Türkiye’s World Heritage Site is etched in ancient history and shaped by nature’s hand

From the surreal white cascades of Pamukkale to the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, southwestern Türkiye invites travelers to chart their own path—whether soaring above in adventure, rejuvenating body and soul, or swimming in the pools of history.

In Türkiye’s province of Denizli, calcite-laden spring waters have created the fairytale landscape of Pamukkale. Translating to “Cotton Castle”, white “fluffy” terraces form the face of a mountainside, enticing visitors with their mineral-rich thermal pools and unique viewpoint of the surrounding Cürüksu plain.

But as much as Pamukkale is a natural wonder, it is also a destination steeped in historical splendor. UNESCO-recognized alongside the neighboring ancient city of Hierapolis, this World Heritage Site is an opportunity to do as Greco-Roman civilizations once did and embrace a ritualistic way of life through nature.

Whether you’re bathing in warming waters or wandering through ancient stone streets, this extraordinary corner of Türkiye promises to captivate both the eyes and the imagination.

Traversing travertines

Visually, Pamukkale is unlike anywhere else in the world. Its magnificent terraces—or travertines—are formed when spring water supersaturated with calcium carbonate meets oxygen on the surface, creating shapes that resemble drifts of white clouds, which contrast beautifully with the green plains below.

To fully appreciate this kaleidoscope, take a hot air balloon ride at dawn and watch as the sun’s rays spill over the mountaintop and illuminate the landscape below.

On ground, visit the terraces and take a dip in open-air thermal pools. Believed to help with skin, nerve, and cardiovascular conditions, people have been taking advantage of these remedial waters for millennia—often staying in Hierapolis for further treatment and wellness opportunities.

Travelers are required to visit barefoot as shoes are prohibited around the terraces to protect their fragile, calcite structures.

To fully appreciate this kaleidoscope, take a hot air balloon ride at dawn and watch as the sun’s rays spill over the mountaintop and illuminate the landscape below.

Travelers are required to visit barefoot as shoes are prohibited around the terraces to protect their fragile, calcite structures.

Marvel at the intricacy of this ancient artistry before following the colonnaded streets to another ruin that is also steeped in myth.

A holy history

Nearby, the ancient city of Hierapolis holds an equal amount of allure, owing to its long history of high culture, architectural brilliance, and spiritual traditions.

Founded at the end of the 2nd century BCE during the Kingdom of Pergamon, it still bears the structural remnants of its former glory as a holy city. Visitors can explore one of the largest preserved necropolises in Türkiye, a monumental gate that is said to lead to the underworld temple of Plutonium, and the Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle—which represents the early Christian history of Hierapolis.

A tour here wouldn’t be complete without visiting the spectacular Roman theater, which continues to host special summer performances. Once seating more than 12,000 spectators, it stands out from other Anatolian theaters from this period thanks to the decorative reliefs depicting several mythological scenes of gods and goddesses.

Marvel at the intricacy of this ancient artistry before following the colonnaded streets to another ruin that is also steeped in myth.

Ride the cable car at Bağbaşı Plateau for a 360° view of the striking scenery, visit Seyir Tepesi—Türkiye’s largest thematic urban forest—for an afternoon of family adventure on ziplines and mountain sleds; or journey into Denizli city center to taste a regional dish and local favorite: Denizli kebabı (kebab).

Additional adventure

Cleopatra’s Pool, also known as the Antique Pool, is located in between the main site of Hierapolis and Pamukkale. Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra—the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt—visited this thermal site and enjoyed its health-giving waters, giving it its name and unique charm.

During her time, a temple of Apollo stood within the pool, making it a place of both worship and wellness. Now, visitors can swim over its submerged remains and marble fragments—an experience that is as surreal as it is enchanting.

With waters containing rich minerals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, and temperatures reaching 36°C all year round, bathers are sure to feel rejuvenated and ready to seize a full day of exploration. And with so much to see and do in the areas surrounding Hierapolis, travelers can easily fill their itineraries.

Hierapolis and Pamukkale stand as twin marvels. While the warm waters that have soothed visitors for centuries still ripple with the promise of renewal, ancient ruins stand as quiet guardians of a storied past. It is here that history and nature flow together, reminding us that even in a well-traveled world, moments of awe and discovery are always within reach.