Pamukkale Thermal Pools
Pamukkale Thermal Pools
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, this stunning landscape of white travertine terraces is a natural collection of mineral pools formed by calcite-laden waters from hot springs. Together with the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, it's recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. An entrance ticket grants access to both sites. Enjoy the unique experience of walking barefoot in some of the pools and soak in the selected areas open to the public. Early morning is the best time to visit so spend a night in the nearby towns. Or join a bus tour from seaside towns like Kusadasi and Antalya. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Pamukkale Thermal Pools
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
62 within 5 kms
Attractions
17 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- enjeekay206 contributionsRelaxation for the mind and bodyVisited the thermal pools or Travertines of Pamukkale after visiting the ancient city and the Museum. The color of the water with the calcium deposited rocks made a beautiful contrast. The water was refreshing. It is an obviously crowded place. One needs to walk carefully to avoid slipping. One needs to walk barefoot over the travertines.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 October 2023
- Sera K.Frankfurt, Germany94 contributionsHieropolis bath town, absolutely amazing Pamukkale thermal poolsPamukkale is really worth visiting and even at this time of the year it was 32 degree Celsius, while we were there. Since there are lots of tourist coming by bus or on a day trip by groups, I should say, they must pay more attention by introducing the tourist with dos and dont's. It is not allowed to bath on the thermals anymore, though people still do it. Garbage you find everywhere on the thermals too. It must be restricted, what to bring into the thermal area, otherwise this amazing area will be destroyed:( The town of hieropolis was built here ( which was a bath in the 6th century a.c.) It is absolutely amazing to visit. Excavation area for ongoing archeologic work.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- stevenCA53 contributionsOct sunsetWe went at the end of the day for sunset after a visit to Ephesus. Driving a rental car.. Crowds were less and sunset spectacular. Take south entrance. Stayed in town overnight Worth a stopVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- RhiannonBristol, United Kingdom61 contributionsNOT TO BE MISSED - A MUST SEEA MUST SEE! No other place like it in the world - bring a small towel for paddling. Great cafe at the top too & WORLD UNESCO site Roman amphitheatre, hot springs & lots more.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 October 2023
- MatnshazPerth, Australia183 contributionsWorth a lookIf you come expecting to see the bright blue water against the white travertines, i'm afraid you may be disappointed. The area is still beautiful and along with ancient Hieropolis adjacent has great historical value. However, tourists continue to walk on areas of the travertines that are closed off and our tour guide informed us that some of the water is now being diverted to thermal pools at nearby hotels which is detracting from the visual appearance of the cascades. As stated in other reviews, more needs to be done to protect this area from stupid people chasing the perfect Instagram shot.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- Patric DSandbach, United Kingdom1,061 contributionsUniqueThis is a wonderful place and it combines ancient Roman with unusual geology. The pools are stunning and the rock formations unique. That would be enough for a ghood visit anyway, but the Roman museum on the same site is also increadible and shows how the geology has been used by man for centuries.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2023
- Ankit2385Bengaluru, India644 contributionsNatural Wonder..Wonderful place with amazing views.We already knew not to expect clear blue waters, but it was still beautiful. Even in October the place was crowded but there are places to get really good pictures. Entry price is 700 TL which covers Travertines, Hierapolis, Amphitheatre and Museum.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 November 2023
- Rezi Mazi2 contributionsMaybe notWhat I saw was different from all photos on internet, as it was a season that they stopped the water flowing and the pools were empty. Still beautiful but not as good as you would expect. It can get very busy and crowded with lots of kids screaming !! Not a peaceful surreal atmosphere that I was expectingVisited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 November 2023
- Naya LingHong Kong, China5 contributionsUniqueMy journey to Pamukkale's thermal pools was truly enchanting. The terraces of milky-white water were a surreal sight, offering a therapeutic and unique bathing experience. The ancient ruins of Hierapolis added a historical charm. Though the crowds and commercialization were a downside, the overall adventure was an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 16 January 2024
- Tr S9 contributionsBreath taking PamukkaleUsed Book from Locals, which was very easy booking straight forward due to Dilek, who was very helpful. Ali our guide was very knowledgeable, polite, helpful..sincere guide..explained well gave enough time to do activities and supported who needed help. I had left my slippers in bus lby mistake, and driver came and dropped it off at our hotel..big thankyou. Nice company..will use them againVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,107 reviews
Excellent
5,192
Very good
1,747
Average
658
Poor
297
Terrible
213
Football Foodie
Bolton, UK671 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
I went here with a company called Altinkum Travel after cross referencing several companies and they did not disappoint.
From picking me up spot on time in a Mercedes Sprinter, to only having a small group of 5 and the actual time spent at the place, it was fantastic.
The journey was easy and very comfortable, with about 3 hours there, and 3 hours back. We got around 4 hours at this site, which included Hierapolis, Cleopatra Pool and the main reason for the trip, Pamukkale.
I was very lucky, as with it being the Pamdemic, numbers were very low, even for a Sunday. The place is awesome and absolutely breathtaking.
There are shops/snack places on site, where a big bottle of water is less than a £1.
You have to go barefoot on the actual Thermal Pools to preserve it. It's slippery at the beginning and slightly hutrs your foot in a couple of parts, but nothing too major. Well worth it to see this beauty.
I spent around 90 minutes going all the way down and back up, taking in the sites, experiencing the many thermal pools and taking 1 too many pictures.
It was an absolutely amazing experience and even though we got plenty of time there, I would revisit it and spend a couple of days there. I can only imagine what a sunset/sunrise would look like. I would also like to experience one of the Thermal Hotels and possibly a hot air balloon ride taking in all the sites.
A must see place that I would highly recommend.
From picking me up spot on time in a Mercedes Sprinter, to only having a small group of 5 and the actual time spent at the place, it was fantastic.
The journey was easy and very comfortable, with about 3 hours there, and 3 hours back. We got around 4 hours at this site, which included Hierapolis, Cleopatra Pool and the main reason for the trip, Pamukkale.
I was very lucky, as with it being the Pamdemic, numbers were very low, even for a Sunday. The place is awesome and absolutely breathtaking.
There are shops/snack places on site, where a big bottle of water is less than a £1.
You have to go barefoot on the actual Thermal Pools to preserve it. It's slippery at the beginning and slightly hutrs your foot in a couple of parts, but nothing too major. Well worth it to see this beauty.
I spent around 90 minutes going all the way down and back up, taking in the sites, experiencing the many thermal pools and taking 1 too many pictures.
It was an absolutely amazing experience and even though we got plenty of time there, I would revisit it and spend a couple of days there. I can only imagine what a sunset/sunrise would look like. I would also like to experience one of the Thermal Hotels and possibly a hot air balloon ride taking in all the sites.
A must see place that I would highly recommend.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McCarthy
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia6 contributions
Jun 2022
When planning your visit, you have to be lucky that rains prior, otherwise most pools will be dry. There is an entry fee at the main entrance that is good for 5 days, that needs revalidation every time you enter, that allows entry to everything. Wear comfortable clothing, and shoes that can get wet, you need to remove your shoes to walk up/down the pools to access Cleopatra's pool, museum, ruins, and everything else. It got really hot and sunny in June even tho the temperature was in the 70fht. I'm sure the following month will be hotter.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dinka M
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina184 contributions
Sept 2020
The Pamukkale are really unique, unfortunately when we were there only a couple of pools had water, the rest was drained. Yet the enthusiasm was not lacking. It can be seen from a distance that this locality is unique, because that whiteness sticks out on the mountain and gives a contrast to everything around. Unfortunately, we only had 2.5 hours to visit the thermal pools and Cleopatra's pool and Hierapolis, and we decided to dedicate the maximum time to the pools, because that's why we came and we will do the rest on another occasion. You have to arm yourself with patience because they are big crowds. All those pictures on instagram and google where someone is standing alone in the pool and only the whiteness around is very difficult to take pictures. The people are constantly rushing into the frame, someone is passing by, peeking ... but it's worth it and everything works out. The water in the pools is very shallow so it is also suitable for children because in the deepest part it is up to the knees. Just prepare some upholstery because the swimsuits you use there may not be able to be washed. I washed mine, but my husband didn't, there were stains left. In front of the pools you have changing cabins, toilets and restaurants. There are souvenir shops at the entrance. Tickets I think are about 80tl which is about 10e.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcusp1974
Portsmouth, UK79 contributions
Sept 2020
We visited the thermal pools late september, we were expecting it to be jam packed after seeing some of the reviews.
We arrived about 1130 and yes there were a lot of coaches already there but we were certainly pleasantly surprised there wasn't that many people at all. It was a very very warm day and you could feel the heat especially walking around.
The pools seemed quite clean and yes there was people using them and posing for pictures but there certainly was plenty of room for us (2 of us)
We visited cleoptras pool whilst we where there, that was a lot busy but still plenty of room and space, the water was kept as clean as possible by the people working there who tried to pick up any algae with nets etc.
I throughly enjoyed my day at pamukkale and would highly recommend a visit, i have heard the sunsets are magical as our the sunrises so maybe try and plan a visit around those times.
We arrived about 1130 and yes there were a lot of coaches already there but we were certainly pleasantly surprised there wasn't that many people at all. It was a very very warm day and you could feel the heat especially walking around.
The pools seemed quite clean and yes there was people using them and posing for pictures but there certainly was plenty of room for us (2 of us)
We visited cleoptras pool whilst we where there, that was a lot busy but still plenty of room and space, the water was kept as clean as possible by the people working there who tried to pick up any algae with nets etc.
I throughly enjoyed my day at pamukkale and would highly recommend a visit, i have heard the sunsets are magical as our the sunrises so maybe try and plan a visit around those times.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marya
Leicester, UK67 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
Words are not enough to describe the beauty of this place. I was in awe of Mother Nature’s creation. Feel relaxed and rejuvenated as you dip your feet in the thermal water. There’s a nice long walk on the pristine white rocks with puddles of thermal water which felt quite nice to touch. When you reach the top of the site, there is an Ancient Greek city Hierapolis to explore which has its charms with old ruins still there. There are fun billboards with interesting history to increase our knowledge for history lovers out there. There is also a museum to explore. Would recommend this place to nature lovers and everybody who enjoys nice views. When reaching the top of the site; you also get an amazing panoramic view on the city which is breathtaking.
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenn
London, UK220 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We had the fortune of being the first 2 people into the travertines at 8am and were able to enjoy the pools all to our ourselves (except some of the dogs who joined us!) for a good 45 minutes. The pools were an amazing serene place to spend the morning without others there, and before it got too hot - it was already 30 degrees C by 9am!
Unfortunately as the pools are manually controlled the main attraction pools which are the only genuine natural ones were not full of water which was disappointing, it was just the man-made tourist pools that were full. However we made sure to walk around the back of the main attraction pools once others started arriving where there was nobody, but tonnes more natural pools with water! We also continued on to see the ruins of Hierapolis which is missed the majority of the time, but well worth a visit! I’d recommend getting there at 8am as by 10 it’s getting pretty busy, and we were there during covid times so i’m sure far less busy than usual!
Unfortunately as the pools are manually controlled the main attraction pools which are the only genuine natural ones were not full of water which was disappointing, it was just the man-made tourist pools that were full. However we made sure to walk around the back of the main attraction pools once others started arriving where there was nobody, but tonnes more natural pools with water! We also continued on to see the ruins of Hierapolis which is missed the majority of the time, but well worth a visit! I’d recommend getting there at 8am as by 10 it’s getting pretty busy, and we were there during covid times so i’m sure far less busy than usual!
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny
Dublin, Ireland28 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Huge place to look around, you need a day for as different interesting place to go and must, like the museum, cleopatra pool is so cool, the Heirapolis theatre and don't forget to soak in the thermal pools. You need to go as early as the place open to prevent the crowd if you want to get a good photos. It's my 2nd times here but I felt I wanna go back again soon. If you going with the tour bus/car you're entrace is in the front(top) but if you're going alone, couple it's nice to entry from the foot of the pool just across the shops and restaurants, it's only 8lira entrace fee.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor T
Perth, Australia7 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
This place is really amazing. the hot water coming out from earth. and in this month weather was cold but still water was warm we loved to be there. we went into the pool. it was really great. also it is very good view from there
Written 30 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sasha138
London, UK261 contributions
Oct 2021
It took me 30 years to come here and what a waste of time. This place has 17 underground springs, so each pool is not as hot as they make out. Some of the pools are really cold. Others were almost hot. The guys who take your photos wear water shoes but the public have to go bare footed. This lead to a number of people falling and nearly cracking open their skulls. I fell a couple of times even though I was being helped. A few people fell and whacked their heads and they were not that old, some were children. This place is unsafe without water shoes. They would do well to sell the same ones the guys were wearing. As for the mystic qualities of the clay? I am not convinced by that either. Just so you all know that even the pools are slippery. I wasn't impressed. Not all the pools are open as most of them are dry at the moment and have been that way for years according to the guide. As for Cleopatra's pool? You have to pay extra to sit in an overcrowded pool, that is actually being filtered continuously. We tasted the water from the drinking fountains. Hmm, one pumped out fizzy warm water and the other was cold water. The thermal pool and mud spa at Dalyan is way better and you feel great afterwards even though it smells like rotten eggs. It is so worth it. As for the guys taking pictures with you wearing their wings, unless you're a skinny hot chick they won't entertain you paying them to take your picture. They seem to hate real with women with even a hint of a curve! No would they help anyone who fell down.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika
Caracas, Venezuela9,917 contributions
Oct 2020
The place is just amazing. You have to take off your choose not to damage the surface.
Entrance fee is 100TL
I visited in october and it was still super hot. I got a major sunburn just to walk around.
There are many empty pools and not the color you se in agency pictures. A local friend of mine told me that some hotels once took the water from Pamukkale and damaged the entire place.
Entrance fee is 100TL
I visited in october and it was still super hot. I got a major sunburn just to walk around.
There are many empty pools and not the color you se in agency pictures. A local friend of mine told me that some hotels once took the water from Pamukkale and damaged the entire place.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, viajaré en mayo de 2024. Leí que algunas veces las piscinas tienen poca agua y se pierde el encanto. Es un esfuerzo grande llegar hasta ahí. Me lo recomiendan? Muchas gracias
Written 22 December 2023
Yo habia leido lo mismo y fui con dudas. Y al final fue espectacular todo. Eso si, no son piletas para nadar. Te podes meter pero el agua te llega hasta las rodillas como mucho. Pero el lugar es unico y muy lindo. Tiene un parque espectacular lleno de flores y las ruinas de Hierapolis son altamente recomendables. Yo te diria que no te lo pierdas. Eso si, la ciudad es muy chiquita y no muy atractiva, es para ir un dia y una noche nomas..
Written 24 December 2023
Bonjour, j’aurai voulu savoir s’il y avait des consignes à bagages sur le site car nous avons prévu de ne pas passer la nuit là bas. Merci
Written 3 September 2023
You will have to enquire at your hotes travel desk. We did noot carry any luggage on oursightseeing tour
Written 4 September 2023
Gracias porque te creo, a vecea la gente sale decepcionada de un lugar y dice que fue maravilloso para dar envidia. Te agradezco tu sinceridad, iré a otro sitio
Written 26 June 2022
Si no vale la pena gastar tanto dinero y tiempo en eso , más bien aprovechar la
Playa en kusadassi y ver el amr Egeo o
De ruinas las mejores la de la ciudad de Efeso con esa es suficiente
Y Definitivamente capadoccia si es una belleza absoluta y montar en globo es fenomenal
Written 27 June 2022
My wife is pregnant at 24weeks is it safe for her to go here
Written 17 May 2022
Dear Sufiyan Y.,
I can not answer this question, because I am not a doctor. The best thing to do, it is to ask a doctor. I think it is very important to ask the regular doctor of your wife. 24 weeks means 6 month.
Depending on where you come from (country/city) and what kind of transportation you will use (plane/car/bus/train...), I think for a woman who is 6 months pregnant, you should seek medical advice, if it is okay to travel or not (in general) and if it is ok to experience thermal hot water in addition, or not.
NOTE: Keep in mind that summer is very hot in Pamukkale (Denizli), even if the weather is dry, it may not be beneficial (I don't know) for a pregnant woman. Greetings,
Ramona Rørvik.
Written 18 May 2022
We will be visiting in september. Are there many pools with water as it shows in lots of pictures? Also, how much time should we expect to spend there?
Written 28 February 2022
September is a great time to visit too. it is actually very beautiful place. we booked tour with an agency in istanbul named "Tours Flame". We have almost 2-3 hours in that and we had swimming time extra. yes there are many pools. but the main pool named "Cleopatra pool" is best for swimming,
Written 10 March 2022
Are the travertines empty/dried up last week of September? I will be there then and i am worried it will be dried up based on the recent reviews.
Written 14 September 2021
Hello everyone, does anyone of the thermal pools are open these days (beginning april 2021)?
Thanl you all in advance
Written 2 April 2021
Is Pamukkale will be open in December with Turkish new Covid-19 restrictions?
Written 20 December 2020
The situation can change daily. Nobody knows what new restrictions will apply. For now, all the pools (indoor and outdoor) are closed. Pam hotel for instance is open only for accommodation and half board but the outdoor thermal pools (even if they are outdoors) are closed.
Written 20 December 2020
…
Showing results 1-10 of 186
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing