The Complete Guide to Visiting Pamukkale’s Thermal Pools

Pamukkale’s thermal pools, often called the Cotton Castle, were on my bucket list since high school.

While the Pamukkale travertines are beautiful, some areas are shut down for restoration. Please be respectful of the signs indicating which areas are closed.

While I loved our visit and would go again, not everything is as it seems on social media (shocker, I know!).

BE CAREFUL – IT’S SLIPPERY!

My first few steps were like something out of a cartoon with feet slipping and arms circling trying to regain my balance.

01.

BE READY FOR THE CROWDS

To avoid the crowds in Pamukkale, your best bet is to arrive at 6:30 a.m. or plan to stay until closing time (9 in summer and 7 in winter).

02.

BEST HOTELS NEAR PAMUKKALE

We opted to stay in Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel and highly recommend them. For about $75, we had a suite with a huge balcony.

03.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN PAMUKKALE

A few hours at the thermal pools in Pamukkale is not enough. To fully explore the ruins and swim in the Antique Pool, plan for a day.

04.

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