4 Interesting Facts About the Pamukkale Hot Springs in Turkey: A Site to Behold

Visiting the Pamukkale Hot Springs in Turkey can make anyone believe that fairy tales are real. The blend of weirdness and beauty of this place makes it an amazing and popular tourist destination. It is not only one of the top tourist attractions but also among the most visited places in Turkey.

One thing about the masses is that they happen for a reason. So, if a huge number of people come from all over the world to see the Pamukkale hot springs in Turkey, they must be worth these visits. Here’s a guide on what to expect and much more about this top tourist destination in Turkey.

1. About The Pamukkale Hot Springs In Turkey

The city of Pamukkale is situated in the River Menderes valley that’s in Denizli Provence, southwestern Turkey. Its hot springs are in the country’s Inner Aegean Region, about 200 km from Fethiye and 575 km from Istanbul.

It has proven to be an excellent hideout during the cold seasons thanks to its temperate climate for the better part of the year. It is also known for its travertines, which are flowing water remnants that leave behind carbonate terraces.

Did you know that Pamukkale hot springs have up to 17 thermal springs? They have different temperatures ranging from 95 degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to 35 degrees Celsius, to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to 100 degrees Celsius.

That should tell you that some of the thermal baths are too hot and thus unsuitable for swimming. Others are even too hot to get close to for obvious reasons.

2. How Can You Get To Pamukkale Hot Springs?

It turns out there are various ways of getting to the Pamukkale thermal bath. It has proven to be easier if you are coming from larger cities such as Antalya, Cappadocia, and Istanbul. Your options include the following;

• Bus: This transport mode is common and affordable when traveling in Turkey. The bus terminal is in Denizli, and once there, a taxi or shuttle will take you to Pamukkale.
• Rental Car: Instead of opting for a bus, you can drive yourself by renting a car. Rental cars are readily available in most cities in Turkey. It is also convenient since you can stop at any scenic place you deem fit.
• Flight: The closest airport to the thermal pools is the Denizli Cardak Airport. Once there, take a shuttle or taxi to Pamukkale.
• Organized tour: Besides being popular, it has also proven to be a convenient way of traveling to Pamukkale. You can opt for a day trip or a tour of several days from Antalya, Istanbul, and other major cities in Turkey.

3. When Should You Visit The Pamukkale Hot Springs?

Whereas the hot springs are accessible throughout the year, the experience gets better if you visit them during the following periods.

3.1 Winter

Although most people don’t visit these hot springs during winter, rest assured that it will be a good idea to visit them regardless. Remember to layer adequately due to the icy wind during winter.

For instance, the temperatures often reach 0 degrees Celsius, and rain is unpredictable. That means a breathtaking snowscape is a possibility if it snows. Equally important, winter days can be mildly sunny.

3.2 Summer Months

The months range from June to September, and that’s a busy period in Pamukkale. After all, other tourists are visiting its beach resorts thanks to the suitable weather at the juncture.

Temperatures are usually 40 degrees Celsius, and this can get even hotter in July and August. Therefore, be generous when using sunscreen, drink a lot of water, and wear a hat. Remember that the Pamukkale travertines lack shade. Don’t let the trees near the Antique Pool fool you into believing that you can escape the scorching sun.

The crowds can be huge during this period; hence, it is advisable to visit during the morning hours before it becomes too crowded to enjoy.

3.3 Shoulder Months

You can visit the Pamukkale hot springs either between May and June or September and October. The best month to visit the thermal pools during the spring season is May. The reason why most people opt to visit during summer is due to the unpredictable rain during spring. Another good thing about the shoulder months is you need not worry about crowds.

4. Pamukkale Hot Springs Opening Hours and Ticket Fees

If you consider swimming in the Pamukkale hot springs, ensure that you visit during open hours and carry the necessary ticket fee. The information regarding this is as follows;

4.1 Opening Hours

Suppose you visit during the summer months. The Pamukkale Thermal pools opening hours are 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from the south gate. On the other hand, the opening time during winter isn’t as consistent due to the unpredictable weather.

4.2 Ticket Fees

Upon buying the Pamukkale hot springs, you can access the Ancient City of Hierapolis. The entrance is a fixed amount for children above six years and adults. The parking ticket fee is nominal.

Alternatively, you can go for the All Turkish Museum Pass, which costs additional. In case you are wondering, it is worth it since, besides accessing Pamukkale, you can also use it to enter up to 300 archaeological sites and museums in the country. You also don’t need to queue at the entrance line.

The three entry points to Pamukkale are as follows;

• South entrance
• North entrance
• The town centre entrance

None of these entry points don’t have ticket offices, and the best among them is the south entrance. However, be aware of the fact that you can only use your ticket to enter once. Therefore, upon stepping out of the thermal pools, the ticket you used to enter the first time can’t be used to enter a second time. That’s despite the ticket being valid for an entire day.

Conclusion

Well, if the Pamukkale hot springs can turn an ugly girl into the beauty that wins the heart of the lord of Denizli, it is a place worth viewing.

There is also its famous healing properties. According to Turks, illnesses concerning the skin, eye, circulatory, and digestive systems can go away upon bathing in the thermal pools. From chronic to nutritional disorders, this spa resort is believed to take them away.

The historical sites and ruins are also worth viewing since they are mesmerizing. The city of Hierapolis, amphitheater, hot air balloon rides, and the museum of Hierapolis make Pamukkale worth visiting.