Pamukkale Tours






























































Hierapolis of Phrygia | Ancient spa city of Asia Minor

Step into the ancient world of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above the surreal white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its hot springs, Greco-Roman ruins, and dramatic landscapes, Hierapolis is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Read on to learn more about Hierapolis, its highlights, ticket options, and everything you need to plan a smooth visit.

Quick overview

  • Trip duration: Typically 3 to 10 hours, depending on the tour or day trip
  • Transport options: Coach tours from Pamukkale or Denizli, private transfers, and self-guided visits
  • Key destinations: Hierapolis ruins, Pamukkale travertines, Cleopatra’s Pool, Archaeology Museum
  • Travel style: Options available for guided tours, small-group experiences, and private itineraries
  • Best seasons: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds

What to expect on your visit to Hierapolis?

Terraced thermal pools of Pamukkale with tourists exploring the site in Turkey.
Tourists sitting in the ancient Roman theater of Hierapolis, Pamukkale, with a hot air balloon in the sky.
Cleopatra pool in Pamukkale with submerged ancient columns and clear turquoise water.
Guests relaxing in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, Turkey.
Traveler exploring ancient ruins at Hierapolis, Pamukkale, during Antalya day trip.
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Comfortable transfers

Reach Pamukkale and Hierapolis easily with air-conditioned transport and convenient hotel pickups.

Guided insights

Learn about Hierapolis’ healing springs, temples, and history from expert local guides.

Balanced itinerary

Explore ancient ruins, enjoy leisure at Cleopatra’s Pool, and admire Pamukkale’s terraces.

Small-group comfort

Travel in relaxed groups, with time to enjoy the site at your own pace.

Optional add-ons

Upgrade with private tours, extended visits to Pamukkale, or nearby town explorations.

Things to know before booking your Hierapolis ticket

  • Guided tours for deeper insights: Booking a guided day trip to Hierapolis and Pamukkale is highly recommended if you want to understand the city’s history, ruins, and religious significance. Expert guides provide context to landmarks like the Roman Theater, the Necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo.
  • Combo experiences with Pamukkale: Many tickets and tours combine Hierapolis with Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle terraces. This allows you to walk through the surreal white travertines, soak in the thermal waters, and explore the ancient city,. 
  • Day trips from nearby cities: Hierapolis can easily be visited on a day trip from Antalya, Marmaris, Kusadasi, or Izmir. These packages usually include round-trip transfers, guided tours, and sometimes meals, making it convenient for travelers who don’t want to arrange transport on their own.
  • Best time to visit: The site is busiest between mid-morning and early afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or closer to sunset offers cooler weather, fewer crowds, and magical lighting for photography.
  • Facilities and accessibility: Hierapolis is a large archaeological site, so expect a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended. Some areas are uneven and may not be fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
  • Bring valid ID for entry discounts: Children, students, and certain travelers may qualify for reduced admission at the entrance with a valid ID. Always carry your passport or a government-issued ID to avail of discounts.

Not sure which tour to pick? Compare your options

Experience nameDurationGuideInclusionsTickets

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Flexible duration

Self-guided exploration

Entry to Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City, audio guide (option based), hotel transfers (option based), transfers by AC bus (option based ), buffet lunch (option based)

Book now

From Antalya/Kemer: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Trip with Lunch

14hrs

English-speaking guide

Hotel transfers, transfers by AC bus, English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, entry to Hierapolis (option based)

Book now

From Marmaris: Pamukkale Cotton Castle & Hierapolis Day Trip

14hrs

English-speaking guide

Hotel transfers, roundtrip transfers by AC bus, breakfast box, local restaurant buffet lunch

Book now

From Selcuk/Kusadasi/Izmir: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Trip with Lunch

9hr 30mins

English-speaking guide

Guided tour of Pamukkale & Hierapolis, English or Spanish-speaking guide, hotel transfers from Pamukkale, Selcuk/Kusadasi & Izmir, lunch in Pamukkale

Book now

Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Flight

1hr

English-speaking pilot/crew

Qualified & professional pilot, hotel transfers (only in the Pamukkale area), 1 glass of champagne

Book now
Soar above Pamukkale, stress-free

Guided balloon tours handle transfers, tickets, and timings for you, leaving more time to marvel at travertine terraces and Hierapolis from the skies, with expert pilots turning the flight into a story you’ll never forget.

Highlights of Hierapolis

Woman sitting in Hierapolis ancient theater, Pamukkale, Turkey, overlooking the stage and ruins.

Roman Theatre

One of the most striking monuments in Hierapolis, the Roman Theatre was built in the 2nd century CE and could seat around 12,000 spectators. The theatre boasts richly decorated stage buildings, detailed reliefs, and excellent acoustics. When visiting, take time to admire the scale and craftsmanship that reflect the grandeur of Roman entertainment.

Ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Hierapolis with mountains in the background.

Temple of Apollo

The city’s main sanctuary, the Temple of Apollo, was central to Hierapolis’ spiritual life. Dedicated to the god of prophecy and healing, it stood above a sacred cave known as the Plutonium. This sacred complex reflects the city’s blend of religion, mythology, and natural phenomena.

Ploutonion entrance in Hierapolis with ancient stone arch and water.

The Plutonium (Gate to Hell)

Near the Temple of Apollo lies the Plutonium, a cave that emits lethal carbon dioxide gases. In ancient times, priests performed rituals here, as animals offered at the site would collapse almost instantly from the fumes. Today, it remains one of the most fascinating and eerie aspects of Hierapolis.

Ancient tombs and ruins at the Necropolis of Hierapolis near Pamukkale, Turkey.

Necropolis

Stretching for nearly 2km, the necropolis of Hierapolis is one of the largest in Asia Minor. It includes hundreds of tombs, sarcophagi, and monumental graves from Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian periods. This burial ground offers valuable insights into the social structures and funerary practices of the ancient city.

Tourists swimming in the thermal pool at Pamukkale, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.

Antique Pool (Cleopatra’s Pool)

This ancient thermal pool, said to have been favored by Cleopatra, is filled with warm, mineral-rich waters and submerged fragments of Roman columns. Visitors today can bathe in the same pool that once drew Roman elites, combining relaxation with a tangible connection to history.

Terraced thermal pools at Pamukkale, Turkey, with limestone formations and tourists exploring.

Pamukkale Travertine Terraces

Adjacent to Hierapolis lie the famous travertine terraces of Pamukkale, known as the ‘Cotton Castle.’ Formed by calcium-rich waters cascading down white limestone, the terraces create a surreal, snow-like landscape. Exploring Hierapolis and Pamukkale together offers a rare experience where history and natural wonder meet in one place.

Best time to visit Hierapolis

Child enjoying thermal pools at Pamukkale, with travertine terraces and scenic views in Antalya.
  • Weather: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer warm, pleasant days perfect for walking among the ruins and dipping into Pamukkale’s travertine pools. Summers (July–August) are very hot and dry, with midday sightseeing best avoided; winters (December–February) are cooler and can be rainy, but thermal waters make visits unique even then.
  • Events: Cultural festivals and open-air concerts occasionally take place in Pamukkale and Denizli during spring and summer, adding local color. Religious holidays can also bring more domestic visitors to the site.
  • Crowds: July and August are peak tourist months, with packed terraces and longer lines for entry. Visiting in spring or autumn means fewer crowds and easier photo opportunities at the travertines. Winter offers the quietest experience with peaceful ruins, fewer tours, and uncrowded hot springs.

Plan your visit to Hierapolis

Tourists exploring the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, Turkey.

March to August: 8am – 8pm

September to February: 8am – 5pm

Last admission: 15 minutes before closing time

Closed on: 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday, 25 & 26 December

  • Duration of visit: Plan to spend 3 to 4 hours exploring Hierapolis, including the Roman theatre, necropolis, ancient baths, and the nearby Pamukkale travertine terraces.

  • Best time to visit: March to May and September to October are the best months to visit Hierapolis, with pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds. If visiting in the hotter summer months (June to August), arrive early in the morning or closer to sunset for a more comfortable experience and fewer visitors. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays.

Minibus parked on a city street for transfer services.
  • By car: Drive from Denizli or Izmir; parking is available near the north and south entrances.
  • By bus: Regular minibuses run from Denizli bus station to Pamukkale village, from where the site is a short walk.
  • By tour: Guided day trips from Denizli, Izmir, or even Antalya often include Hierapolis and Pamukkale in a single itinerary.
Restroom sign with male and female symbols on a wooden wall.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Hierapolis offers partial accessibility for visitors with limited mobility. The terrain is uneven, with ancient ruins and slopes, making certain areas challenging to navigate in a wheelchair. However, some parts of the site, including pathways near the main entrance and certain sections of the travertine terraces, are more manageable. Accessible toilets are available near the entrance.
  • Photography: Photography is permitted throughout Hierapolis, including the travertine terraces and ancient ruins. Tripods, drones, and professional equipment may be restricted to avoid blocking pathways and disturbing other visitors.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms are available near the entrances and in a few designated areas around Hierapolis. Facilities within the archaeological site itself may be limited, so it’s advisable to use the restrooms before starting your tour.
Filling a water bottle at a public refill station in a park.
  • Avoid peak hours: Weekends and public holidays are the busiest. Plan your visit mid-week during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–October) for a quieter and more pleasant experience.
  • Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle, as there are limited refreshment stands within the archaeological site. It’s best to stock up on water before entering.
  • Wear sturdy footwear: Paths around Hierapolis and Pamukkale terraces can be uneven, steep, or slippery, especially near the travertines. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are highly recommended.
  • Respect the travertines: Walking barefoot is mandatory on the Pamukkale terraces to protect the fragile formations. Carry a bag to easily store your shoes when transitioning between the ruins and terraces.
  • Explore beyond the main ruins: Don’t miss the Roman Theatre, the vast necropolis, Cleopatra’s Pool (where you can swim among ancient columns), and the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum for a deeper look at the site’s history.

Frequently asked questions about Hierapolis

Can I visit both Hierapolis and Pamukkale with a single ticket?

Yes, many tours and combo tickets include both Hierapolis and Pamukkale, allowing you to explore the ancient ruins and the famous travertine terraces in one visit.

Are guided tours included with my ticket?

Some tickets are self-guided, while day-trip or package tours include an English-speaking guide. Always check the product description before booking.

How does a small-group tour improve my visit?

Small-group tours offer personalized attention, easier interaction with the guide, and more time at key sites like the Roman theater, Cleopatra’s Pool, and thermal terraces.

Are my Hierapolis tickets valid for multiple days?

Most tickets are valid for the date specified at purchase. Some day-trip packages allow flexible timings within the tour day, but multi-day access is rare.

Does the ticket include transportation?

Certain day-trip packages from Antalya, Marmaris, Kusadasi, or Izmir include round-trip transfers. Standard entry tickets do not include transportation.

Are there quieter times to visit Hierapolis and Pamukkale?

Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience and better photography opportunities.

Which entrance should I use to access Hierapolis?

Follow the main entrance near the Pamukkale terraces. For guided tours, the pickup or meeting point is usually specified in your booking confirmation.

Are there facilities on-site?

Yes, there are restrooms, seating areas, and cafes near the main entrance. Some areas of the archaeological site have uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes.