Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most famous tourist spots and rightly so. It is known for its white travertine terraces and ancient ruins.
In this guide, we’ll help you plan your perfect Pamukkale family adventure. We have you covered from getting there to choosing where to stay and what to see. Keep reading to make the most of your visit!
📝OUR EXPERT’S NOTE
I revisited Pamukkale this summer and found that a lot has changed since the last time I was there. Even though it is still as beautiful as ever, I have learned many new tips and gained a new perspective on visiting Pamukkale the right way and I think it will prove to be helpful to you guys!
I wish I had known these tips when I first visited Pamukkale as they would’ve made my trip a lot easier. However, you guys don’t need to worry about that as in this guide my team will share all my secret tips, suggestions, and more. We will not gatekeep anything from our turkeyfamilyholidays family!
How to get to Pamukkale
✈️By Plane
- Pamukkale is easily accessible by flying into Denizli Çardak Airport, located approximately 65 km from Pamukkale (about a one-hour drive).
- Major airlines like Turkish Airlines and Pegasus operate regular flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
After landing, several transportation options are available:
- Shuttle Buses: These are affordable and operate on a schedule to Pamukkale or Denizli city center.
- Taxis: Convenient but more expensive. Ensure you agree on a price beforehand.
- Car Rentals: Ideal for families and offers flexibility to explore nearby areas.
🚐By Bus
Traveling to Pamukkale by bus is an affordable option. Popular bus companies like Pamukkale Turizm, Kamil Koc, Varan, and Metro Turizm operate daily. They connect major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, and Ankara to Denizli Bus Station (Otogar).
Once you arrive in Denizli, you can take a dolmuş (minibus) to Pamukkale, a short 20-minute ride.
💁Expert Advice and Tips!
📝If you choose to go to Pamukkale with a tour group from any of these cities I must warn you that it will be overcrowded and you can not enjoy at your own pace. So, instead of taking day trips just go to Pamukkale by public buses.
Tip: If you’re traveling by bus, consider taking an overnight bus to maximize your time at Pamukkale. This way, you can arrive early in the morning, refreshed and ready to explore
Tip: We recommend that you book bus tickets in advance. You can click the buttons down below to book your tickets online.
🚘By Car
Renting a car with a driver is a fantastic option for families looking for comfort and convenience during their trip to Pamukkale.
You can rent a car from cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara. These services offer a range of vehicles, including luxury cars, minibusses, and vans. The drivers are experienced and can ensure a safe, smooth journey.
However, If you prefer driving yourself you can rent a car without a driver.
Renting a car allows you to set your own pace, stop whenever you want, and explore Pamukkale at your convenience.
💁Expert Advice and Tips!
We recommend families rent cars with a driver as it eliminates the hassle of navigation. Moreover, you can customize your itinerary with the help of local drivers who know the best routes and hidden spots.
Tip: Families should opt for a VIP minibus or van as it has more space and is ideal for families
Tip: Book your ride from popular sources such as GeturDriver and Sawtransfer. GeturDriver offers a variety of vehicles, from VIP cars to luxury minibusses, with pick-up locations in Istanbul and other cities. Meanwhile, Sawtransfer is another great option for families seeking comfortable transportation to Pamukkale.
However, if you rent a car in Turkey to drive yourself, you can do so from well-known platforms like Rentalcars and DiscoverCars.
Few More Suggestions:
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Pamukkale is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant and mild, making it ideal for exploring the terraces and the ancient ruins
How Many Days to Stay: A stay of 1 to 2 days is typically sufficient to explore Pamukkale and the surrounding areas. The main attractions, including the thermal pools, the ancient city of Hierapolis, and the Travertine Terraces, can be explored in a day.
However, if you’d like to relax in the thermal baths or explore nearby attractions like Laodicea (an ancient city close by) or Karahayit (famous for its red thermal waters), adding an extra day could be worthwhile.
🚶➡️Entering Pamukkale
Pamukkale has three main entrances for visitors: the North Entrance, the South Entrance, and the Town Entrance (West). Each entrance provides a different experience and access to the site.
North Entrance: This entrance is where many buses drop passengers off, and there are parking spaces available for a fee. It is recommended for those who prefer to avoid the uphill walk and want to start their visit with easy access to the terraces.
South Entrance: This entrance is typically used by guided tours. It’s not accessible by public transportation, and visitors arriving here generally have a more structured visit.
Town Entrance: This is the most pedestrian-friendly entrance and is used by those arriving via public minibus (dolmuş). At this entrance, visitors walk along the ridge of the travertines.
NOTE: To protect the terraces, you have to walk barefoot.
💁Expert Advice and Tips!
Choose your mode of transportation based on which entrance gate you would like to enter Pamukkale from.
Tip: We recommend the North Gate because it is close to the travertines. Moreover, you won’t need to climb or walk uphill, which can be tiring, especially with family.
The Town Entrance is also a good option. It is the most popular entrance gate as it is close to many hotels but, you have to walk up a hill to see all the travertines and it can be quite tiring.
💵Entrance Fee and Timings
Visiting Pamukkale requires an entrance fee of 30 Euros per person. This ticket grants access to the travertine pools and the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its fascinating ruins like the amphitheater and necropolis.
Although the price may seem steep, it covers two iconic attractions in one visit.
💁Expert Advice and Tips!
A lot of people who haven’t visited Pamukkale yet believe that swimming in the travertines is allowed even though this is not the truth. Swimming is not permitted in most areas because the travertine pools are shallow.
Tip: However, if you wish to swim in thermal waters, you can visit Cleopatra’s Antique Pool within the site.
NOTE: Swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool comes at an additional cost of approximately 200 TL.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring cash for tickets and additional activities like Cleopatra’s Pool, as card payments may not always be available.
🕧Timings for the Travertines
Pamukkale is open throughout the year, with different timings for the summer and winter seasons:
Summer (April to October): 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Winter (November to March): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🛍️Where to Stay in Pamukkale?
White Heaven Hotel
This boutique hotel is known for its clean, modern design and family-friendly atmosphere. Guests appreciate the outdoor pool, spacious rooms with balconies, and an on-site restaurant serving local dishes.
Furthermore, Its convenient location near the travertines makes it perfect for families exploring Pamukkale.
Venus Suite Hotel
This well-rated hotel offers a garden setting and a family-friendly vibe. It features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.
The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the Pamukkale travertines, adding extra convenience for visitors.
Hotel Sahin
Situated right across from the travertines, the hotel offers stunning views and cozy rooms. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, providing a fantastic spot to enjoy meals or relax.
MelRose Viewpoint
MelRose Viewpoint is a family-run hotel with a charming atmosphere and has spacious rooms, a garden, and a swimming pool.
Its location close to the travertines and Hierapolis makes it an excellent choice.
✅Things to do During Your Stay in Pamukkale
Hierapolis Ancient City
Located just above the travertines, the ancient city of Hierapolis is a must-see for history enthusiasts. It was founded as a thermal spa in the 2nd century BC and features ruins such as the Roman Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and a large necropolis.
Pamukkale Travertines
The main attraction in Pamukkale, the travertine terraces are a natural wonder formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing over the cliffs.
The soft, white terraces are perfect for wading, and you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
💁Expert Advice and Tips! ( for visiting the Travertine Pools💧)
No matter what time of day you go, Pamukkale will be crowded, especially during peak season. It’s best to be prepared for lots of people around the main attractions.
The travertine terraces at Pamukkale may look different in person compared to the photos you’ve seen online. However, over the years the terraces have dried up. In some areas, the terraces appear more like a natural rock formation rather than the bright, blue pools that have become iconic in photographs. Keep this in mind as you visit.
Refrain from accepting rides to the entrance gates if some stranger offers you. They are probably trying to scam you. Book your car rides through official sites.
Cleopatra’s Antique Pool
Families can swim in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool, a warm thermal pool surrounded by ancient Roman columns.
An additional fee is required to swim here. (200 TL)
The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum
Located near the entrance to the Hierapolis ruins, the Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts from the ancient city.
Hot Air Balloon
Most people think of Cappadocia when they hear about hot air balloon rides because it is so famous worldwide. However, Pamukkale also offers a fantastic hot air balloon experience.
It costs much less than balloon rides in Cappadocia, making it a great option for families.
BONUS ENTRIES
💁 Suggested By Our Expert
Karahayıt:
(We couldn’t find copy-right free images. Click on the link to view Karahayit images)
We recommend you to visit Karahayıt just 5 km from Pamukkale. Karahayıt is known for its red thermal waters, a unique natural phenomenon caused by minerals like iron oxide. It is a hidden gem and a must-visit spot.
Laodicea:
Only 10 km from Pamukkale, Laodicea is an ancient city with a rich history. It was one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Bible and is famous for its well-preserved ruins.
We’ve shared all our secret tips and advice to help you make the most of your visit, from choosing the best entrance gate to exploring hidden gems like Karahayıt.
We hope this guide has helped you in planning your trip to Pamukkale!
Lastly, If you have any questions or suggestions leave us a comment and our experts will reply.