Pamukkale is Turkey's foremost mineral-bath spa, a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. Pamukkale, the "cotton castel" in Turkish, is unique in the world, the hot turquoise waters bathing the pearl white calcium pools can’t be found anywhere else.
The Pamukkale National Park is the focal point for the natural values of the site, formed by its highest travertine terraces, with 20 m high cliffs and waterfalls, and situated along on the foothills of the Cokelez Mountains.
In this area, there are 17 hot water springs in which the temperature ranges from 35 °C to 100°C. The hot water runs off the plateau and the calcium that it contains deposits in the pool, giving the whole landscape that cotton look. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, which has a temperate climate for most of the year, but it can get quite hot in summer. A hat and especially sunglasses will certainly be very helpful against the sun and the reflecting sun rays from the chalky cascades.
Before the area was declared a World Heritage Site (1988), vehicles were allowed up and down the hills and hotels were built on top of the remains of Hierapolis. Today the vehicles are prohibited and the hotels long since demolished, leaving the area to recover. People are allowed to bathe in the travertine pools but are not allowed to wear shoes as these may damage the deposits.
The great Roman amphitheater of Hierapolis should not be missed, and lies just above the travertines and Karahayit, the red spring is also 5 minutes from Pamukkale. Not even nearly as big as the calcium outcrop, but worth a look or if you want to try their mud baths.
The Pamukkale/Denizli area is famous for its cotton and the homewares. Many of the other souvenirs and traditional Turkish wares that you can find in other parts of Turkey are cheaper around Denizli/Pamukkale because they are produced there.
Sursa foto: Wikipedia
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