Another place I can honestly say I hadn't heard of, but was very excited when I saw it on our itinerary and promptly added it to the list. Cheating? maybe, but my list my rules, so I can add whatever I like.
Pamukkale means "cotton castle" in Turkish (slightly confusing as both names are used interchangeably and then they go and throw in Hieropolis as well, so totally bamboozled). Anyway, the bits I really wanted to see were the travertine pools and terraces made by the thermal spring water, as shown in the posters and brochures.
The Turkish name of Cotton Castle refers to these shimmering, white limestone terraces. The blue against the white is stunning and throw in the reflection of a balloon as it floats on by and you have a spectacular view. Looking back at the pictures, it almost looks like snow.
This is another popular spot with instagrammers and balloonist, so it must be pretty special right? Right. Peeps a paddling and posing, balloons a floating and angel wings for hire. I can imagine it being packed in the high season, so we were lucky to be here in December.
Also in the area, the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis once stood proudly. Famous for its hot springs, the area attracted the old and the dying, somewhere to warm their weary bones. During the period of the Roman Empire, Hierapolis was a health centre. The Antique Pool remains with the stone portico having fallen in when an earthquake struck in the 7th century. Another set of ruins which remind us of our own mortality and the wonders that exist around the world.
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