As soon as I hired my car to drive around in Turkey I knew I would be visiting Pamukkale and Hierapolis. The town Pamukkale (translated ‘cotton castle’) is known for its mineral rich thermal waters flowing down the white travertine terraces. And right behind the white mountain sits also Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city, founded around 190 B.C. More ruins before heading to Izmir and catch my flight back to Germany. But first…
Wineries in Turkey 
Ancient ruins Magnesia
Pamukkale sits approx 200km east of Selçuk, in southwestern Turkey, near Denizli. So on my way there I briefly stopped at the ruins of Magnesia, an ancient town where excavations are still ongoing. It kind of looked like it used to be a tourist destination (with old signs still standing), but now it is free to walk around. Maybe they make it an official tourist destination again?
As you have read in my last blog I have, by now, seen a few ruins in Turkey. Nevertheless it was a nice stop and the highlight was definitely the grand stadium. It had this authentic vibe to it and being there completely alone, it seemed like you could feel the crowds and excitement that it once provided. It was kind of magical actually. I would definitely recommend a stop here if you have time.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
What an amazing natural spectacle Pamukkale is. I was very excited to see it, and not only because it is an open natural health spa. I read up on it online but it still was very different in reality. So here are the things you should know when visiting Pamukkale.
It is quite busy! I arrived in the afternoon (late November and off-season) and there was still a queue to get in. Once I got the ticket it was ok though. Be aware you will need to take your shoes off (barefoot only), so pack lightly.
Can you swim in it? Almost every blog I have read says yes. Until you read the fine print.
“In 1988, Pamukkale was made a World Heritage Site. To protect the site, access to terraces is limited and visitors must follow the main pathway. Small pools are the only ones allowed for swimming and bathing in order to protect the thermal waters.”
(Source and more about Pamukkale here)
And so…
Although I did pack my swimming gear I didn’t have a big desire to get undressed in front of all the people just to jump into a very flat pool. That said, I dipped my feet into every terrace that had water in it. Unfortunately there weren’t as many as I expected, based on the images I have seen online. Whether it was due to the season or the lack of rain, I am not sure. The water also wasn’t as hot as I imagined but I have heard the pools can get quite hot, especially in the summer heat.
You can, however, swim in the official ‘cleopatra swimming pool’ on the top of the mountain. It isn’t a big pool and is mainly full of kids, so I skipped that one as well. Plus you have to pay 50 Lira per person.
Hierapolis
Once you have walked the path up the Pamukkale hill, taking lots of photos and healing your body, there awaits Hierapolis.
You can go for an easy walk (included in the Pamukkale ticket) around the ruins as well as up the hill to see the Amphitheater. I highly recommend it. The entry from the top creates a grand entry with a stunning view.
It shows that even though all ruins may be similar you never know which ones are going to have that special ‘wow’. And this one certainly did.
So, after lots of steps and photos, it was time to go down again. The same way I came up, which was great to enjoy the stunning view again.
Visiting Pamukkale for me was something unbelievable to see. And although I didn’t get to swim in the water, I managed to drink plenty of it from the tap near the ‘Cleopatra pool’. What a great way to finish my trip in Turkey.
Izmir
It was the end of my trip and Izmir was the final stop. However, besides a morning drive to see Pergamon, to see my last ruins for the trip (really), I spent the last few days in Izmir waiting for my flight. There was nothing photogenic in Izmir, although it is the third largest city of Turkey. It could be because it was cold and rainy!?! Well, as you might know by now, I always preferred the little towns more.
Pergamon 
Trip Summary Visiting Turkey
And so, after some amazing 4 weeks in Turkey (swimming, diving, driving and eating), it was time to go back to Germany! To move out of our family home.
I really enjoy coming back to Turkey (and the Middle East as such). I can’t believe I have been to Turkey three times already. The people are friendly, the food is amazing and the waters just amazingly clear and blue. Why wouldn’t you want to come here?
Antalya and Kas were definitely my highlight, as well as visiting Pamukkale and Hierapolis. And, whether you are going to Turkey to swim or to visit ruins, getting a car is easy and makes traveling around the country much easier. I had no issues at all. And there are still plenty of spots for me to discover!
Izmir 
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