In Turkey, there is a place with a beautiful and romantic name. It is called Pamukkale by everyone because of its unique appearance resembling cotton flowers.
Pamukkale is located in the north of Denizli, Turkey. It is not a castle that looks like cotton but a hot spring resort with a history of over a thousand years. With its development, it has eventually become a very famous hot spring resort in Turkey and a world-famous tourist attraction.
These hot springs are all enclosed in cotton-like hills, layer upon layer, resembling our terraced fields. However, there is nothing planted in these terraced fields; instead, they are filled with white hot spring water. From a distance, it looks like a bunch of cotton.
As it is a hot spring area, you need to take off your shoes when entering Pamukkale. However, the seemingly soft cotton is actually a bit uncomfortable to step on. You need to walk slowly and be careful not to slip and fall. When you step on its white “cotton” with your feet, you can instantly feel the wonders of nature. It seems soft but is actually so hard.
Those traces that flow down like ice cream after melting, undulating and uneven, it’s unknown how they were formed. They are particularly layered and have a unique flavor.
Generally, a stroke of genius in a beautiful scene is often accompanied by a touching love story. The legend of Pamukkale goes like this: Once, a shepherd named Andie Mien, in order to have a tryst with the Greek moon goddess Seline, forgot to milk the sheep, causing the milk to flow freely and cover the entire hill. Thus, this unique and beautiful Pamukkale was formed.
It is the result of a minor mistake in love.
However, according to scientific explanations, these white steps are actually “travertine” with calcium carbonate as the main component. The local rainwater seeps into the ground and, after a long cycle, gushes out in the form of hot springs, dissolving a large amount of limestone and other minerals in the rocks during this process. When the hot spring flows along the hillside, limestone deposits along the way, and over time, it forms a series of stepped calcified embankments.
However, science is just science. I would rather believe that this stroke of genius from nature comes from that ancient love legend. Here, it uses a lifetime of white to interpret that exclusive romance, just like when a woman in a long dress occasionally drifts by, and the wind stirs the hem of the dress as if telling a romantic encounter.
When you encounter a sunny day here, the sunlight spills down, and this white romance will seem even more fairy-tale-like and dreamy. Sometimes, the spring water, under the reflection, will present a faint blue color, which will remind you of Greece at that time, sharing the same beauty as the blue and white colors of Greece.
When the sun sets in the west, the warm orange-red light reflects onto the milky white hot spring water, presenting a mixture of blue, white and red colors, which is especially beautiful and gentle. At such moments, you will definitely believe in that beautiful legend, because love is such a warm thing that can make you forget everything and head straight for it.
Many people who visit Pamukkale feel that the scene is nothing special and are greatly disappointed. In fact, part of the reason is due to the weather. The factors in the sunlight are different, and the light reflected by the white “cotton” will also change in appearance. Moreover, after being exposed to the outside for a long time, some of the white may appear yellowish, but this does not affect the miraculous feeling of Pamukkale itself at all. It is a stroke of genius and a masterpiece of nature.
Many people come to Pamukkale to soak in the hot springs. After all, as a travel destination, it is no less popular in Turkey than hot air balloons. As a hot spring, it naturally has the functions of a hot spring. According to scientific identification, the spring water in Pamumburg is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, flowing at a speed of 400 liters per second. It has miraculous therapeutic effects on rheumatism, skin diseases, gynecological diseases, indigestion and neurasthenia. Meanwhile, the spring water is also drinkable.
Because Pamukkale is located in the historical ancient city of Hierapolis, it is situated on a mountain top (it is said that since ancient Roman times, it has attracted many people to come here for spa treatments). Therefore, when enjoying the hot springs in Pamukkale, you can also see the beautiful sea of clouds from the top of the mountain. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the sky without taking a hot air balloon.
And this historical ancient city, Hierapolis, has more than just Pamukkale as its spa destination. Around Pamukkale, there are many relics of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Everything that can be seen made of stone is a relic, which was the arena, streets, grand theater and baths of that time, etc. These ruins surround Pamukkale, further highlighting its location at that time.
When all those have become ruins, only this ultimate white romantic place remains alive. It is like love, always existing and never fading away. If you have the chance to visit Turkey, apart from hot air balloons, also come and take a look at this ultimate white romance. Let this stroke of genius from nature slide down the dreamy inspiration in your heart. Just approach gently, and it will be eternal.
Travel Tips
If possible, it’s best to arrive at Pamukkale early in the morning because there are many tourists. Pamukkale opens at 8 o ‘clock, and it’s best to get there after 8 o ‘clock. If you want to take photos, it’s also more suitable to arrive in the early morning when there are fewer people, and you can have a better time. Moreover, at noon, the sun shines directly and the temperature is high. If it’s too hot, stepping on the cotton castle will burn your feet.
It is also recommended to come in the evening, where you can watch the sunset. The most beautiful scene is still the light and shadow cast by the sunset on the Pamukkale hot spring. However, taking photos at this time will test your skills.
The hot springs in Pamukkale are free of charge, but an entrance fee is required to enter the scenic area. Remember to wear slippers when entering, so you can bring your own bag to pack your shoes.
From Cappadocia to Pamukkale, you can take a night bus for nearly ten hours, or you can choose to fly from Istanbul to Denizli.
Remember to apply sunscreen. This is very important!