The White Paradise of Turkey
Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is one of Turkey's most extraordinary natural wonders. Located in Denizli province in southwestern Turkey, its cascading white travertine terraces are formed by mineral-rich thermal waters that have flowed down the hillside for thousands of years. Together with the ancient city of Hierapolis that sits atop the plateau, the site has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
The dazzling white terraces are formed by calcium carbonate deposited by mineral-rich thermal springs as they cascade down the hillside, creating natural pools and formations that appear almost otherworldly — especially at sunrise and sunset.
Founded in the 2nd century BC, Hierapolis was an ancient thermal spa city built on top of the travertines. Today visitors can explore its well-preserved theatre, necropolis and city gate, and swim in Cleopatra's Antique Pool among submerged Roman columns in thermal water.
Bring swimwear if you plan to enter the thermal pools. Walk barefoot on the travertine terraces to help protect the formations, as required by park rules. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and midday heat, and allow at least half a day to explore both the travertines and Hierapolis.
Browse our daily tours and balloon flights over Pamukkale.
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