Balloons, Birthday Girl, Ancient Wonders: An Epic Journey in Pamukkale

“We are not just a family, we are adventurers at heart, explorers of the world, and this is our story of a memorable journey to Pamukkale.”

Join us on the fourth leg of our Turkish odyssey as we venture into the heart of Pamukkale’s ancient splendour and natural marvels. Our journey has taken us from the historic allure of Antalya and its environs to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, and then along the sun-kissed southern coast up to Side. now, we invite you to continue the adventure with us through this new chapter in our grand Turkish voyage. Let’s turn the pages together and immerse ourselves in the captivating story of Pamukkale.

A Special Day started in Side

Birthday party in Side

On the 27th of November, 2023, we embarked on a journey from Side to Pamukkale, a trip that took us about 3 and a half hours. But this was no ordinary day. It was our little Nelly’s third birthday! 🎂🥳️ Despite being on the road, we organised a mini-birthday party for our birthday girl. A little strawberry cake with candles, balloons, and a few little presents (little because we must carry them!): a sleeping light, a My Little Pony figurine, a bag of insects and reptiles. The joy on Nelly’s face was priceless. She was super happy, singing ‘Happy Birthday’ all day long in English, French and Polish. She’s very conscious of her birthday and her age, and she’s very proud of growing up.

We arrived in Pamukkale at the end of the afternoon and got a bit of rest before heading for dinner.

A bit of information about Pamukkale

The village of Pamukkale is located inland in southwestern Turkey (Denizli Province), about 200km from the sea to the West and 200km to the sea to the South.

Pamukkale is a natural site famous for its hot springs and white terraced pools. The name “Pamukkale” literally translates to “cotton castle” in Turkish. A fitting name indeed for the shimmering, snow-white limestone surface shaped over millennia by calcite-rich springs. The area enjoys a temperate climate for most of the year.

The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built next to the thermal mineral springs on top of the white travertine formation, which is about 2,700 metres long, 600 m wide, and 160 m high. This area has been drawing visitors to its thermal springs since the time of classical antiquity. It was believed that the waters cured illness, making Hierapolis a popular destination for the wealthy who were sick or elderly.

Today, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Türkiye’s most visited tourist attractions (the fifth actually behind Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia and Ephesus).

A Day Full of Surprises in Pamukkale

A truly magical sunrise

The next day, we woke up early, hoping to catch the sight of balloons taking off at sunrise. And we were in luck! We went next to the Pamukkale Natural Park (Pammukale Tabiat Parki) and watched as two balloons took off right next to us. And as we climbed a little ridge formed from travertine to get a better viewpoint, we saw maybe 20 other balloons also taking off from a flat land a few hundred meters away. They were flying right above our heads. It was a wonderful memory for our birthday girl, Nelly 🎂, and us alike. It was freezing cold though!

After a hearty breakfast, we headed towards the hot springs/basins and Hierapolis (South Entrance). The entry fee was 700 tl per adult. You have to walk barefoot on the travertine as it is a very fragile mineral deposit. Quite the experience walking barefoot on a frozen surface, then putting your feet in hot water (steaming basins in the cold) under the rising sun!

The ancient city of Hierapolis

Hierapolis was worth the visit. Lots of excavation done but so much to uncover still! The site is vast and has been inhabited from the 2nd century BCE to the 14th century AD. Here are some must-see attractions in Hierapolis:

• Roman Ancient Theatre: One of antiquity’s most well-preserved and beautifully restored theatre structures. The Hierapolis Ancient Theatre was built in the 2nd century BCE. It’s a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.
• Necropolis: The Necropolis of Hierapolis is notable for its impressive architectural features and elaborate decorations. The Necropolis extends over an area of approximately 2.5 square kilometres and is home to about 1,200 tombs visible to visitors, making it an extensive city of the dead.
• Martyrium of St. Philip: This is an intricate octagonal structure on the terrain where St Philip was supposedly martyred. It’s a significant site for Christian history and offers a unique insight into the religious practices of the time. The supposed tomb of the apostle Philip is nearby and was the site of a very important and intense veneration and pilgrimage up to the Middle Ages.
• Hierapolis Archaeology Museum: This museum houses a good collection of items ranging from sarcophagi to statues to smaller objects such as coins, little bottles, and makeup utensils. It’s a treasure trove for history buffs and a great way to understand the city’s rich past.
• Plutonian Devil’s Gate: Named after the underworld god Pluto, this was an adjoining spring to the Temple of Apollon. It’s an interesting site where toxic fumes that billowed up from Hades immediately killed the small animals and birds they sacrificed.
• Temple of Apollon: As at Didyma and Delphi, eunuch priests tended the temple’s oracle. Its alleged power derived from the Plutonian Devil’s Gate.
• Basilica Bath: This ancient bath is a testament to the city’s reputation as a health-oriented centre. It offers a glimpse into the daily life and hygiene practices of the city’s ancient inhabitants.

On the way back, Nelly put her feet in the hot spring water gushing at the top of the cliff. Because why not? A very very happy child!

The Journey Continues… From Pamukkale to Termessos and beyond!

The next day, we bid farewell to the enchanting Pamukkale and set off at 9 AM for Termessos. Termessos is a breathtaking ancient city, perched atop the Taurus Mountains. Shrouded in mystery and untouched by time, offering panoramic views and a fantastic journey through history. We were really looking forward to discovering this new gem. However, Mother Nature had other plans! The weather turned sour, with grey clouds looming overhead and a chill in the air that made us shiver despite our warm clothing. Soon the rain was pouring and it was clear that a visit to Termessos was not on the cards for us that day.

With a sense of disappointment, we decided to return the car early. We navigated our way to the car rental company near Antalya airport, the wipers working overtime against the relentless rain. Upon returning the car, the rental company (Hit Rent a Car) raised a concern about a stone impact on the windscreen (a souvenir from Cappadocia and a crazy speeding lorry…). However, everything was quickly sorted as we had taken full insurance coverage for situations like these. Our main contact offered to drop us at the airport tram station. That was very kind and convenient for us to reach our hotel for the night, located in the centre of Antalya.

Despite the day’s challenges, we remained optimistic. After all, this was the only bad day we had since the beginning of our journey and every adventure has its ups and downs. It’s these experiences that make the journey all the more memorable 😊. As we settled into our hotel room that night, we looked forward to what the next day would bring.

This stage of our 5 Weeks Discovering the Amazing Turkey was filled with memorable moments, from celebrating Nelly’s birthday watching hot air balloons take off at sunrise, to exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our adventures in Pamukkale. Stay tuned for more stories from our travels. Also, we’d love to hear about your own experiences in Pamukkale or any other travel adventures you’ve had. Please leave a comment below and share your stories with us!