June 19, 2009 – Day 176 – Pammukale, Turkey

Sitting in a gritty calcium pool is a surprisingly nice way to spend an afternoon. After an over night bus and most of the morning spent traveling we arrived in Pammukale to see the famous calcium deposits. The views from the natural pools are amazing, with mountains lining the horizions in all directions. Despite the massive tour groups and sagging, sun-wrinkled bodies wearing smaller than desired bathing attire, Pammukale is actually a fun place to visit.

Lindsey enjoying the pool

The ground is white, perpetually cool and a bit like sandpaper which makes your feet nice and soft by the time you leave the pools. It’s easy to get there alone and there is no need to take a tour. Just follow the signs and walk uphill til you get to the admission booth, pay for your ticket and spend a day as you please.

The restricted pools

As you might guess, early morning and late evening are perfect times to be there because most people are either not there yet, or are beginning to leave. Depending on the time, you could potentially have the place mostly to yourself!

Lindsey on the calcium falls

Travel Tip:

Pammukale the town is very tiny but there are endless hotels and guest houses to choose from. We stayed at the fabulous Venus Hotel and got a beautiful (not exaggerating!) double room, ensuite with TV, wifi, towels, swimming pool, and a huge, scrumptious (also not exaggerating) breakfast for US$13/pp. As you come into “town” on the minibus from Denizli, you’ll see several hotel signs on telephone poles, in the grass, on buildings and Venus Hotel will be one. Sometimes there are a few touts at the bus drop off point as well.

Even though the town is small and quiet, there are plenty of places to eat if your hotel doesn’t serve food or is too expensive (Venus Hotel is a bit pricey on food). We easily walked into “town” 5-10 minutes to where there are several restaurants that serve fresh, delicious Turkish food like pides and kebabs.