Tourism in Pamukkale City

Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle," is located in the northern part of Denizli, southwest of Turkey, about 19 km from the city center. It is considered one of Turkey's most beautiful tourist destinations, particularly for its stunning natural beauty. 

Pamukkale is named for its extraordinary rock formations, which are arranged in white waves resembling cotton-like snow at first glance. These formations cradle the hot spring waters within them, but in reality, they are pools of calcite stone that form relaxing terraces from the flowing hot springs.

Features of Pamukkale

Tourists from around the world visit Pamukkale to enjoy its natural landscapes, which offer a space for relaxation and tranquility. Here are the main highlights of the area:

Natural Healing Springs

Pamukkale is famous for health tourism, with its hot water pool in the ancient city of Hierapolis and its terraced hot springs used for healing. Pamukkale's springs, located about 18 km from Denizli city center, are called the "White Paradise" due to the white limestone deposits. 

There are also the hot springs of Karahayit, which have been used for healing for thousands of years. Magnificent baths were built here for therapeutic purposes, making Hierapolis a significant medical center in the past. These features have been harnessed to create health resorts for patients from across Anatolia.

Ancient City of Hierapolis

Located 18 km north of Denizli, within the limestone area of Pamukkale, Hierapolis is considered sacred by Christians due to its religious landmarks and temples. 

It was founded by Eumenes II, the ruler of Pergamum, the Christian kingdom, in the early 2nd century BC. 

Its splendid buildings include a theater known for its unique mythological carvings, a semi-circular seating area, a gymnasium, an observation terrace, and remarkable limestone formations. There is also the Church of St. 

Philip the Apostle and a museum displaying artifacts from this deeply historical site.

Camlik Park

Camlik Park is located about 3 km from Denizli's city center in Pamukkale. It features 3 km of walking and jogging paths, ponds, a zoo, exercise areas, and picnic spots. The plant cover includes Calabria pines, false acacia, and Mediterranean cypress trees.

Sir Tepsi

This is the largest urban forest in Turkey, featuring a famous large statue of a rooster, which holds a Guinness World Record as the largest rooster figure in the world, standing 27 meters tall and weighing 26 tons. 

In this enchanting forest of Pamukkale, you'll find cafes, restaurants, picnic areas, zip-lining trails, mountain toboggan paths, playgrounds for children, and a 35-meter-tall waterfall.

Denizli Ataturk House and Ethnography Museum

This building houses an old residence displaying the belongings of the Turkish leader Kemal Ataturk. The museum on the ground floor exhibits ethnographic artifacts, while the upper floor has two rooms showcasing Ataturk's items. 

Other rooms are designed as a traditional home reflecting the common style in Pamukkale and Denizli.

Lavender Gardens in Gozler, Pamukkale

In these gardens, you can find natural and local products such as thyme honey, fresh thyme, soaps, perfumes, and other beauty products made from local lavender.

Halici Ahmet Urkay Museum

Named after a Turkish businessman who funded the museum, it displays a collection of 2,000 ethnographic and geological artifacts, as well as ancient coins and manuscripts. 

The museum focuses on showcasing the artifacts of Pamukkale and Karahayit in particular, highlighting the development of local civilization.

Pamukkale Natural Park

Pamukkale Natural Park is located at the entrance of the city. It is home to a delightful variety of fish and geese, adding to the picturesque scene. 

With its green spaces, a cafeteria, and a limestone pool fed by thermal waters, this park enhances the beauty of Pamukkale.

Pamukkale Waterfalls

These waterfalls form the ancient pool, also known as Cleopatra's Pool, dating back to the 2nd century BC. 

The stunning waterfalls are located in Pamukkale, about 18 km from Denizli city center, adjacent to the limestone in the ancient city of Hierapolis. 

This pool is fed by thermal waters that maintain a temperature of 36°C throughout the year. It is said that the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra visited the place and bathed in the pool. This tale adds another layer of historical allure to the beautiful site.

Hotels and Resorts in Pamukkale

Pamukkale is home to many hotels and resorts worth experiencing. Here are some of the hotels in Pamukkale:

Dolphin Yunus Hotel

The Dolphin Hotel is strategically located in the center of Pamukkale and is known for its excellent service and friendly staff.

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Pamukkale Thermal

This resort offers excellent service, clean rooms, and delicious food.

White Heaven Hotel Pamukkale

White Heaven is one of the finest hotels in Pamukkale, known for its excellent service and friendly staff. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the food is delicious.

Anya Resort Hotel

Anya is a five-star resort known for its excellent service, cleanliness, and delicious food. It provides all the luxury services and has a gift shop featuring authentic Turkish souvenirs.

Grand Atlas Hotel

This hotel is an ideal choice for budget travelers, offering reasonable prices and good service.

Venus Hotel

This is a good hotel, particularly known for its excellent location, close to Pamukkale’s waterfalls and limestone formations. The hotel also organizes regular trips to the historic site.

Hotel Pamukkale

This is a three-star hotel in Pamukkale, making it very affordable for those who prefer staying in a smaller hotel equipped with many comfortable amenities, including a swimming pool.