Look out, World, because there are more places to get that Icelandic thermal springs experience! One of these places is Pamukkale. This otherworldly landscape and the therapeutic properties of its thermal springs draw visitors from near and far in search of something different. Built in the 2nd century BC, Pamukkale became a centre for healing, with its baths and pools attracting visitors across the Roman Empire.
It’s a testament to the ages of wellness that have intrigued humans for decades. However, it’s also a testament to our drive as humans to feel good in our skins, and this desire has transcended through the ages. This article returns to the ancient thermal springs, Pamukkale, Turkey.
About the Thermal Springs, Pamukkale, Turkey
In Turkish, the word Pamukkale translates to ‘cotton castle’. This striking landscape also houses Hierapolis, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Interestingly, this ancient city of Hierapolis served as a grand Greco-Roman spa town. To this day, Pamukkale is famous for its gleaming white travertine terraces, which are formed by accumulated calcium carbonate deposits from hot spring waters.
It’s truly a site to behold, and the fact that millions of tourists do not swarm here is a miracle. The thermal springs, Pamukkale, Turkey, are a hidden gem still to be discovered. From walking barefoot from one pool to the next, relaxing in the thermal baths to taking in the otherworldly landscape in during sunset, Pamukkale is sure to captivate your heart.
Don’t expect to see these pools during the summer, as they are prone to dry up. However, the Landscape is something to behold, even with the pools all dried up. To avoid major crowds, you can head to the South entrance as early as 6:30 am! There are three entrances: Noth, South, and the Town’s. The North and Town’s entrances open at 8 am.
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Hierapolis behind the Thermal Springs, Pamukkale, Turkey
Visiting Hierapolis a few hours before heading to the thermal springs will prove to be a great idea. Then, most of the exploring is done, and only relaxation is to come. You can rest your weary bones in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal springs, Pamukkale, Turkey. The city’s name, Hierapolis, translates to ‘holy city’ and stretches for about 2.7 kilometres. The city is so large that it can even be seen from the city of Denizli, which is 20 kilometres from this World UNESCO Heritage Site.
This means that the site has been afforded more protection for it to retain its beauty and splendour for generations to come to also bear witness to its magnificence. Give yourself at least a few hours to explore the ancient city since there is so much to explore here. You’ll come across the museum, ancient theatre, main streets, and many other Roman ruins. You can also spend some time at the Cleopatra pools. These light, ocean-blue pools were artificially created, but the water does cover ancient columns that fell from the city during an earthquake. Yes, you can swim here, and how cool would it be to swim, literally, through the remnants of history?
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The Thermal Springs Pamukkale, Tukey, To Swim In
Fifteen of the thermal pools in Pamukkale are accessible for swimming. However, when walking around the landscape, you could dip your feet into the pools, but just be sure to do this barefoot to avoid damaging the limestone. It is recommended to visit the pools approximately two hours before sunset, as this allows you to enjoy the beauty of these pools without encountering a massive crowd of people. You’ll also witness some of the most amazing sunsets this way. It is truly spectacular to see as the golden light bounces off the mirror-like thermal springs, Pamukkale, Turkey.
One of the pools you can swim in is Cleopatra’s pool, rumored to have been gifted to her by Mark Anthony. Be sure to bring your towels as there are no towel providers at the thermal springs, Pamukkale, Turkey. Not only can you lounge in these thermal pools, but you can also fill your water bottle with carbonated, mineral-rich water at the designated water stations. Mineral-infused water is so good for us, as it rehydrates us more effectively than water.
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The Kaklik Cave near the Thermal Springs, Pamukkale, Turkey
If you think the thermal springs, Pumukkale, Turkey, is a hidden gem, then the Kaklik Cave is buried even deeper beneath the surface of relatively unknown sites yet to be swarmed with tourists. The Kaklik Cave is about a 40-minute drive from the town of Pamukkale and can easily be reached by car. The cave is not well-known at all. Perfect! Chances are you’ll probably be visiting the cave alone; that’s how unknown it is! When you descend into the cave, you’ll encounter spectacular underground limestone formations with a cotton-like appearance. The limestone formations have cascading waterfalls that make it come alive.
Kaklik Cave was formed about 2.5 million years ago and has a maximum depth of 14 metres. When you visit, be sure to remove your shoes since the waterfalls spill over the walkway. Continue to explore Turkey’s magnificent natural wonders with the Kaklik Cave, and feel the ancient remedies start to take effect!
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If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about Bozcaada Island and exploring Turkey’s unsung paradise!
Thermal Springs, Pamukkale, Turkey
There is no other place in the world where you can experience swimming amongst not only ancient ruins but also the legends of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony being washed over you. It’s a place unlike any other on this planet. Because it is Turkey, you can expect to see handfuls of hot air balloons passing overhead as you stroll through the mineral-rich waters of Pamukkale.
It’s magical to spend some time here, and if you want to dedicate an entire holiday to visiting the thermal springs, Pamukkale, Turkey, you could. Feel your inner transform as the minerals enhance your well-being from the inside out. It’s a wellness junky’s paradise, one still unclaimed by busloads of tourists.
