Type of destination: Natural Park / World Heritage Site
Ideal visit duration: Half a day to Full day
Pamukkale Natural Park in Turkey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its surreal, mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces. The name 'Pamukkale' translates to 'Cotton Castle' in Turkish, which perfectly describes the cascading snow-white pools that have been naturally terraced by carbonate mineral deposits. These terraces are formed by the hot spring water containing calcium that runs down the hill, hardening and creating the breathtaking white formations. Pamukkale is also home to the ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis, which sits above the travertine. The site offers an archaeological museum and the opportunity to bathe in Cleopatra's Pool, a manmade pool believed to have healing properties. Visitors to Pamukkale can walk barefoot in the warm waters along the terraces, explore the ruins of Hierapolis, and enjoy the panoramic views of the area's natural beauty. The park combines profound historical significance with natural wonders, making it one of Turkey's most popular tourist attractions. It is also recognized for its unique geological phenomenon, rare elsewhere in the world.