The white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis above them are one site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Calcium-rich thermal water leaves limestone behind as it flows down the slope, and the terraces have been forming this way for thousands of years.
Entrance and tickets
- One ticket covers both the travertines and Hierapolis. There are three entrances: the lower one in Pamukkale village, the north gate (Karahayıt side) and the south gate.
- The Antique Pool costs extra; it is not included in the site ticket.
- Fees change every year. Check the current price and opening hours on the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism museum website before you go. The site stays open into the evening in summer and closes earlier in winter.
Walking on the travertines
Shoes are not allowed on the terraces; you take them off at the entrance and carry them. The surface is slippery in places and rough in others, so thin socks help if your feet are sensitive. Some pools are closed for conservation, and the walking path is marked.
What to see in Hierapolis
- The theatre: Roman, with well-preserved reliefs on the stage building and a view over the travertines and the valley.
- The Frontinus Gate and main street: the city’s north entrance, a triple-arched gate that also inspired our logo.
- The necropolis: one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, with hundreds of sarcophagi and tombs.
- The Plutonium: the “gate to hell” of antiquity, a sacred spot where toxic gas seeps from the ground.
- The archaeology museum: housed in the Roman baths, with statues and sarcophagi.
The Antique Pool
A thermal pool with fallen column pieces lying in the water, which stays at around 35 °C all year. Bring swimwear and a towel; lockers are available.
When to go
- Time of day: at opening time or towards sunset. At midday the white ground reflects the sun, and it is hot and crowded.
- Season: spring and autumn are the most comfortable. In summer go early in the morning; in winter the pools feel cool underfoot but the site is quiet.
How long to stay
Allow at least half a day for the travertines and Hierapolis, and a full day with the Antique Pool and the museum. If you want both the morning and the sunset, stay a night in Pamukkale. To see it from the air, there is also tandem paragliding over Pamukkale.
What to bring
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, a bag for your shoes, swimwear and a towel.
For getting there, see how to get to Pamukkale.