Hierapolis and Pamukkale are one site and a great to explore. Together with the kids, we hike up the dirt path to the top of the hill to go see the Theater. We spent most of our time here looking at the theater, people watching and listening to all the different languages we heard. After this we headed down to the museum to look at the artifacts on site.

The kids’ favorite part was heading over to the travertine pools, taking our shoes off and walking through the water. It was a fun little adventure to be able to touch and feel the travertines and the warmth of the water. I found it fun to feel a sense of community with other travelers doing the same thing. We had lots of conversations and laughter with complete strangers experiencing the travertine pools at the same time.

Below you’ll find our favorite parts of Pamukkale!

Hierapolis

The ancient city of Hierapolis is sit above the white hillside of Pamukkale. Together they are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pamukkale is a natural thermal spring that has covered the hillside in mineral deposits that give it a white cotton look. Hence, giving the site the name meaning “cotton castle”.

You can go explore the site of Hierapolis, with the great theater being the best structure to see on the site. The theater was built in the 2^nd century AD during the reign of Hadrian. The theater can hold 15,000 spectators. The stage area is two stories and has columns with scenes of Apollo and Artemis. We enjoyed the views of the area from the theater. 

Many of the ruins in Hierapolis have fallen over time due to many earthquakes. All in all, it is an easy site to explore. We suggest exploring and seeing the Necropole, the Grand Northern Bath, Frontinus Gate, Byzantine Gate, the Martyrium of St. Philipp, and the Museum.

Once you’ve visited the city, you can head down to the travertine pools.

Visit Pamukkale’s Travertine Pools

The views of the white hillside are breathtaking when you walk up to the pools. Many people think they will be able to swim in the travertine pools, but they are closed for swimming. There are several pools open where you can take your shoes off and walk into the warm thermal waters. We went in the wintertime and the only warm water was the small path of water running into the pools. Our feet were freezing! If you want the full thermal experience, you can visit Cleopatra’s Pool or stay in a local hotel that is fed by the springs.

Cleopatra’s Pools

Cleopatra’s Pool is in the same complex as Pamukkale, with signs calling it the Antik Pool. There is an extra cost to swim with discounts if you have the Museum Pass. It is not a travertine pool, but a natural pool filled with the thermal waters and ruins that toppled during an earthquake in the 7th century AD. We were there in March and only a handful of people were in the water because it was so cold outside. The people in the water said it was warm and very enjoyable, but we decided not to take the dip. In the summertime, you can expect more people in the pool midday. There is lighter traffic early and late in the day when the large group tours have left the site.

Ancient City of Laodicea

After seeing Pamukkale, head to Laodicea, one of the first ancient sites of the area founded in the 3rd century B.C. and one of the 7 churches of Revelation mentioned in the Bible. (Rev. 3: 14- 22) The city experienced several earthquakes in the 1st, 4th & 7th centuries that eventually left the city in ruins and it was abandoned.

I visited this site in 2005 and there wasn’t much to see. Visiting in 2022, this was a pleasant surprise that we all had so much fun exploring. There has been a lot of excavating being done, and we learned so much about the area. Also, you could even see the white travertines of Pamukkale off in the distance.