Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour: from Side vs from Belek
The Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour can be picked up from both Side and Belek. The tour itself is identical (1 Day, β¬55 per person) β the real difference is the transfer. From Side it's about 0 km (~10 min); from Belek it's about 28.8 km (~36 min). If you want less time on the road, Side is the shorter run. Operator note: A long but iconic inland day β Salda Lake's white shores, the Pamukkale travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. You walk the travertines barefoot (shoes are not allowed on the white calcium pools), so bring a small bag for your footwear and a towel. The Cleopatra antique pool is an optional extra paid on site. There's a fair bit of walking and sun exposure, so a hat and sunscreen matter. Best for travellers happy with an early start and some transfer time for a world-famous landscape.
From our team on the ground
A long but iconic inland day β Salda Lake's white shores, the Pamukkale travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. You walk the travertines barefoot (shoes are not allowed on the white calcium pools), so bring a small bag for your footwear and a towel. The Cleopatra antique pool is an optional extra paid on site. There's a fair bit of walking and sun exposure, so a hat and sunscreen matter. Best for travellers happy with an early start and some transfer time for a world-famous landscape.
Highlights
What's included
- Hotel Transfer (Both Ways)
- Guidance Service
- Bus with Full A/C
- Pamukkale Fee
- Hieropolis Fee
- Full Insurance
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour cheaper from Side or Belek?
The tour price is the same (β¬55 per person) from both; only the transfer length differs.
Which has the shorter transfer?
Side β 10 minutes versus 36 minutes.
Traveller reviews
Hierapolis surprised me. I booked for the travertines but enjoyed the ancient city almost as much.
Pamukkale was one of those places that actually looked as strange and beautiful as the photos. Walking barefoot on the white terraces was hot in places, so listen to the guide's advice about where to step. Salda Lake gave the day a different kind of scenery before the main stop. It is a long tour, but it felt worth it.
Long bus day and basic meals, but the sights were unique enough to justify it.
I wish there was more time at Salda, but fitting both places into one day is already a lot.
Cleopatra Pool was busy, but swimming among old columns felt special.
The pickup was very early and the bus day is long, so people should be realistic before booking. That said, the travertines, Hierapolis, and Salda Lake are not sights you can easily replace with something closer. Lunch was basic, but the guide kept the timing organized. I was tired afterward, but glad I went.