Visiting Pamukkale

Many people would make their way here to see the natural thermal pools and white limestones here and I guess a half-day tour here is possible if you’re just looking to see what they call Pamukkale’s cotton castle (Travertines and many Hieropolis).

Getting there

My journey began from Denizli, where most intercity buses would stop at, and from there I took a shuttle bus into Pamukkale. This was a budget-friendly way to get there, costing TRY14/way, compared to a taxi. Go down to the bus bay and look for Peron 76, where a white van shuttle bus will be waiting for passengers. If you’re not too sure, just ask anyone and they will point you to the right direction.

Note: Tell the driver the name of your hotel/area you would like to go and they will drop you closest to the place. Do ask them where they will pick you up again and the rough timing.

I did end up booking a room for a night and decided to check out the main attraction early next morning. So early the next day, I made my way up to the main entrance and wow it was just a handful of us enjoying the Traventis by ourselves. The water was pretty cold, but the moment the sun came up it began to warm up. It is possible to walk back down to town from the Travertines (side gate) so I would suggest not walking down all the way just yet.

Once you’ve had enough soaking of your feet, do head back up to explore other areas of the Hieropolis (temples, theater, Cleopatra antique pools) which could take a couple of hours to cover.
By now, the Travertis should be bustling with many people so you might have to squeeze your way down and check out the Piknik Alani (park) where you will see MANY ducks.

So yes, I do think it is possible to see Pamukkale in a day.
Other things to do: hot air balloon

x,

Chey