Travel Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey [with Sample Itinerary]

By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor September 5th, 2021 No comments

Travel Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Pamukkale travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this paradise-like city in western Turkey.

If you’re in for an adventure in Turkey, then you should explore the city of Pamukkale. This city is famous for having mineral-rich thermal waters that flow down travertine terraces that look so magnificent. And for that fact, it is possible to travel and enjoy the sceneries while rewarding yourself with the natural healing power of nature. And because of Turkey’s rich history and culture, history lovers would also love going here and seeing wonderful ruins. To have further insights into what this city has for tourists, read more below as we prepared this Pamukkale travel guide as your future reference.

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Table of Contents

Pamukkale Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Pamukkale, Turkey

1. Pamukkale Thermal Pools

If you’re in Pamukkale, this is the place you shouldn’t miss! Pamukkale Thermal Pools offer not just beautiful sceneries but relaxing feeling as well. You’ll never run out of great places to take photos since this is a historical place between Turkey and Rome. The amazing cotton castle with blue mineral warm water will make you feel good. Just a tip, bring an extra bag to keep your clothes and shoes.

2. Hierapolis & Pamukkale

When you visit Hierapolis, remember that it’s a bit of an uphill walk. These places are a perfect combination of two things; the natural site and the vast ruins. Pamukkale is a paradise with a travertine hot spring having a lot of colored pools. While Hierapolis is an ancient Greco Roman city that was built right on the travertine. Here, you’d be able to see lots of stunning ancient buildings that were founded around 190 B.C., including a well-preserved amphitheater and a necropolis.

3. Amphitheater

One of the well-preserved parts of Hierapolis, the Amphitheater is undoubtedly wonderful and highly recommended. Archaeologists did a really great job of preserving the structure of the building. Though you need to do an uphill climb, everything is worth it. It offers a nice view all over the site. The great thing is, going here will not only give you stunning views but also an amazing amount of history that this theater holds. History buffs would love this place!

4. Pamukkale Natural Park

Another fantastic place to visit in Pamukkale. Just roaming around the Pamukkale Natural Park and seeing the ruins would make you wonder about the wonderful sights that would have been before they became ruins. You can have a lovely walk around the lake. The whole park is clean and it blends in perfectly with the nice backdrop. Well-worth a visit.

5. Cleopatra Pools

The water in the pools is crystal clear and has a pleasant temperature. And what makes swimming here extra special? It’s rare to find a place where you can swim in a hot spring with ancient ruins. This Antique Pool is popular for its submerged Roman columns, which is the result of an earthquake. Yes, the temple of Apollo fell into Cleopatra’s natural hot springs in 2,000 B.C. after an earthquake. This is truly a highlight in Turkey!

6. Kaklik Cave

Kaklik Cave is not a really well-known place to visit in Pamukkale but this place deserves the attention for having a very beautiful natural feature. However, it has a foul smell because of the sulfur and has a bit of burning sensation to eyes. The cave is like the underground version of the cotton terraces of Pamukkale.

7. Road to Pamukkale

Experience the road to Pamukkale, you will walk in through the necropolis which is an ancient burial ground with encryptions on the graves dating almost 2000 years old. This makes the necropolis quite eerie yet worth to see. You will also see the ruins of an old walled city where once shops and houses stood.

8. Anatolia Cemetery

If you’re in Pamukkale, why not go to Anatolia Cemetery? The tombs here are well-preserved although some are upside down because of the massive earthquake that destroyed the city. A walk around the graveyard would give you a unique feeling.

9. Byzantine Church

Splendid is the most appropriate word to define the conjuncture of what this place represented in the past and which left its historical legacy through the ruins. This church, like many others all over Turkey, reveals hundreds of years of culture, religion, and art. Among hundreds of mosques, there are some churches since the Byzantine time, which are also worth visiting.

10. Ahmet Urkay Archeology and Ethnology Museum

It is a very comprehensive museum where rich examples of traditional Turkish arts can be seen. It has a great portfolio of rug/carpet samples and woodwork. A place that reflects Turkish culture in detail with every element. A must see!

Pamukkale Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Pamukkale, Turkey

Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey

Cleopatra Pools – On your first day, immerse yourself in the Cleopatra pools. The natural healing water of the hot spring gives a great feeling of sensation. Plus, the experience of swimming in a pool with ancient ruins is once in a lifetime.

Anatolia Cemetery – After a dip in the Cleopatra pools, visit the Anatolia Cemetery. It offers a lot of unique views like well-preserved tombs.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Hierapolis, Amphitheater – You can totally spend one day in these places. Exploring the ancient ruins, relaxing at the thermal pools, and getting carried away by the beauty of the sceneries are just enough reason to get hyped up.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey

Byzantine Church – Discover the stunning beauty of the Byzantine Church in Pamukkale, Turkey. Holding years of history, religion, and culture, going here is always a good idea.

Ahmet Urkay Archeology and Ethnology Museum – If you’re interested to know more about the Turkish culture, then this is the place to be. This museum is a great destination to end your trip. It will give you insights about Turkey’s rich history and tradition.

Pamukkale Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Pamukkale, Turkey

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Pamukkale, Turkey if you’re a Backpacker

Hotel Dort Mevsim

The outdoor pool of this hotel is surrounded by green vegetation. The rooms are decorated with Ottoman-style bed covers and carpets. They feature a private balcony and free Wi-Fi. Dort Mevsim’s restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves traditional homemade meals, including several vegetarian options.

Price: Starts at $26 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Çavdar Thermal Hotel

Çavdar Thermal Hotel features free WiFi, a hot spring bath, and a barbecue. The rooms have a TV. Some rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Certain rooms feature views of the mountain or garden. But every room is equipped with a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobes and slippers. Breakfast is a set menu and served in the rooms.

Price: Starts at $16 per night for Double Room with Mountain View, includes taxes and charges, add $4 for breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.

OzenTurku Hotel

Located just a 2-minute walk from Pamukkale travertines, Ozen Turku Hotel provides a 24-hour front desk service. The hotel has a terrace and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each room at the hotel has a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet. The hotel offers a breakfast service each morning. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves an à la carte menu.

Price: Starts at $30 per night for Deluxe Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Pamukkale, Turkey if you’re on a Budget

The Cotton House

The Cotton House has a garden, a terrace, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The bed and breakfast provides guests with a patio, garden views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer.

Price: Starts at $47 per night for King Room with Balcony, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Venus Suite Hotel

Venus Suite Hotel offers a garden, terrace, and an outdoor pool. Each room at the hotel provides air conditioning, an electric kettle, a balcony, and a minibar. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. The hotel also has a 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast every morning.

Price: Starts at $51 per night for a Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Melrose House Hotel

Melrose House Hotel offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool. All rooms here are equipped with a private bathroom. Some rooms have a private balcony with views of the garden or mountains. Traditional Turkish home-cooked meals and kebabs are cooked in the wood-fired oven and served by the pool. A wide range of vegetarian dishes is also available.

Price: Starts at $73 per night for a Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Pamukkale, Turkey if you want Luxury

Lycus River Thermal Hotel

The Lycus Hotel features an extensive wellness center featuring a hot tub, indoor and outdoor pools, and massage facilities. The modern rooms of the Lycus River Thermal Hotel have a satellite TV. They all include a bath, private balconies and are fully air-conditioned. Each also has tea/coffee making facilities as well as WiFi access. The hotel also provides a gym equipped with cardio-fitness activities, a traditional hammam, a sauna, and a tennis court.

Price: Starts at $101 per night for a Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast and dinner, and free cancellation.

Pam Thermal Hotel Clinic & Spa

The hotel features a spa center, an outdoor pool, which is heated in winter, and thermal spring travertines with healing red water. The air-conditioned rooms of Pam Thermal Hotel are decorated in style with modern furniture. They all feature a balcony with forest, garden, or pool views. Spa baths with thermal water are also offered in each room. Turkish cuisine can be enjoyed at the spacious restaurant. Guests can also choose to have their meals outside, by the pool area.

Price: Starts at $124 per night for a Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast and dinner, and free cancellation.

Hierapolisthermalotel

Hierapolisthermalotel has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, and a garden in Karahayit. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and valet parking. It also features an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, karaoke, and a 24-hour front desk. A buffet breakfast is available each morning. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities including a hot spring bath, a hammam, and a sauna.

Price: Starts at $146 per night for a Large Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, but it’s non-refundable.

Pamukkale Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Pamukkale, Turkey

White House Restaurant & Cafe

Serves the Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. Tourists can also enjoy vegetarian options like their vegetarian pasta. Come and dine in here if you’re in Pamukkale.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Pamukkale Mahallesi, Ataturk Caddesi No: 7, Pamukkale 20280 Turkey

Asian Kitchen & Coffee

From the name itself, this restaurant serves Asian cuisine specifically Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese. If you want to have the nicest Asian food, you know where to go.

Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Maresal Fevzi Cakmak Mah. Denizli Cd., Pamukkale 20280 Turkey

Fenomen Burger House Cafe Pub

If you’re the type who loves burgers, this is the place to be! Fenomen Burger House is highly recommended by most travelers for having a cheap, great quality, real meat burgers.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: D:no:17-B kale mahallesi no:17/B, Pamukkale 20260 Turkey

Lamuko’s Lokanta

Craving for some Japanese cuisine? Then head your way to Lamuko’s Lokanta. They serve both Japanese and Korean dishes. Visit this place to have a warm home cook Asian food.

Operating hours: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon-Sat)
Address: Kale Mah. Ataturk Cad. No. 8, Pamukkale 20280, Turkey, Pamukkale 20280 Turkey

Cadde Grill House

Cadde Grill House is a place where you can have almost everything you crave for. European, Turkish, Steakhouse, Bar, Pizza, Seafood, Fast Food, Barbecue, Asian, even Soups, you can have them here. This is a restaurant where you can have the best tasting foods with excellent service.

Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 11:59 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Mehmet Akif Ersoy Bulvari, No:65A Pamukkale Mah, Pamukkale 20280 Turkey

And that’s our Pamukkale travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.

Travel Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey [with Sample Itinerary]