Pamukkale, Aphrodisias
and other sites in the Aydın Province
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Pamukkale and Aphrodisias are about 2:30 drive away from Izmir. It makes it a great destination for a week-end trip if you are in Izmir, or a great stop if you are traveling through this area.
If you are planning to visit several places, consider buying a Müzekart.
The main places to see in Aydın area are:
If you are planning to visit several places, consider buying a Müzekart.
The main places to see in Aydın area are:
- Aphrodisias: Open from 08:00 to 19:00, in winter times only until 17:00. You can enter with the Müzekart
- Hierapolis & Pamukkale: Open from 07:00- 19:30. You can enter with the Müzekart
- Laodicea: You can enter with the Müzekart
- Kaklık Cave (Kaklık Mağarası ve Yüzme Havuzu). Open from 08:00 - 20:00. 3TL entrance fee
- Nysa. No fee, as open next to the street
- The Denizli Ethnography Museum.Saraylar Mahallesi, Denizli Merkez/Denizli Tel: (0258) 262 00 66
- The Akhan Caravansarei: Build in 1254, It is one of the last Caravanserais of Anatolian Seljukians in the west. On the Denizli-Afyon Motorway, within the township of Pamukkale
- Arapapıştı Kanyonu
- Arpaz Kalesi
Aphrodisias:
Aphrodisias: Is the city of Aphrodite, the Goddness of Love... Only 2:20h drive from Izmir or 50 min away from Pamukkale, it’s really worthwhile seeing. Aphrodisias is one of the most amazing places in the region and hardly any tourist go there, so be prepared that you will be pretty much alone to enjoy this amazing site!
Aphrodisias is in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List since July 9th, 2017
Take your time to see the Museum inside and if you want to see/walk all over the site, it can take you easily 1,5 hours minimum. Don't miss seeing the Stadium!
Situated 55km south of Nazilli, half way between Nazilli and Tavas.
If you arrive with your own car, you will need to park outside the site and a traktor/shuttle will take you to the entrance.
Open from 9am to 7pm (in the winter months only until 5pm). In 2017, entrance fee is 15TL or you can enter with the Müzekart.
The Acropolis in Aphrodisias is a prehistoric mound from approximately the 5000 BC
The most amazing about this site is the 270m long Stadium that is one of the best preserved one.
Go and see the Stadium, the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon and the Sebasteion, originally a temple but now only some columns to see
Aphrodisias is in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List since July 9th, 2017
Take your time to see the Museum inside and if you want to see/walk all over the site, it can take you easily 1,5 hours minimum. Don't miss seeing the Stadium!
Situated 55km south of Nazilli, half way between Nazilli and Tavas.
If you arrive with your own car, you will need to park outside the site and a traktor/shuttle will take you to the entrance.
Open from 9am to 7pm (in the winter months only until 5pm). In 2017, entrance fee is 15TL or you can enter with the Müzekart.
The Acropolis in Aphrodisias is a prehistoric mound from approximately the 5000 BC
The most amazing about this site is the 270m long Stadium that is one of the best preserved one.
Go and see the Stadium, the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon and the Sebasteion, originally a temple but now only some columns to see
Nysa:
Situated between Aydın and Nazilli, only 3km from Sultanhisar (15km west of Nazilli) up the mountains.
If you have some 20 minutes spare time, go and see it. You will see the ancient ruins of a Theater, Gymnasium and Stadium.
Nysa was inhabitated late Roman and Byzantine Periods until the 13th century AD.
Nysa is open to public where you just can park your car and walk around in this beautiful area. The Agora and other sites are in between the Olive trees, what makes it a beautiful scenery and worth a visit!
Situated between Aydın and Nazilli, only 3km from Sultanhisar (15km west of Nazilli) up the mountains.
If you have some 20 minutes spare time, go and see it. You will see the ancient ruins of a Theater, Gymnasium and Stadium.
Nysa was inhabitated late Roman and Byzantine Periods until the 13th century AD.
Nysa is open to public where you just can park your car and walk around in this beautiful area. The Agora and other sites are in between the Olive trees, what makes it a beautiful scenery and worth a visit!
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Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Pamukkale is a natural site in the Denizli province and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area together with Ephesus. It is situated 220km east of Izmir, 20km from Denizli. The name Pamukkale means "cotton castle" and is famous for its 17 hot springs and Travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals, and for the ruins of Hierapolis. Both are located in the same big area.
In 2017 the entrance fee was 35 TL or you can enter with your Müzekart.
If you come with your own car, you can start in two different places:
a) You can park up the Hill at the north entrance. From there, you will be walking through the ruins of Hierapolis. The city, first founded in 180 BC, then destroyed by the earthquake in 60AD, the rebuild and became an important spa center at the time (2nd and 3rd century). You will see a basilica, the great city ruins and a great Theater before arriving to the Pamukkale Travertines. Walking this way from the entrance to the Travertines it will take you approximately 30 minutes, but is really worthwhile!
b) You can park at the bottom of the Travertines where the city is and walk up the calcite cliff that was created by calcium deposits from the hot springs. Walking on the calcite cliff you are only allowed to do so barefoot. There are some 'pools' with water, but many many tourist walk there. Specially in the warm summer months, most of them walk around in bathing costume only...
On top of the Travertines, there is also the Hierapolis Museum and the Pamukkale Antik Pool. You can swim in the the Antik pool, where the water is always at 36*C due to the hot springs. The cost is 35 TL. Around the Antik Pool there are also some shops and refreshment places to relax in the shade if you want.
At the bottom of the Travertines in the city where you park your car, there are several places to have a quick lunch.
- Natural park & swimming pools: There is also a coffee House and pools. Ducks and relaxing atmosphere.
Paragliding: if you are not afraid of Heights, you can do a Tandem paragliding over the site.
> Pamukkale is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988
In 2017 the entrance fee was 35 TL or you can enter with your Müzekart.
If you come with your own car, you can start in two different places:
a) You can park up the Hill at the north entrance. From there, you will be walking through the ruins of Hierapolis. The city, first founded in 180 BC, then destroyed by the earthquake in 60AD, the rebuild and became an important spa center at the time (2nd and 3rd century). You will see a basilica, the great city ruins and a great Theater before arriving to the Pamukkale Travertines. Walking this way from the entrance to the Travertines it will take you approximately 30 minutes, but is really worthwhile!
b) You can park at the bottom of the Travertines where the city is and walk up the calcite cliff that was created by calcium deposits from the hot springs. Walking on the calcite cliff you are only allowed to do so barefoot. There are some 'pools' with water, but many many tourist walk there. Specially in the warm summer months, most of them walk around in bathing costume only...
On top of the Travertines, there is also the Hierapolis Museum and the Pamukkale Antik Pool. You can swim in the the Antik pool, where the water is always at 36*C due to the hot springs. The cost is 35 TL. Around the Antik Pool there are also some shops and refreshment places to relax in the shade if you want.
At the bottom of the Travertines in the city where you park your car, there are several places to have a quick lunch.
- Natural park & swimming pools: There is also a coffee House and pools. Ducks and relaxing atmosphere.
Paragliding: if you are not afraid of Heights, you can do a Tandem paragliding over the site.
- Pamukkale Paragliding: Pamukkale Kasabası Ataturk cad no 11/b, Denizli, Tel: (0535) 485 8098. You have to book the flights well in advance. They fly from 6am to 7pm
> Pamukkale is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988
Where to stay around Pamukkale:
- Aspawa Pansion, Tel: (258) 272 2094 . Very small pension 5 min away from Hieropolis and its famous Terraces.Rooms a clean and breakfast on the terrace with a view
- Hotel Hal-Tur: (258) 272 2723. Mehmet AKif Ersoy Bulvari No:71. Small Hotel with views on the Travertines. They also have a swimming pool.
- Alida Hotel: Pamukkale No:9, Kuzey Sk., Denizli Tel: (0258) 272 26 02
- Doğa Thermal Otel: Beyazıt Mahallesi 147 Seyir Sokak No: 9-1, Karahayıt, Pamukkale, Denizli. Tel: (0258) 271 4400. Very nice with Spa and Congress center.
- Venus Hotel: Pamuk. Mah Hasan Tahsin Cad. No. 16, Pamukkale. Tel: (258) 272 2152, info@venushotel.net ,
- Kervanseray Pension: Tel: (258) 272 2209. Very nice views
- Otel Laodikya: Eski Otogar Arkası 630 Sk. No: 19. In Denizli Tel: (0258) 265 1506
- PAM Thermal Hotel: Tel: (258) 271 4140. In Karahayit, Pam is a 5star Hotel just 10 min from Pamukkale.
- Colossae Thermal Hotel: Fatih, 112. Sk. No:4, Denizli Merkez. Tel: (0258) 271 4156. This is a 5 Star Spa Hotel only 2km away from Pamukkale ancient city.
The Kaklık Cave (Kaklık Mağarası ve Yüzme Havuzu):
Situated only 35 km east from Denizli in the village of Kaklık next to the cement factory. In the cave there is a huge Travertine mass. These Travertines which are similar to Pamukkale are formed by the waters of Kokarhamam Spring (Haydababa Spring), which is in the near of the cave and which water are flooding in the cave. Kaklık Mahallesi, Haydar Baba Caddesi, Honaz/Denizli.
There are steps and an old wooden walkway inside the cave. If you are in the area, don't miss it ! Entrance fee is 3 TL.
Situated only 35 km east from Denizli in the village of Kaklık next to the cement factory. In the cave there is a huge Travertine mass. These Travertines which are similar to Pamukkale are formed by the waters of Kokarhamam Spring (Haydababa Spring), which is in the near of the cave and which water are flooding in the cave. Kaklık Mahallesi, Haydar Baba Caddesi, Honaz/Denizli.
There are steps and an old wooden walkway inside the cave. If you are in the area, don't miss it ! Entrance fee is 3 TL.
Laodicea (Laodikea)
The old town (ruins) of Laodicea on the Lycus (Laodikya): 11 km south of Hierapolis/Pamukkale, don't miss seeing it.
It was once the home of Cicero and it used to be also a city of Industry, medicine and trade.
The The Stadium is well preserved. Open from 09:00-17:00. Laodiceia is located on the south of the Lycus River, 6 km north of Denizli Province.
You can enter with the Müzekart or 10 TL fee
The old town (ruins) of Laodicea on the Lycus (Laodikya): 11 km south of Hierapolis/Pamukkale, don't miss seeing it.
It was once the home of Cicero and it used to be also a city of Industry, medicine and trade.
The The Stadium is well preserved. Open from 09:00-17:00. Laodiceia is located on the south of the Lycus River, 6 km north of Denizli Province.
You can enter with the Müzekart or 10 TL fee
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Arapapıştı Kanyonu
In the province of Aydın, 2:40 min drive from Izmir you will have the chance to do a Boat tour through the Canyon. The Boat tours start at the entrance of the big Kemer Barajı (built in 1958). They work between 8am and 5pm (march to october) and the tour lasts two hours. The Boats are for minimum 10 and max. 30 people. Fee: 25 TL per person). It is recommended to book in advance at (0542) 305 9585. If you drive from Izmir, turn south at Nazilli and pass Bozdoğan. Then watch out for the signs! What you can do on the way going or on your way back: Stop at Nysa Antik Kenti, only 3km from Sultanhisar (15km west of Nazilli) up the mountain and stop also to see the Arpaz Kalesi (Arpaz Beyler Mansion) in Esenköy (15min drive south of Nazilli), a 400-years old tower worthwhile seeing! If you are hungry, you can stop at Mikado Pide Salonu in Bozdoğan or just before the baraj, there is a small place where you can have some trout Fish. |
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Arpaz Kalesi (Arpaz Beyler Mansion) Situated in Esenköy (15min drive south of Nazilli). The Arpaz Kalesi is a 400-years old tower worthwhile seeing! Have a stop, walk around and if you are lucky, maybe the people living next door will open the House for you to see it from the inside |
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