Turkey: Pamukkale

[bjorn]

"Cotton castle" is what Pamukkale means in Turkish. It's actually a *beep* description: the waters from a thermal spring have formed a large white cascade of stalagmites that flow over a plateau into basins and pools. The result of a chemical reaction between air and water rich in calcium bicarbonate, the picture-postcard pools of Pamukkale spread out over a mile and a half. Folklore claims that the white pools were the milk of a forgotten flock of sheep, or solidified cotton (the area's main crop) that was left out to dry by giants. You can't swim in the pools, as tourist brochures would have you believe, however, the Pamukkale Motel allows visitors to bathe in their esteemed waters. Outside the Pamukkale are the Karahayit and Killegen Baths, which are similar to Pamukkale except the water is cotton candy colored.

Pamukkale's other attraction is the ruins of Hieropolis. The Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium and Necropolis are all impressive sites. Most people visit the pools and the ruins on a day trip, or stop for a day while traveling someplace else.

When to go:
Fascinating ruins and the thermal springs are Pamukkale's main attractions, and they can be viewed anytime. April thru September is the best time to visit. Weather is warm and pleasant.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
The ruins of Hieropolis are impressive, and Pamukkale is a good place to take trips to Laodikya and Afrodisias.

Museums:
The Pamukkale Museum includes roman baths, as well as miscellaneous artifacts.

Shopping:
The region is not particularly known for its shopping. There are ATM machines, a post office and shops that sell necessities though.

Festivals/Events:
The Pamukkale Festival in late May/ early June has musical and theatrical performances at the Roman Theatre.

Nightlife/Bars:
Most travelers spend only a day or two in Pamukkale. The nightlife here is not exactly hopping, but there are a couple of discos and bars to keep you up at night.

Cost:
Costs are similar to other tourist areas.

Getting Around:
Trains and buses arrive in the travel hub of Denizli. From there, dolmus take you the 10 miles or so to Pamukkale. During high season, buses run direct from tourist centers including Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Fethiye, Bodrum, Marmaris and Selcuk.

Language:
Turkish is the main language. English, and sometimes German, is spoken at tourist sites and at hostels.

Party/Social Scene:
Generally, Turkey is not the place to go for nightclubbing and raves, but heaps of Aussie and Kiwi travelers make the bars and clubs lively.

Other Info:
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