Allow us to introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale. This natural wonder of limestone terraces (tavertines), situated in southwestern Turkey’s River Menderes Valley, has resulted from the flow of hot spring water flowing down the valley side.

Measuring 600 metres (nearly 2,000 feet) in width, and 160 metres (more than 500 feet) in height, this spectacular geological outcrop is visible from as far away as the town of Denizli, some 20km away on the other side of the valley.

Translated as “cotton castle”, Pamukkale has for centuries held a reputation for its healing qualities.

However, with the site’s protection made paramount, visitors are no longer allowed to bath in its calcium-rich, restorative waters. Still, the site offers a pretty unparalleled view of the stunning (and seriously photogenic!) landscape of cascading pools.

Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…

(Images, in order: smush12; adam79; eleephotography; filippo.salamone; ccarlstead)

Brett Ackroyd (568 Posts)

Travel writer for Hg2 | A Hedonist's guide to...™ and contributor to Cheapflights Travel Blogs.

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