Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour from Side β Transfer, Price & Pickup
Staying in Side and want to do the Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour? Here's exactly what that looks like. The pickup point sits roughly 0 km away, an estimated 10-minute transfer, with hotel pickup in the 07:30 β 09:00 window. The tour runs 1 Day and costs β¬55 per person. Right now the sea is around 21Β°C with high crowds β Reliable sunshine, sea warming up. Excellent all-round touring weather.. About staying in Side: Side is an ancient Pamphylian harbour town where Greco-Roman ruins sit right among the streets, restaurants and beaches. The headland is crowned by the seafront Temple of Apollo, and the Manavgat River and waterfall lie just inland. Nearby you'll find Temple of Apollo, Side Ancient Theatre, Ancient city gate & agora. Side is about 65 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT), roughly a 50β60 minute drive. It is the main resort hub of the Manavgat district. From our guides 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.
About Side
Side is an ancient Pamphylian harbour town where Greco-Roman ruins sit right among the streets, restaurants and beaches. The headland is crowned by the seafront Temple of Apollo, and the Manavgat River and waterfall lie just inland.
What to see near Side
Temple of Apollo β Five re-erected marble columns of a 2nd-century temple on the harbour point β Side's iconic sunset spot. Side Ancient Theatre β A grand Roman theatre seating around 15,000, one of the largest in the Pamphylia region. Ancient city gate & agora β Colonnaded streets, the agora and monumental gate that you walk through to reach the old town. Manavgat Waterfall β A wide, low waterfall on the Manavgat River a short drive inland, set in a riverside park.
Local tips
β’ Watch sunset at the Temple of Apollo β arrive early to get a spot on the point. β’ The old-town ruins are free to wander; combine them with the theatre and museum. β’ Pair Side with the Manavgat Waterfall and a river boat trip for a full day.
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
How far is the Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour from Side?
The departure point is about 0 km from Side, an estimated 10-minute drive.
What time is hotel pickup from Side?
Pickup from Side hotels is typically in the 07:30 β 09:00 window.
How much does the Pamukkale and Salda Lake Tour cost?
β¬55 per person.
Is hotel pickup included from Side?
Yes β round-trip hotel transfer from Side is included.
What's the weather and sea like for this tour now?
Right now the sea is around 21Β°C with high crowds β Reliable sunshine, sea warming up. Excellent all-round touring weather..
What else is Side known for?
Side is known for Temple of Apollo by the sea, Roman amphitheatre, ancient city among the streets, sandy beaches.
What is Side known for?
Side is known for its seafront Temple of Apollo, large Roman theatre and ancient streets that run right through the modern town, plus sandy beaches and the nearby Manavgat Waterfall.
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.