Pamukkale: Day Trips and Tours from Side

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Side is a stunning coastal town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean shoreline. Dating back to the 7th century BC, the city showcases Roman architectural relics and lies nestled between sweeping beaches and lush mountains. The allure of Side extends beyond the city limits, as it acts as a stepping stone to other extraordinary locales, like Pamukkale. Day tours to Pamukkale from Side have become an incredibly popular activity for tourists. Pamukkale is a geological marvel, featuring a vast landscape of snow-white terraces formed by carbonate minerals. The journey to Pamukkale takes you past traditional Turkish villages and vineyards, and is an unforgettable part of any trip to Side.

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Authors

Amy Pieterse

Lesley Scott

Day tours to Pamukkale from Side have become an incredibly popular activity for tourists. Pamukkale is a geological marvel, featuring a vast landscape of snow-white terraces formed by carbonate minerals. The journey to Pamukkale takes you past traditional Turkish villages and vineyards, and is an unforgettable part of any trip to Side.

Here's all you need to know about Pamukkale, one of the most exciting day trips from Side.

How to get to Pamukkale from Side?

Pamukkale is located over 300 kilometers north west of Side.

From Side to Pamukkale by car

Although only 199 kilometers away if traveling in a straight line, the road journey between Side and Pamukkale is just over 300 kilometers long. The journey takes around 4 hours via the D400 to Antalya and onward on the E87.

From Side to Pamukkale by public transport

You can travel to Pamukkale by bus via Denizli. You will need to catch a local minibus taxi to reach Pamukkale. It is the most budget-friendly way to travel, but is a time-consuming trip.

Guided tour to Pamukkale from Side

A guided day tour is the most comfortable and hassle-free way to visit Pamukkale. These full-day experiences typically include transportation, a guide, lunch and entrance fees. Shared and private tours are available, making a tour to Pamukkale accessible even if you have a limited budget.

How much does the entrance ticket to Pamukkale cost?

To enter Pamukkale costs TL400 (approximately US$18). The entrance fee covers access to the travertine thermal pools, the archaeology museum and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

What is the typical itinerary?

Typically, a day tour from Side to Pamukkale starts early with a pick-up from your hotel or a central meeting point. The journey to Pamukkale usually takes about 4 hours.

Upon arrival at Pamukkale, your guide will provide an overview of the site's history and geological formation. You'll then have ample time to explore the mesmerizing white terraces, the ancient city of Hierapolis, and the famous Cleopatra’s Pool.

After lunch, you’ll usually have a few hours for independent exploration. You can use this time to explore, take photographs, or relax in the natural beauty of the surroundings. If your tour includes other stops, these may take place either before or after your visit to Pamukkale.

The return journey to Side usually begins in the late afternoon, and you can expect to be back at your hotel between 8 PM and 9 PM depending on your itinerary.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Pamukkale?

A trip to Pamukkale is a full-day experience, and other attractions may be included in the day’s touring.

Full-day guided tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis from Side

A full-day guided tour from Side is a chance to experience Pamukkale and Hierapolis in the company of an experienced guide who brings the history and geology of these places to life.

The journey through rolling hills and traditional Turkish villages is a treat, but the real highlight is reaching the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

You can explore the remnants of Hierapolis, an ancient spa city that offers a captivating glimpse into the past. With transport, entrance fees, and lunch typically included, these full-day guided tours offer a comprehensive and enlightening experience of Turkey's rich history and stunning natural beauty.

For a more personalized experience, this type of tour can also be booked on a private basis. You will have the exclusive use of your vehicle and guide for the duration of the excursion.

Guided full-day tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis plus Salda Lake from Side

You can experience Turkey's natural and historical wonders on a full-day guided tour from Side to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and the serene Lake Salda. Your journey begins with a drive through charming Turkish villages to the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Next, you'll step back in time at the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

In the afternoon, you'll take a refreshing break at Lake Salda, often referred to as Turkey's Maldives. With transport, lunch, and entrance fees typically included, these guided tours offer a blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.

Overnight guided tour to Aphrodisias, Pamukkale and Hierapolis, and Salda Lake from Side

You can embark on an enriching two-day journey with an overnight tour from Side, exploring the awe-inspiring sites of Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Lake Salda.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, famed for its exquisite marble sculptures and the remarkably well-preserved stadium. In the afternoon, you'll reach the glistening white terraces of Pamukkale where you will have some leisure time to relax and enjoy the thermal baths.

Overnight at a local hotel in Pamukkale and explore the site and the adjacent city of Hierapolis the following morning. After a morning at the site, you'll head to the spectacular Lake Salda, renowned for its turquoise waters and pristine white sands.

Accommodation, transportation, lunches, and entrance fees are usually included in these memorable overnight tours.

How much does a day trip to Pamukkale from Side cost?

Full day guided tours to Pamukkale and Hierapolis from Side start from between €45 and €80 per person on a small group basis. Private tours cost approximately €800 for groups of up to 8 people.

A guided full day tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis plus Salda Lake from Side starts from €60 per person. Some tours cost up to €80 depending on the itinerary and inclusions.

Overnight guided tours to Aphrodisias, Pamukkale and Hierapolis, and Salda Lake from Side cost in the region of €130 per person. This includes overnight accommodation and group size is limited to 8 participants per vehicle.

What will you see and do?

Pamukkale, with its distinctive blend of natural and historical attractions, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a sought-after destination for those visiting Turkey. It is renowned for its striking formations of terraced carbonate minerals. Often referred to as the "Cotton Castle," this attraction promises visitors an otherworldly encounter.

Sharing the same terrain, the archaeological site of Hierapolis lies in ruins. This former Greco-Roman and Byzantine city boasts well-preserved artifacts, including a theater and an ancient necropolis.

Further afield, Salda Lake, among the world's deepest and clearest bodies of water, offers an island-like experience with its pristine white sandy beaches. The mineral-rich mud from the lake offers rejuvenating properties, inviting you to partake in a natural mud bath experience.

Should your tour include a visit to Aphrodisias, you can expect to see the largest ancient stadium in Asia Minor and a variety of other public buildings, including baths, an agora, and the Sebasteion, a grandiose temple dedicated to the Roman emperors and Aphrodite.

What are the opening times?

There are four entrances to Pamukkale and Hierapolis. The South Gate opens at 6:30 AM, while other entrances open at 8 AM. The attraction closes at 9 PM in the summer, 8 PM in the spring and autumn, and at 6 PM during the winter.

Renovations and events can alter opening hours and site access.

When is the best time to visit Pamukkale?

The best time to visit Pamukkale is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is mild and pleasant during these times, offering ideal conditions for enjoying the site's remarkable natural beauty. There are also fewer crowds than during the peak of summer.

Are there any tours to Pamukkale from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

Travel tips

Pamukkale can get busy, especially in the peak summer period. Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
To preserve the natural beauty of the travertine terraces, visitors are required to remove their shoes. Be prepared for this and bring a bag to carry your footwear.
It can get hot in the summer months, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
The ancient city of Hierapolis is located on the same site, so don't miss the opportunity to explore the ruins, visit the Hierapolis Museum, and learn about the rich history of the region.