How to spend one day in Pamukkale.

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Pamukkale seems overly touristy and somewhat artificial. It is, but it is also worth visiting. 

There are three gates to enter: South Gate (The Upper Entrance); North Gate (The Historical Entrance); and the Town/Village Gate (The Lower Entrance). 

1. Among these three gates, we would suggest skipping the North Gate located at the far end of the archaeological site. It is a long walk on foot to reach the main travertine terraces. 

2. The South Gate is the most popular and heavily trafficked, as it accommodates tour buses. It starts near the top of the ruins and works its way down through the terraces. To get a parking lot, you need to arrive early, before breakfast. 

3.  The Town Gate is located directly at the bottom of the mountain, within walking distance of Pamukkale village. This is a pedestrian-only entrance that deposits you right at the base of the white calcium pools. It opens later than the South Gate. Entering here means you'll be walking uphill. 

If you plan to park at the South Gate, the most convenient entrance, arrive early. The parking lot fills up quickly because it is the primary drop-off point for tour buses. The travertine pools are artificially filled with water after 8:00 a.m., so when you first arrive, many of them will still be dry. For this reason, we recommend visiting Hierapolis first. Hierapolis contains extensive Greco-Roman ruins, including ancient baths, temple remains, a monumental arch, a nymphaeum, a vast necropolis, and a remarkably well-preserved theater. The theater alone is worth the visit.

By the time you finish visiting Hierapolis, the travertine pools will be filled with water and, inevitably, with tourists as well. Even so, there are enough pools spread across the hillside that it is still possible to find quieter spots and take photos with only the terraces in the background.

Entrance tip: We entered Pamukkale through the South Gate, but if we were to do it again, we would choose the entrance from the town. This option allows you to leave your car at your hotel and walk to the site, which can be more convenient since parking in town is limited. The gates do not open until water begins flowing into the travertine pools, so there is usually enough time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading over. The walk from the town entrance is uphill, but you can take breaks at the lower pools, which tend to be less crowded than those near the top. Once you reach the summit, you can continue directly into Hierapolis and spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient city.

We came to Pamukkale for its magnificent white travertine terraces, but we were even more impressed by the ruins of Hierapolis. One of the best reasons to visit Pamukkale is the ancient city of Hierapolis. Many visitors are surprised by the size of the site and how well preserved it remains. Walking through its ancient streets, baths, and monumental gates adds a rich historical dimension to the experience, making Pamukkale far more than just a scenic photo stop. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, Hierapolis became a renowned center for healing and wellness, attracting visitors to its thermal springs. The city was also known for its thriving wool industry and the Plutonium, a sacred cave filled with toxic gases that ancient people believed was an entrance to the underworld. Exploring the archaeological site took us about two hours.

After our visit, we had lunch in town and then drove to Izmir. We only had a few hours there, but it was enough time to enjoy a stroll through the city. Popular attractions include Konak Square, a walk along the Kordon, and a visit to the historic Kemeraltı Bazaar.

Good to Know 

• You must remove all footwear, including water shoes and sandals, before stepping onto the white travertine terraces. This rule helps protect the delicate limestone formations.

• Bring a waterproof bag or backpack to carry your shoes, along with a small towel and swimwear if you plan to enter the thermal pools.

• The bright white limestone reflects sunlight intensely, almost like a giant mirror. High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses are highly recommended, especially during the warmer months.

• Parking at the Pamukkale South Gate typically costs between 120 TRY and 200 TRY, depending on the type and size of the vehicle.

The most famous scam and how to avoid it.

At the Pamukkale ticket offices, some cashiers may try to sell visitors a more expensive bundled ticket that includes an audio guide. Before paying, check the current exchange rate and confirm the correct price of the standard admission ticket (€30) in Turkish lira. When using a credit card, verify the amount displayed on the payment terminal before completing the transaction.

If the amount corresponds to the higher-priced bundle (around €40), politely but firmly explain that you only want the standard admission ticket. In many cases, the cashier will either correct the transaction or explain that they selected the bundled option. If necessary, repeat that you only want the basic entrance ticket and decline any add-ons you do not wish to purchase.

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