Denizli Travel Guide: From Pamukkale to Hidden Canyons and Beyond

Denizli, a city in Turkey, has become a popular destination for thousands of local and foreign tourists every year thanks to its natural, historical, and touristic attractions. Visitors to Denizli can find healing in its many thermal springs and explore various museums and historical sites. As a meeting point for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, Denizli offers a delightful vacation experience.

Getting Around Denizli

The attractions in Denizli are spread out, mostly located outside the city center. Therefore, having your own vehicle is essential to fully explore Denizli. You can rent a car at Denizli cardak Airport.

Alternatively, you can take the shuttle from Denizli cardak Airport to the bus station in the city center and then use minibuses to reach some of the attractions located in the surrounding districts.

Pamukkale: Experience the Thermal Springs and Ancient City of Hierapolis

The travertines, the ancient city of Hierapolis, and the Antique Pool are all within the same complex. Entry is free with the Museum Pass Turkiye card. This fee covers the entire Pamukkale and Hierapolis Ancient City tour, as well as viewing the Antique Pool.

If you want to swim in the Antique Pool, you need to pay a separate fee, and the Museum Pass Turkiye card is not valid. You only need to buy a ticket if you want to swim; otherwise, there is no entrance fee to enter the facility by the pool just to see and take photos. Don't miss it.

You can enter from the upper gate (known as the south gate), first visit the Hierapolis Ancient City, then swim in the Antique Pool, and then move on to the travertines. We highly recommend being on the travertines at sunset, as the colors of the sky reflect on the travertines, making it look much more impressive than it does at noon.

Hierapolis, which was rebuilt as a Roman city after its Hellenistic structure was destroyed by natural disasters and became an important religious center with the killing of Philip, one of Jesus' apostles, can be reached by public transport from the city center or by your own vehicle.

Laodicea: Exploring the Ruins of a Once Powerful Ancient City

Located just 5 km from Pamukkale, the ancient city of Laodicea still stands and is an impressive site. Founded in 261 BC by Antiochus II, who named the city after his wife, Laodicea can be reached by public transport from the city center or by your own vehicle.

Laodicea Ancient City is one of the most important and oldest settlements in the Aegean Region. As one of the most popular destinations for history, culture, and archaeology tours, Laodicea Ancient City is known as one of the most important cities in Anatolia. Home to monumental fountains, magnificent architecture, and ancient theaters, Laodicea Ancient City is a must-see in Denizli.

Tripolis: A Glimpse into Roman and Byzantine History in Denizli

You can visit the rich Tripolis, which was the center of trade in the Lydia-Phrygia-Caria triangle and a neighbor of the Buyuk Menderes River. Sources indicate that Tripolis was first named Apollonia, then Tripolis in the Late Hellenistic Period, and that its first establishment was during the Lydian State. Although Tripolis was first established during the Lydian period, the remains on the surface show Roman and Byzantine architectural features and building examples in terms of style.

Tripolis Ancient City was largely destroyed as it was the scene of many earthquakes and wars between the late 2nd century BC and the mid-1st century AD and the mid-4th century AD. The city experienced its most magnificent period during the Roman era. It is 30 kilometers from Laodicea and 20 kilometers from Hierapolis. Entrance to Tripolis Ancient City is free.

Karahayit Thermal Springs: Experience the Healing Waters of Denizli

Denizli boasts a geography rich in healing waters and thermal springs, naturally making it one of the most developed provinces in terms of thermal tourism. The thermal springs in Karahayit Town are located 5 km north of Pamukkale and 20 km from Denizli city center. The water is characterized by its richness in minerals such as sulfate, bicarbonate, calcium, and carbon dioxide.

The Karahayit Thermal Springs, situated 5 kilometers from Pamukkale, are among Denizli's renowned attractions.

Soar Above Denizli: Take a Scenic Cable Car Ride to Bagbasi Plateau

The cable car starts at 300 meters altitude in the Bagbasi neighborhood and takes you to 1400 meters altitude with a 5-6 minute journey filled with breathtaking views. When you get off the cable car, you can take plenty of photos on the terrace overlooking the entire Denizli and enjoy a meal against this view.

From this point, you can reach Bagbasi Plateau within 3-4 minutes by free vehicles that depart every 10-15 minutes. On the plateau, there are bungalow houses and tents where you can stay overnight, as well as a cafe, a restaurant, an event hall, and a huge kil cadir (traditional Turkish tent) where you can sip your ayran (yogurt drink) alongside your sac boregi (pastry).

As the plateau is located in a completely secluded settlement from the outside world, it is very suitable for your peaceful conversations or listening to the silence.

Exploring the Beauty of Isikli Lake: Lotus Flowers and Mountain Views

Located in the civril district, Isikli Lake is one of Turkey's most beloved natural wonders. This freshwater lake, declared a natural protected area, attracts both local and foreign tourists with its breathtaking scenery and calming lotus flowers. Surrounded by steep mountains offering unforgettable views, Isikli Lake is a haven for dozens of different bird species, including the bearded vulture, long-legged buzzard, and sea eagle. Easily accessible by private car from the city center, Isikli Lake provides opportunities for nature walks and relaxing picnics in the designated recreation area.

Incegiz Canyon Boat Trip: Discover Hidden Gems in Turkey

Also known as "Arapapisti," this canyon, formed by the erosion of streams, is located in the Kale district of Denizli province. Half of the canyon is located in Aydin province and the other half is within the borders of Denizli province. You can take a boat trip in the canyon, which has a completely natural formation, and see the remains of past lives.

Exploring the Depths of Acipayam Canyon: A Journey Through Turquoise Waters and Towering Rocks

This place is also known as Olukbasi Canyon or Benlik Canyon. Acipayam Canyon, which attracts attention with its crystal clear water flowing between giant rocks with a height of approximately 50 meters, also offers a unique beauty with its turquoise blue water that forms pools in some areas.

The Pamukkale underground: Kaklik Cave

There is an abundance of thermal water inside the cave. This clear, colorless water with a sulfur smell is known to be good for some skin diseases. You can add this cave to your itinerary and benefit from its healing waters.

Keloglan Cave: A Journey into Myth and Natural Beauty

According to a popular legend here, a bald shepherd from the region, trying to escape the rain, discovered this cave and took shelter. However, he lost his way and got lost in the winding chambers of the cave. His relatives, who could not hear from him, went out to look for him. His family eventually found the shepherd, but when they found him, the bald shepherd had grown hair and a beard.

Legends aside, this is one of the few caves in Denizli and even in Turkey that is open to tourism. The cave, located 3 km west of Dodurgalar Town, 18 km from Acipayam district, on the eastern slope of Malli Mountain, is 145 meters long horizontally and is a separate fantastic world consisting of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and dripstones inside.