Plan Pamukkale: Is it worth driving there?

A good day starts with a good breakfast. Super happy that we chose a hotel (Piano hotel Izmir) that provided free and rich breakfast. After eating, we packed and headed to Pamukkale. It takes 2.5 hours to get there. Not a long drive, but long enough to think about if it’s really worth it.

Table of Contents

• Pamukkale Day 1 Itinerary

  • Actual Route Diagram

• Tips for Logistic

• My experience

  • Pamukkale

  • LEBLEBİ ÇARŞISI (Rest stop)

Pamukkale Day 1 Itinerary

Visiting the UNESCO travertine terrace formations is the only thing that I wanted to do in Pamukkale. As for food, even though we did find a place to eat, it’s not something that special. So I guess I don’t bother mentioning it lol.

Actual Route Diagram

Tips for Logistic

1. Be clear if you don’t need an earphone for audio tour while buying tickets at the office. The staff gave us earphones and charged it (additional 10 euros) without asking us in advance. Initially we thought it’s free until we saw the receipt listing weird item and calculated the amount and found it’s not as expected (supposed to be 30 euro/per person) We quickly went back and asked for a refund before exploring. Turns out other ppl have the same experience on google map.

My experience

Pamukkale

Thinking back, I do feel like driving to Pamukkale wasn’t the the best decision. We chose to drive because we planned to stop by Ephesus Archaeological Site initially. In that case, driving would be easier. However, when we saw the similar ruins in Pamukkale (Hierapolis), we figured that we are not a bug fan of ruins 🫢, so decided to skip it.

Also, except the travertine terrace formations, there’s not much to see in town. So driving isn’t necessary to be honest. If I had a time machine, I would choose a tour departing from Izmir to save all the hustles. (Read: Plan Izmir Day 1: what could go wrong?)

I learned the travertine terrace formations when I was in high school, it is the stunning photo on the textbook that got my attention. Plus it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I really had a high expectation on it. Well but the truth is, the more expectation you have, the more disappointment you are risk of.

The travertine terrace formations are on the opposite of what I imagined - I thought it would extend thousands of kilometers, but in reality it reaches only 2.7 km, which isn’t that magnificent in my opinion. (I was expecting Grand Canyon kind goosebumps 🫣) Also, there are sooooo many people there! It’s really hard to appreciate its beauty when it’s crowded 🥲 Anyway, still pretty cool to see the formation, but don’t particularly recommend if you don’t have time.

LEBLEBİ ÇARŞISI (Rest stop)

Initially I just wanted to find a place to use restroom, but it turns out to be a good spot for buying souvenirs as well! And the price is definitely more friendly than those similar products sold in Istanbul.

Perfume seems to be prevalent in Turkey, at least I saw many perfume stores in Istanbul, so I decided to buy some as souvenirs for friends. Love their package! The store not only sells perfume but also snacks that are packed well. Highly recommend to stop by if you are on the way!