Day Trip To Pamukkale From Istanbul By Plane

About this activity

Day Trip To Pamukkale From Istanbul By Plane

Experience one of Turkey’s most visited and popular tourist destinations and historical sites during a day trip to Pamukkale (situated in the Aegean Denizli region, western Turkey), with its white stone wonderland, the ancient Roman baths, Cleopatra’s Pool, thermal spring having therapeutic powers and the Amphitheatre, Hieropolis World Heritage Site.

Pamukkale Travertenleri, also known as the Pamukkale Travertines, is a stunning natural wonder located in Denizli Province, southwestern Turkey. The name “Pamukkale” translates to “Cotton Castle,” which reflects the unique appearance of the area, where white calcium-rich terraces resemble cascading cotton layers.

What to Expect, See & Do: Day Trip To Pamukkale From Istanbul By Plane

* Explore and enjoy the white cotton castles of Pamukkale, famous for its thermal spring water plunging down the mountainside and creating a fantastic natural formation of stalactites, cataracts, and basins.

* Enjoy the white terraces, travertines, pools, and castle-like formations.

* Swim at the famous Roman-built Cleopatra’s Pool, which is one of the many ancient Roman baths in the region.

* Admire the archaeological city of Hierapolis, with its Amphitheatre, Hieropolis World Heritage Site, temples, theaters, and the famous necropolis of 1,200 tombs.

* Enjoy the famed carpet workshops, experience the craft of Turkish carpet weaving, and buy or try to make your quality carpets.

Discover the beauty of Pamukkale’s stalactites, waterfalls, and basins.
See the ruins of Hierapolis including the Roman theater and baths.
Soak in the therapeutic thermal waters.

Geological History

• Formation:
  Pamukkale’s travertine terraces were formed over millennia by hot springs rich in calcium carbonate. As the water flowed down the slopes and cooled, it deposited calcium, creating the white terraces and thermal pools we see today.
• Thermal Springs:
  The thermal waters have been flowing for at least 14,000 years and were renowned in antiquity for their healing properties.

Ancient History: Hierapolis

Pamukkale is closely tied to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Phrygians in the 2nd century BCE.

1. Hellenistic Era

• Hierapolis was founded as a thermal spa city by the Pergamon King Eumenes II around 190 BCE.
• Named after Hiera, the wife of Telephos, a legendary ancestor of the Pergamon dynasty.

2. Roman Era

• The Romans transformed Hierapolis into a major healing and religious center.
• The city’s baths, temples, and other facilities made it a destination for health tourism in the Roman Empire.
• The Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium (a cave linked to the god Pluto) were central to religious activities.

3. Earthquakes

• Hierapolis was severely damaged by earthquakes in 17 CE and later in 60 CE, after which it was rebuilt with typical Roman architecture.
• Another major earthquake in 1354 CE led to the city’s decline and eventual abandonment.

Cultural Importance

Pamukkale has been a place of healing, worship, and relaxation for centuries. It exemplifies the intersection of nature and human history, with its stunning natural formations complementing the ruins of an ancient city.

Today, it continues to captivate visitors from around the world with its beauty and historical significance.