Travel experts aren’t lying when they say Turkey is an all-season tourist hub. No matter what season, there are always beautiful places to visit and enjoy a unique travel experience. When it comes to summer travel destinations in Turkey, the name Pamukkale often pops up, and for good reason too. Pamukkale is known as the “Cotton Castle” of Turkey and is a truly impressive natural marvel.
Located in Turkey’s Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley, the natural location of the amazingly well-preserved ruins of the Greek-Roman town of Hierapolis, the stunning white travertine terraces, and the clear pools add to the beauty and splendor of visiting Pamukkale in summer.
‘Pamukkale-Hierapolis’ has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique fusion of man-made and natural wonders. It’s also the most popular destination in Turkey, attracting over 2 million visitors a year. When visiting Pamukkale in the summer, you can cool yourself in magnificent pools filled with warm, mineral-rich water and swim around lovely ancient columns. With so much to do and many sites to visit, an insightful guide about what to do when visiting Pamukkale can come in handy.
Tourist Activities To Do When Visiting Pamukkale in Summer
Pamukkale is definitely one of the top summer destinations to visit in Turkey. Not only is the site naturally gifted with a unique landscape, but it also has incredible hotels and resorts nearby, making it an unmissable spot to visit. Here are the best places to visit and things to try out when visiting Pamukkale during the summer:
1. Soak in the Travertine Pools
The travertine pools are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pamukkale. They are open every day and provide breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. People have traveled to this location for thousands of years to bathe in the thermal pools. Which range in temperature from 35 to 100 degrees Celsius. Today, tourists can stroll over the terraces barefoot, but most of the travertine terrace pools are off-limits to visitors in order to protect this natural wonder. At the base of the travertine slope, tourists can relax in the small park adorned by two small ponds.
2. Go Sightseeing at the Ancient Site of Hierapolis
Hierapolis is located near the oldest travertine pools, which makes for an incredible tourist destination. Many of the buildings in this area are about 2200 years old and are still intact, each with a unique story to tell. The Hierapolis remains are an ancient gem, while the travertine pools are a natural wonder. This site is a treat for all history lovers, allowing them a chance to explore the magnificent Phoebus Apollo Temple, Theater, Byzantine Gate, Frontline Gate, Antique Pool, Necropolis, and numerous tombs, sarcophagi, and monuments.
3. Swim in the Cleopatra Pools
You will reach the “Cleopatra Pools” when you travel beyond the travertine pools and reach the top of the site of Pamukkale. It is believed that Cleopatra used to swim here as part of her daily beauty routine because the water is rich in minerals. The Cleopatra Pools are preferable to the travertine if you’re in the mood for a swim rather than just relaxing in a thermal pool. The enormous, mineral-rich swimming pool is filled with shady spots where visitors can sit and take in the scenic spot. Swimming in the Cleopatra Pools is definitely a must-try activity when you visit Pamukkale.
4. Enjoy Panoramic Views of the Site by Paragliding
Exploring Pamukkale is an exciting thing on its own, but if you add exploring it from a great height. You’re bound to catch some breathtaking views with a bit of thrill. For tourists who enjoy a bit of adventure when traveling, trying paragliding from the top to see the sites of Pamukkale is a must. The moderate weather and ideal wind conditions make paragliding a safe way to explore the landscape from above. Depending on the weather, paragliding over Pamukkale is possible every day, and is a very popular tourist activity among travelers.
5. Visit the Hierapolis Museum
This small but superb Hierapolis museum is built inside the ancient city’s former Roman bathhouse. It’s located in front of the antique pool complex and is just beyond the major entry to the site that climbs up from the travertine road.
The exhibitions here highlight some of the exquisite artistic talent and rich cultural legacy of this formerly rich city, bringing the ancient city to life for visitors. A variety of artifacts from the location are on display here at the museum’s three chambers. Including stunning and detailed stone reliefs, sarcophagi, and sculptures. Outside, in the garden, are other steles, column capitals, tombs, and inscribed stone relics.
6. Explore the Ancient Amphitheatre
Exploring the ancient amphitheater is a must-try activity when visiting the Aegean region in Turkey. The sheer enormity of this ancient amphitheater, which is a part of the Hierapolis ruins, is simply remarkable. The amphitheater was built in the second century AD under the Roman Emperor Hadrian, which makes the site one of the oldest standing structures in the world. It’s also one of the steepest amphitheaters in the entire world. Despite its age, it has been exceptionally well preserved and is definitely worth a visit.
7. Unwind in the Karahayit Hot Springs
Only five kilometers from Pamukkale, these bubbling mineral-rich hot springs (with temperatures as high as 55 degrees Celsius) rise up from the chalk-coated rocks. The calcium carbonate of the springs has been colored with a range of hues because of the presence of various oxides in the water.
There is a tiny swimming pool beneath the springs where you can soak for as long as you like. This is an excellent location to relax your tired traveling muscles and take an hour or two off from driving. In contrast to Pamukkale’s historic pool, Karahayit receives only a few visitors because it isn’t exactly on the major tour bus itineraries but is very well-liked by local travelers.
8. Catch the Scenic Views From the Denizli Cable Car
On their journey to Pamukkale, everyone passes through Denizli, but a few choose to stay. The capital of the province is this utterly contemporary town, which developed into a thriving metropolis in the fourteenth century. The town was described as a fine economic hub with seven mosques. Baths, and bazaars by the famous medieval Arab traveler Ibn Battuta.
The Denizli Teleferik, a cable car that ascends to a mountain peak 1,500 meters high, is located on the outskirts of the city. Catching the views from the top, which span the entire plain and extend beyond to Pamukkale, makes the journey worthwhile.
Spending a Perfect Summer Trip in Pamukkale
It’s not just the sites that make Pamukkale an ideal summer destination. It’s the location’s perfect weather, variety of tourist attractions, and accommodations choices that make the site so popular among tourists. To enjoy a carefree time in Pamukkale, book our Pamukkale tour packages. From safe accommodations to guided tours. iLinkTurkey is here to make sure you have a great time visiting this beautiful location.
