Pamukkale is one of the main attractions of Turkey. There are even two attractions here: travertine terrace formations and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Most tourists come here to see terraces on the hillside. Mountain received white color because of natural minerals such as limestone, calcium, asbestos, which were brought to the surface by thermal spring. This is not unique natural wonder, but the best known among similar ones. Terrains are used as a resort since ancient times.
We were in Pamukkale 2 times. First time in May with a tour from Kemer, the second time in November, during a trip around the Turkey. Have to say that the experience differ dramatically. The road from Kemer and from any coastal resort takes at least 3 hours, and with "shopping" all 5 hours. We were in the Pamukkale at 14:30, as well as dozens of other buses. And this is a problem as the number of tourists is very large and it spoils the experience of visiting (just watch fresh video). This is not surprising - Pamukkale is the most popular tour in Turkey.
But the second visit was fabulous. November is low season in Turkey and that is the main reason. We arrived in the evening and settled at the bottom of the mountain, near the lake. By the way, the place is well-kept, everything is beautiful, there are walking paths around the lake and beautiful evening lights.
And in the morning, at 10 o'clock, we went to the terraces. At that time we were there alone (ALONE!) and do not interfere with other tourists. Before the trip, in the internet we found information that Pamukkale lost its charm. As for me, on a sunny November day terraces looked great, see for yourself.
You can also swim in "Cleopatra pool" near the administrative building. It is fed by mineral water from the thermal source. Pool was formed at the site of the Roman baths after the earthquake.
After pool we walked in the ancient city Hieropolis. The first buildings date back to the second millennium BC. City received its name in 190 BC, when the king of Pergamum Eumenes II rebuilt it. In 133 BC city came under the patronage of Rome and lived surprisingly for a long time. Finally it was destroyed only in 1354 by an earthquake.
Getting there: The nearest large town is Denizli. There is a Denizli-Cardak Airport in 65 km with several flights per day from Istanbul. From the airport there are shuttles to Denizli and to Pamukkale ($5-10). Denizli has a railway station, which currently has services from Izmir only ($13, http://www.tcdd.gov.tr). The Istanbul service (Pamukkale Express) was suspended in 2008, presumably because of track renovations, and it is not certain when/if the services will re-start. There are virtually no bus companies that take you directly to Pamukkale despite what the ticket sellers tell you. The bus will drop you in Denizli and then you have to get on the minibus to Pamukkale (20 km, $5). The minibus is not free despite what the bus company will tell you.
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