Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey The famous “Cotton valley”, located just a bit away from the city of Denizli in the south of Turkey is a great place where to relax your senses, your body and your mind. The benefits of this extraordinary rock formation with its numerous natural pools all around can be felt even in a day visit. The only thing you need is a swimming suit, a sun block and a hat because summers here can be really hot. White travertine pools closely attached one to another with water sliding down are probably the most famous picture for postcards from Turkey. This is the largest and definitely the finest example of calcium formation in the world. They spread miles around so have at least one day enjoying the hot bath and a stunning view. Pamukkale was formed from springs with high content of calcium. The water slid down the cliff and calcium cooled down and as a result there is the creation of these amazing pools. The water temperature goes up to 35 degrees Celsius and it has been said that such mineral rich water is excellent for different kind of treatments. This calcium terraces are more than 100m high and some pools are shaped as water lilies, shells, bathtubs with stalagmite feet or even look like rice terraces. All of it is made by pure nature. You will most certainly enjoy the sound of splashing water while sliding down the small cascades surrounded by amazing view of mountains and Menderes valley. Just next door to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient roman city founded in 190 B.C. that was a Roman bath center in 2nd and 3rd century. You can see the city walls, the 2nd century teather, basilica, the octagonal Martyrium of St. Philip, Temple of Apollo, basilica and necropolis which is covering more than 2km and you can see some of the most interesting tomb styles. Take another day to visit this place and explore this beautiful architecture and history. Outside Pamukkale you can find The Red Springs. These colorful springs pour boiling water from deep underground and form ribbons of blue, yellow and deep red on the rocks around. When you are finished with spring-touring take some relaxing time in the villages nearby and try local specialties. The cheese made in this area is absolutely delicious and the homemade wine will bring you to complete satisfacton. Pamukkale is not to be missed when visiting Turkish coast. There is no such an amazing and almost extramundane sight anywhere on Earth.