Pamukkale (cotton castle) is one of Turkey’s top attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The travertine terraces are absolutely stunning, and they’re not the only drawcard for visiting. There was more than enough to keep us happy and entertained here for a few days, and we would have stayed longer for another visit to the hot pools if we could have!
We highly recommend visiting Pamukkale during the off-season. Sometimes, it’s harder to decide on a winter holiday destination, but Pamukkale makes a fab winter trip because there are plenty of thermal resorts around. As we understand, summer is jam-packed, and it would be a totally different experience (not our jam!).
Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Pamukkale and nearby.
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1. Visit the beautiful travertines
We visited the travertines twice during our stay (110 per person; kids free). You could just visit once, for sure. But we missed walking up the first time, so we wanted to go back.
The first time we visited, we went to the South Gate entrance. From there, we explored the ancient city of Hierapolis, swam in the ancient pool, and saw the travertines at sunset. (More on the pool and ancient city soon).
There is also a path you’re allowed to walk up, offering a different perspective of the travertines. We were glad we returned a second time, this time midday, to walk up. You must take your shoes off for the walk, and there are shallow pools you can paddle in on the way up. The water was cold, but there was a nice warm stream halfway up.
Some parts cannot be walked on, and these are signposted. Before it became a World Heritage Site, the area suffered. Roads were built without considering the damage they would cause. Let’s hope that the preservation of these unique and beautiful mineral-rich terraces continues.
2. Explore Hierapolis and swim in the antique pool
Take some time to explore the well-preserved ruins of Hierapolis, included in your entry fee. The amphitheater is especially impressive, offering lovely views from its position on the hill.
For a separate entry fee, you can swim at Cleopatra’s Pool, also called The Antique Pool. You do have to pay the main entry fee as well. The antique pool was priced similarly, around 100 TL, and cheaper for kids.
The most remarkable thing about the Cleopatra Pools is that you get to swim amongst the ruins, and there is plenty of space to paddle about. Honestly, the temperature wasn’t quite hot enough for me (Elly) mid-winter, and I didn’t really warm up properly. But I think I have tropical blood. The others seemed happy-as!
There is also a cafe on-site and a shop selling towels and other useful things
3. Hang out at ‘Natural Park’
Natural Park (on Google Maps) is below the travertines and beside the entrance to Pamukkale. It’s nice to stroll around before or after exploring the travertines and ruins.
Ride a pedalo or sit and chill out. Just be careful of the over-friendly geese!
4. Relax at one of the many thermal resorts nearby
Don’t miss a soak in one of the many thermal pools in Pamukkale. You can opt to stay in a thermal resort if you wish, or opt for a day pass as we did. There are two parts of Pamukkale town – the area with the travertines and the area with the thermal resorts, which are about a 10-minute drive away. Both parts have plenty of restaurants and amenities.
We went to Pam Thermal Resort, a 5-star hotel with amazing thermal pools. It was 100tl per adult (less than $10) for a day pass, and the kids were free. They had a huge (cool) outdoor pool, terraced thermal outdoor pools of different temperatures with mud underfoot, and indoor pools of different temperatures.
We loved it. You can have spa treatments there and fill your water bottle with intensely mineral-rich drinking water.
5. Visit Kaklik cave
If you have your own transport, Kaklik Cave is a lovely, family-friendly place to visit, about a 40-minute drive from Pamukkale.
There is a nominal entry fee and a short, easy loop path around the cave. It’s a really beautiful place for young kids to experience the wonders of a cave without any concern about slipping or falling. You will get your feet wet, though, so be sure to wear gumboots or bring a change of footwear.
There may be more facilities there in the summer, as we saw an empty outdoor swimming pool.
Pamukkale Tours
There are a few different tours available in Pamukkale. You could take a guided walking tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis to skip the line and learn more about these ancient sites. Another unforgettable option is a sunrise hot air balloon tour over Pamukkale.
We hope you now have some great ideas for your itinerary for things to do in Pamukkale. If you’re traveling around Turkey, we also have posts about Fethiye, Dalyan, Kas, Antalya, Cappadocia, and taking an overnight hike on the Lycian Way.
Plus, read about our epic overland journey from Turkey to Georgia!
For other nearby destinations, you can check out things to do in Bansko, Bulgaria, Podgorica or Petrovac, Montenegro, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
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