Travel has the power to transport you to another world, but some destinations are so breathtaking they literally make you feel as if you’re on a different planet.
If you’re looking for that experience on your next holiday, new research has found the spot for you — and not only is it magical, it’s also pretty affordable.
In Slingo’s analysis of the most ‘otherworldly’ places on earth, Pamukkale in Turkey nabbed top spot.
The company looked at a range of destinations’ popularity in terms of Google searches, TikTok videos and Instagram posts, then calculated the proportion of visitors who described each as ‘magical’ online.
Pamukkale, located in the Denizli Province of southwestern Turkey, came out with overall score of 7.5 out of 10, beating the likes of Antelope Canyon in Arizona and Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni to first place.
The area’s rocky landscape, dotted with calcified formations, is a dead ringer for the salt flats of Death Valley National Park in California; only you don’t have to travel across the Atlantic to witness it for yourself.
There are plenty of additional reasons Pamukkale is special too.
Tripadvisor reviewer Slavek Z, who visited Pamukkale’s ‘cotton castle’ travertine pools (named so for their white, cotton-like appearance) and the ancient city of Hierapolis which is situated nearby, said it was ‘like stepping back in time while indulging in nature’s spa.’
‘Hierapolis and Pamukkale offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Turkey,’ he added.
Another, Archie, called the area ‘absolutely stunning’ and ‘unique’, while a third reviewer called Giuseppe Cincindella wrote: ‘Simply amazing. Pamukkale is one of the best places ever.’
Thinking of putting it on your bucket list? Here’s everything you need to know.
Things to do in Pamukkale
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its terraced hot springs and travertine pools. You can walk barefoot in some of these, and certain pools are open to the public for a soak in the calcium-rich waters. Just be careful – it can be slippy.
An entrance ticket to the site will also grant you access to the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, which is a must for history buffs. Founded as a thermal spa early in the 2nd century BC it’s home to a number of archeological sites and ruins. A museum on the site also shows centuries-old artefacts uncovered in Hierapolis.
The Cleopatra Pools, also known as the Pamukkale Antique Pool, are well worth a visit here area too, as swimming between ancient marble columns is something you’ll never forget.
Or, for a truly unforgettable experience, try a hot air balloon tour of the region.
While you’re in the area, make sure you make the most of the warm Turkish hospitality and food, and consider hiring a car to explore nearby towns and get a proper feel for the local culture.
How to get to Pamukkale
The nearest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli-Çardak, about an hour’s drive away. However, you’ll need to connect at Istanbul.
Return fares from the UK to the Turkish capital start from £50.00, with direct routes available from London, Edinburgh, Birmingham or Manchester. Each way, the journey takes about three-and-a-half hours.
From there. a flight to Denizli-Çardak takes just over an hour and costs from £40 return if you book in advance.
Alternatively, you can get to Pamukkale from Istanbul by car or train. Driving takes a while – roughly seven hours depending on traffic – but it’s an easy enough route via the O-5 highway and you can stop at destinations on the way to make a trip of it.
And while the train takes even longer – about 12 hours from Yenikapi Station to Goncali – Turkish rail is relatively comfortable and cheap. Plus, you can gaze out at the country’s beautiful scenery.
When to visit Pamukkale
As it’s located in Turkey’s Inner Aegean region, Pamukkale has a temperate climate for most of the year.
However, your best bet is the sweet spot between the chillier winter and the height of summer, when it can get crowded with tourists.
The most ‘otherworldly’ travel destinations of 2024
- Pamukkale, Turkey
- Antelope Canyon, USA
- Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
- Socotra, Yemen
- Zhangjiajie, China
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
- Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
- Ilulissat, Greenland
- Vatnajökull, Iceland
- La Digue, Seychelles
- Lake Hillier, Australia
Research via Slingo.
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