Pamukkale is one of the most famous destinations in Turkey. The views of the travertine pools are the most common you'll see when you do a quick online search of the place. I included Pamukkale in my itinerary and was eager to experience all that it had to offer.
This guide helps you plan your trip.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a famous destination in Turkey because of the cotton castle and travertine pools. The pictures of overflowing pools with people dipping into them are scattered all over the Internet. The pools and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis are UNESCO-listed sites. The thermal springs have been used for centuries. For me the highlight of my trip to Pamukkale was Hierapolis. I like ancient ruins because of the history (and mystery) surrounding them. The ruins are perched above the travetine pools and show the affluence and taste of the upper classes who lived during the days of antiquity.
Getting a Visa
Getting a tourist visa is straightforward. I applied for a visa in Turkey's embassy in Metro Manila. I submitted my documents and set an appointment. You can get an e-visa, if you meet the requirements.
Here's a complete guide: how to get a Turkey tourist visa for Filipinos
Things to Do and Places to See
These are some of the places you might want to see when planning your budget and itinerary for Pamukkale.
Cotton Castle and PoolsThe traverting pools are the main attraction of Pamukkale. The white, cotton-like landscape is quite pretty. However, I was disappointed at the sparseness of the water in the pools. There wasn't much water to be honest. It might just be the season (I went during the winter), but I've heard from others the pools don't fill up as much anymore regardless of the season. I still enjoyed my trip. It was nice to walk up the rock formations and dip my feet into the cool and warm waters. You'll have to carry your shoes (or any footwear) as you walk on the surface of the pools. You can walk barefoot or with socks on, it's up to you.
HierapolisThe highlight of my trip to Pamukkale was Hierapolis. Exploring the area of the ancient ruins was worth the hike up the travertine pools. The ruins are scattered in different parts of the complex. You can walk but it will take some time to cover ground. You can ride the carts that go to and from the museum and thermal pool but you have to pay extra for it. The best part of Hierapolis for me was the theater. It was beautiful. You'll see a lot of ancient artifacts as you explore the area. The pools and Hierapolis are UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
Entrance fee: 110 lira for the pools, cotton castle and Hierapolis
***COVID REQUIREMENTS: I wore a mask in indoor spaces, and during bus and shuttle rides. I was rarely asked for my Covid certificate but I brought it with me everywhere I went anyway. You can check this link for updates: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-tr/announcements/coronavirus-outbreak/turkey-travel-rules/Getting around Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a small town. You can walk everywhere during your stay here. The main bus station is small with a few agencies, shops and restaurants around it. I just walked to the travertine pools and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis from my accommodation in town. You can rent a car to other destinations, if you have the budget for it. There are regular mini vans going to and from Denizli, the biggest and nearest city to Pamukkale.
Where to Stay in Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a small town but it has a number of good value accommodations for all types of travelers. I stayed in Bellamaritimo Hotel during my visit. The room came with free breakfast (the food was good enough for two to be honest).
Here are accommodation options for your trip:
Bellamaritimo Hotel: Rates and Availability
Pamukkale Melrose Viewpoint Suites: Rates and Availability
Venus Hotel: Rates and Availability
Hotel Sahin: Rates and Availability
Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel: Rates and Availability
Venus Suite Hotel: Rates and Availability
Alida Hotel: Rates and Availability
You can look for more options in Agoda:
How to Get to Pamukkale
By AirThe closest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli. The airport is around one hour away from the ity itself. Pegasus and Turkish Airlines have regular flights to Denizli. After arriving at the airport, you can arrange a shuttle to take you to Denizli or the bus station; fare is roughly 25 lira. From the bus station, you can get on a van that goes to Pamukkale; fare is 7 lira.
By LandYou can also go directly to Denizli bus station from Istanbul and other cities. I took the ovenright bus from Istanbul so that I would have one full day in Pamukkale as soon as I arrived. From Denizli bus station, go to the level where vans bound for Pamukkale wait for passengers. Fare for the van ride is 7 lira.
You can check bus schedules here: https://www.metroturizm.com.tr/en/
You can find other bus operators once you are in the station. You have plenty of choices other than Metro Turizm. You can also book a ticket to Selcuk, Izmir or other places you want to visit.
Budget for Pamukkale
Pamukkale is an affordable destination. I only spent one full day here and that for me is enough to see the pools and the ancient ruins. You can stretch it to another day or so when you want to go at a very relaxed pace.
Here's a list of expenses that can help you plan your budget and itinerary for Pamukkale.
Everything's in kuna:
240 - 1 night in Bellamaritmo Pamukkale
104 - Food and drinks
14 - round trip bus ticket from Denizli to Pamukkale
110 - Ticket for the pools and Hierapolis
58 - Bus to Selcuk526 - 2 days and 1 night
You might also want to check out my other posts about Turkey:
***Pamukkale was part of a longer trip around Turkey
Itinerary for Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a small town with the pools and the ancient ruins its most popular tourist destinations. Here's a sample itinerary for your trip.
Day 1Pamukkale Pools
Hierapolis
It's possible to see the pools, cotton castle and Hierapolis in one full day without rushing. I wasn't in a hurry but I was surprised I got to see both in just one full day. I went during the winter so there wasn't much water, but I've heard from others that the pools don't fill up as much in other seasons as well. So the pictures you see online can be misleading. Temper your expectations when you go here. You can also try the paragliding while here. There are other activities you can try just ask the travel agencies around town.