Pamukkale, Turkey.

Pamukkale, Turkey is a small town and its main attraction is Hierapolis, or “holy city.” Making our way there to stay the night was worth it. Pamukkale (“pah-MOO-kuh-luh) is unique in its combination of sites: ruins of a centuries-old city next to a hillside of icy blue travertine hot spring pools.

After touring the city ruins, especially awed by the massive theater, we headed to the hot springs. It’s curious looking, visually stunning, and interesting to walk. The surface is calcified carbon, so porous, not slippery. Though we wore our swimsuits, there were no hot springs for bathing, which was disappointing. Still, a stunning stop.

Hierapolis panorama

walking around Pamukkale hot spring steps

Hierapolis hillside

looking out over the hot springs