The Best Things to do in Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale (cotton castle) is one of Turkey’s top attractions and it’s easy to see why. The travertine terraces are absolutely stunning, and it’s 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 hot pools visit 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 Pammukale 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 of 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 out on 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 Hierapolis, the ancient city, then swam in the antique pool, and saw the travertines around sunset. (More on the pool and ancient city soon).

There is also a path that you’re allowed to walk up and this offered a different perspective of the travertines. We were glad we returned a second time, midday this time, 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.

There are parts that 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 and also has lovely views from its position on the hill.

For a separate entry fee, you can swim at the antique pool. You do have to pay the main entry fee as well. The antique pool was a similar price, around 100tl, and cheaper for kids.

The coolest thing about this pool 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 besides the entrance to Pamukkale. It’s nice for a stroll around before or after you explore the travertines and ruins.

Ride a pedalo or just 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 while you are 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 to Pamukkale town – the area with the travertines, and the area with the thermal resorts, about a 10-minute drive away. Both parts have plenty of restaurants and amenities.

We went to Pam thermal resort, a 5-start 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 Mağarası ve Yüzme Havuzu cave

If you have your own transport, Kaklık Mağarası ve Yüzme Havuzu cave is a lovely, family-friendly place to visit, about 40 minutes 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.

It’s possible there are more facilities there in the summer as we saw an empty outdoor swimming pool.

Things to do in Pamukkale | related reading

We hope you now have some great ideas for your itinerary for things to do in Pamukkale. Stay tuned for more posts on things to do in other parts of Turkey. We have short-term residency here until October 2022 and will add more posts soon.

For other nearby destinations, you can check out things to do in Bansko, Bulgaria, Podgorica or Petrovac, Montenegro, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, and Serbia.