Photo: Pamukkale by Eva Bariber
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish. From a distance, it looks like a snow-covered cliff sitting over the plains. But it's not snow, it's travertine - a rock used in many kitchens and bathrooms. Purchase tickets at the base of the cliff and then hike up in bare feet because water is constantly cascading over the white rock. Wear a bathing suit in order to swim in the pools or just dip your feet in to cool off. Many people completely submerge in the water and cover their body in the white sediment found at the bottom of the pools because it is said to be good for the skin.
Go before sunset because this was one of the most gorgeous sunset views I've ever seen. Hike up to the ruins of Hieraoplis and make sure to go to the top of the theater because the 360 degree view is breathtaking. We went as the sun was starting to set and the ruins and plains were a mix of colors - golds, pinks and purples. As the sun starts to descend, go back to the pools take a seat and enjoy Mother Nature at her best.
Pamukkale is located in the Denizli province. It's about a 3 hr. drive from the Ephesus and about 5 hrs. away from Kas. The town of Pamukkale is nothing to write home about - very kitschy, full of family friendly motel-like accommodations. You come here for the natural beauty of the travertine mountain and ruins of Hieropolis. Give yourself at least a half day to spend at the park.
We stayed at the Apayam Hotel. It was pretty inexpensive considering the rate included breakfast and dinner. However the food was bad and the A/C was awful. The rooms were clean, staff was nice and it was really close to the park so it was OK for one night. If we were to go back in the summer again, we'd probably find a place with an A/C that worked.
Remember to bring your camera! This place is a photographer's dream.
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Go before sunset because this was one of the most gorgeous sunset views I've ever seen. Hike up to the ruins of Hieraoplis and make sure to go to the top of the theater because the 360 degree view is breathtaking. We went as the sun was starting to set and the ruins and plains were a mix of colors - golds, pinks and purples. As the sun starts to descend, go back to the pools take a seat and enjoy Mother Nature at her best.
Pamukkale is located in the Denizli province. It's about a 3 hr. drive from the Ephesus and about 5 hrs. away from Kas. The town of Pamukkale is nothing to write home about - very kitschy, full of family friendly motel-like accommodations. You come here for the natural beauty of the travertine mountain and ruins of Hieropolis. Give yourself at least a half day to spend at the park.
We stayed at the Apayam Hotel. It was pretty inexpensive considering the rate included breakfast and dinner. However the food was bad and the A/C was awful. The rooms were clean, staff was nice and it was really close to the park so it was OK for one night. If we were to go back in the summer again, we'd probably find a place with an A/C that worked.
Remember to bring your camera! This place is a photographer's dream.
Back to Turkey Main Page
Photo by Eva Barbier
