content and editorial articles for hundreds of clients and publications, including Blue Skies Magazine and Whole Life Times. We caught aMetro Turizm night bus from Denizli to Cappadocia (9pm 7am; $17 USD). The best time to visit Pamukkale is from February to April during the spring season. Melrose House Hotel 5.2. Flying to Pamukkale is the best option if you want to maximize on time. The nearest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli ardak Airport (DNZ). Flights to Denizli are only available with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus. If you will be flying from Istanbul like I did, then it is only a one hour flight to go from Istanbul to Pamukkale/Denizli. 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 There is a toilet on board as well. For fantastic Turkish and Mediterranean food and hospitality, we recommend White House Restaurant. Pamukkale In Summer: A Guide To Know Everything About It Wow this place looks amazing! By checking this box I consent to the use of my information provided for email marketing purposes. This is because the slope is made up of the same minerals found in the hot springs. Dont miss the theatre, which is said to have been constructed under the reign of Hadrian after the earthquake of 60 AD. The average temperature is between 20 and 30C. We walked half a kilometre beyond it and found peaceful vistas completely free of visitors. Dont forget to bring sun cream, sunglasses, and enough water. In the nightly price, you have breakfast included. Culture vultures might be interested in taking a trip to the nearby ruins of Aphrodisias. Who knew that Turkey had more to offer than just hot air balloons? Give yourself a minute to adjust because its not snow that youre seeing its travertine. Wow Ive always wanted to visit Pumukkale, my mum visited years ago and I she was so amazed by the place. Thanks for sharing. On this trip, I also learned that Pamukkale translates to the cotton castle in Turkish, describing exactly how the site looks. You can find accommodation for as low as 20 for a double room. Doctors used the healing powers of the spring water to treat ailments such as skin diseases, circulation problems, rheumatism and heart diseases. Back in the day, Pamukkale was one of the most famous thermal pools in Turkey. The highlight of the Hierapolis ruins is the well-kept theatre, which has survived most of the devastation from the several earthquakes. Head to Poland, a jewel of Eastern Europe, to discover sparkling Warsaw and other delights. best time to visit Which is more expensive for vacation? The bright-white cascades strongly reflect the sun, bouncing potential sunburns and squint-inducing rays up from the ground in unexpected ways. Today, there are strict controls on development and tourism in the area, allowing you to visit in good conscience. Best Your email address will not be published. Legend has it that the artificially sculpted Antique Pool was a gift from Marc Anthony to Cleopatra. Dumb of me. I cant lie. Most foreign tourists visit Pamukkale on a day trip from the coast, which means they arrive late morning or early afternoon. The result of all this history is a magnificent collection of ruins lying around the top of the travertines. During this time, the weather is moderate, dry with longer daylight hours. You can guess what happened next she fell over. Pamukkale is a natural phenomenon that is very impressive. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate link(s). Equally, I noticed many people walking like penguins and looking uncomfortable walking on the dry sections as the calcium becomes hard and bumpy, and all I could think of was it would be like walking on legos. Transportation is frequent so its quite convenient. Youre in the right place! How to visit Copn in Honduras: a quick guide, Ranked: most sustainable countries in the world, The travel that changed me: Miriam Lancewood. What is the weather like in Pamukkale: You can expect sun throughout the year. Turkey A winter wonderland in the middle of summer? Pamukkale is spectacular, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in Turkey to visit. Such a great guide! 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! Join our adventures in culture, nature and food as we explore China, Southeast Asia and who knows where else.Come meet us here! Pamukkale's alien-looking landscape of chalk-white pools, each filled to the brim with cerulean mineral water, rises above the agrarian flatlands of inland southeastern Aegean Turkey like a misplaced glacier. Ali, the owner, always offered us Turkish coffee or tea on the house after our meals. The journey takes around 10-12 hours by bus and 12-15 hours by train. Today, Pamukkale is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited attractions in Turkey. 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. Sweeping limestone cliffs of a blinding white hue rise above pools of powder blue.