Türkiye – A Quick Guide to Staying in Pamukkale
One of the places I knew I had to visit when I was planning my trip to Turkey was Pamukkale. Just seeing photos of its travertine terraces and mineral rich thermal pools were enough to convince me. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well, Pamukkale had to be part of my itinerary. This stunning destination is famous for its unique travertines, warm mineral pools, and the ancient ruins nearby, making it a must-see for anyone traveling in Turkey.
If you’re planning to visit, I’ve put together a quick travel guide to staying in Pamukkale, so you can make the most of your trip.
How to get to Pamukkale?
Pamukkale is easy to reach from major cities in Turkey. Here are the main options:
By Plane:
The nearest airport is Denizli Çardak Airport (DNZ). From the airport, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or bus to Pamukkale, which takes about 1 hour. This is the fastest way if you’re coming from Istanbul, Ankara, or other big cities.
By Bus:
Pamukkale is well connected by long-distance buses from cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya. Bus rides can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on where you start. Most buses arrive at the Denizli bus station, and from there it’s a short taxi or local bus ride to the terraces.
By Car:
If you prefer driving, renting a car gives you flexibility to stop along the way. From Istanbul, it’s roughly a 7 to 8 hour drive.
In my case, I flew from Istanbul to Denizli. It was quick and convenient, and from there I easily reached Pamukkale to start exploring this amazing destination.
Where to stay in Pamukkale?
There are plenty of places to stay when visiting Pamukkale. Since I wanted to be close to the travertines, I stayed at Dört Mevsim Hotel for 3 nights. I managed to book it at a good price, and it even included free breakfast.
If you want to book the same hotel or find other options, you may use the Agoda search box below and use my promo code MARXAGODA to get extra discounts.
What are the tourist spots to visit?
Compared to the other destinations I visited in Turkey, Pamukkale is one of the easiest to explore in just a few days. I stayed for 3 nights so I could slow down, relax, and enjoy the area at a comfortable pace, but 2 nights is usually enough to see the main attractions.
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Here are some of the top places to visit:
- Travertines of Pamukkale – These bright white terraces filled with warm mineral water look almost unreal. Walking barefoot across the pools while enjoying the views is a truly unique experience.
- Hierapolis – An ancient Roman spa city sitting above the terraces, featuring a massive theater, ancient streets, and the famous Cleopatra’s Pool.
- Hierapolis Archaeological Museum – The museum displays statues, artifacts, and relics that tell the story of Hierapolis and the region.
- Laodicea on the Lycus – A vast and less crowded ancient city known for its well-preserved stadium, temples, and early Christian history.
To save on entrance fees, I purchased the Museum Pass Türkiye E-Card for €165. It provides access to many major museums and archaeological sites across Turkey, making it a worthwhile option if you plan to visit multiple historical attractions.
Pamukkale Travel Expenses
Here’s a breakdown of how much I spent on my stay in Pamukkale (excluding admission fees). If you’re interested in seeing the overall expenses for traveling around Turkey, you can check out this post for the full travel expenses.
- Flight from Istanbul to Denzili via Turkish Airlines with 15kg checked baggage – ₱2,604
- Flight from Denzili to Istanbul via AJet with 15kg checked baggage – ₱1,753
- Airport transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkala – TRY500 (₱696)
- Bus from Denizli Otogan to Denizli Airport – TRY400 (₱560)
- Other transportation – ₱200
- Dört Mevsim Hotel – Standard Single Room (3 nights) – ₱5,630.42
- Food and drinks for 4 days – ₱7,000
Total: ₱18,443.42
Where to book hotels and activities?
Planning to travel to Pamukkale soon? Save on tours, activities, and hotels on these travel apps using my exclusive discount codes:
Agoda – MARXAGODA (up to 10% off on hotels) | MARXACTIVITY (up to 5% off on activities)
Klook – MARXTERMINDKLOOK (up to 5% off on hotels and activities)
Get Your Guide – MARXTERMIND10 (10% off on activities for new users)
Got some questions? Put it in the comment section below!
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