(This article is sponsored by Thomas Cook, providing affordable holidays to Turkey).
Hot springs and travertine (limestone) deposits at Pamukkale, Turkey. (Photo credit Wikimedia Commons by Denverbabushka).
Although northern Europe, including the United Kingdom, is a worthy travel destination for its world class cities and charming countryside, tourists certainly do not flock there for the weather. Indeed, during much of the year, northern European locals themselves look elsewhere to escape their climate. The Turkish Riviera is a favorite destination for affordable beach resort holidays along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. This area, known as the “Turquoise Coast”, is also the gateway to the beauty and history of the Inner Aegean region.
Roman Ampitheatre at Hierapolis, Turkey (Photo credit Wikimedia Commons by Radomil).
One easily accessible inland excursion for those enjoying the coastal sea and sand is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. This site includes the historically significant Greco-Roman-Byzantine ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and the natural wonders of the geothermal springs and travertine (carbonate) terraces of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) which takes its name from the white mineral deposits on which it is built. Archeologists have determined that the hot springs attracted visitors and construction as early as the second century B.C. E. Today, there is an archaeology museum at the site of the ancient Roman baths and visitors can swim amid the ruins in a geothermally heated area known as “Cleopatra’s Pool”.
So, when you are ready for a break from the beach, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hierapolis-Pamukkale.
Geothermal swimming at Cleopatra’s Pool, Hierapolis, Turkey (Photo credit Wikimedia Common by Radomil)
Wherever you choose to head for your summer break, our sponsor, Thomas Cook, can guarantee affordable package holidays. Last minute holidays are available throughout the year. For your perfect trip to the Dalaman area of Turkey, consider booking for June or September to avoid the sweltering temperatures and look forward to a memorable history-rich, beach break.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Such an amazing place! Those white springs look like ice! I’m planning visit Turkey later on this year, this place is definitely on my list now!
Take lots of photos. It does seem like an amazing place with a combination of natural and archaeological beauty.
This was one of the places I missed when I went to Turkey (the place I’ve been that I most want to return to) and I’m still kicking myself!
Jenny, I hope you are able to return to Turkey some day so you can visit this World Heritage Site and that the civil “unrest” will be sorted out in the near future. My experience thus far in my travels is that I have not been disappointed by UNESCO World Heritage Sites.