Pamukkale Itinerary: 1-day Self-Guided Tour

One of the main reasons I headed to Turkey was to visit Pamukkale, a small town renowned for its mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down gleaming white calcite travertines. Seeing it on Instagram, I couldn’t believe such a stunning and historic attraction still exists today. When I finally saw it in person, it exceeded all my expectations. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, be sure to include this incredible site in your Pamukkale itinerary.

This post is part of my 11-day Adventure in Turkey. Please check out my Turkey Itinerary for First Time Visitors if you are planning your own trip.

About Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale is famous for its stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. This natural wonder creates a surreal landscape of gleaming calcite pools. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale offers breathtaking views and access to the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

The ancient spa city of Hierapolis was founded in the 2nd century B.C. by the Attalid Kings of the Hellenistic dynasty. It offered visitors access to the warm, mineral-rich waters cascading down Pamukkale’s stunning travertine terraces. This city, part of the Pergamon kingdom in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), thrived as people flocked here seeking cures for various ailments. Hierapolis’ rich history and therapeutic waters make it a key highlight in any Pamukkale itinerary.

Where to Stay in Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a small town, so any accommodation near the travertines is ideal. For our short stay in Pamukkale, my friend and I chose Melrose Viewpoint Suites, conveniently located right in town near the travertines. With its prime location, it offered easy access to the stunning terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Pamukkale Itinerary: The Exact Route We Took

Our second day started early, but I didn’t mind because visiting the travertines early meant we could avoid the crowds of day-trippers. After enjoying a delicious and filling breakfast at our hotel’s cafeteria, we asked the receptionist for directions to the travertines. To our surprise, our hotel was only a 10-minute walk from the base of the travertines!

We walked from the village, watching as the stunning travertines grew closer and more impressive. Upon reaching the entrance, we purchased admission tickets for 35 lira per person, which granted us access to both the Pamukkale travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis. 

Footpath Leading to the Travertines

Since UNESCO declared Pamukkale-Hierapolis a World Heritage Site, strict protective measures have been implemented to prevent further damage and erosion. At the start of the footpath leading to the travertines, all visitors must remove their shoes, and tourists are only allowed to walk on designated sections. Fortunately, we had much of the lower travertines to ourselves, allowing us to explore freely without many other visitors around. Staying overnight in the village, rather than opting for a day tour, was one of the best decisions we made.

Swimming in Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Over the next two hours, my friend and I wandered up and down the travertines, enjoying a foot spa and, of course, plenty of photo ops. Though a few tourists took quick soaks, we decided against it since it was still chilly, even though it was almost spring—it felt more like winter! We were fortunate that most of the travertines weren’t dry, and we were able to admire the most beautiful section, filled with powdery blue water, that’s off-limits to tourists. It was magical, and I couldn’t hold back the tears of happiness. Definitely the highlight of this Pamukkale itinerary!

The off-limits section of Pamukkale Travertines

This is a protected area to preserve its natural beauty and prevent further damage caused by mass tourism. Years ago, unrestricted access to the entire site led to degradation of the white terraces. To restore and conserve this UNESCO World Heritage site, certain sections of the travertines were closed off, while others were designated as walking paths. On our visit, we saw a few tourists who didn’t follow this rule—I wasn’t sure if they simply didn’t understand the signs, but I hope the regulations are reinforced more. While you can’t explore all of the terraces, this conservation effort ensures Pamukkale remains a highlight in any Pamukkale itinerary.

Soaking in Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool

At the top of Pamukkale travertines, just before the entry to Hierapolis, we found Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool. Part of the ancient Hierapolis city complex, Cleopatra’s Pool have been used as a healing spa from as early as 2nd century B.C. What’s interesting about this pool is the remains of the marble columns from the nearby Temple of Apollo which fell into the pool during a massive earthquake in 7th century A.D.

Today, the columns were still in the pool, which is pretty amazing, no? There is no doubt travel enthusiasts and history buffs are attracted to this place. According to some online sites, this artificially sculpted pool was a gift to Cleopatra from Marc Anthony. However, there is no historical evidence if Cleopatra ever visited Hierapolis.

Walking around the Ancient City of Hierapolis

I was surprised to see Hierapolis without the hordes of tourists. There aren’t many tourist guides either. My friend and I enjoyed walking up hill to see the ruins near Cleopatra’s Antique Pool. Much of Hierapolis were in ruins but “The Theater” survived and still looked magnificent. It is without a doubt one of the finest remnants of the Roman Empire.

Aside from the beautiful historical ruins, Hierapolis is said to be where you will find the “Gates of Hell.” Ancient people believed that the Greco-Roman temple known as “Plutonium” was the passageway to the underworld. We weren’t able to visit it though because we were pressed for time. 

Things to remember before you visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis

1. Carry an eco bag to put your shoes in.
2. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to soak in the travertines and Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool.
3. Wear a sunscreen, always.
4. Bring snacks and water as food in the travertines are expensive, at least by Filipino standard.
5. Stay overnight to avoid the bus-loads of day-trippers. Make sure to go to the travertines early or later in the afternoon.
6. If you have time, stay for sunset as the view from the travertines are amazing.
7. Read about the history of Pamukkale and Hierapolis before your visit.