Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle, is a hillside of dazzling white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal springs. Above the terraces lie the extensive ruins of the Greco-Roman spa city of Hierapolis.
Spring and autumn offer warm days perfect for wading the travertine terraces without summer's harsh heat or crowds; arrive early in the day any season to beat the tour buses.
Regional Aegean and Anatolian dishes, grilled meats and meze, with the area better known for its sights than a distinct cuisine.
Stay in the village of Pamukkale just below the terraces, or in the nearby town of Denizli for more lodging and transport options.
Visit early or late in the day, when the low sun warms the white terraces and the shallow pools mirror the sky.
Read more in Istanbul & Cappadocia: a strait, domes & a valley of stone.
