Flaunting its ancient ruins and thermal springs, Pamukkale in Turkey is an amazing place to land in the month of December. The year is about to end, and the vacay mood is just setting in. With people planning their year-end trips, finding a place that suits their plans can be a task sometimes. If you are in two minds, keep your worries at bay, for we have your back. Have you heard of this place called Pamukkale? If yes, then awesome; if not, wait until you get surprised! For starters, Pamukkale in December is just heaven on earth. Read on to find out why.
Where Is Pamukkale
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Pamukkale is located in Turkey. The brilliant white terraces and limpid pools of Pamukkale look like they are hanging like a waterfall from the valley. Pamukkale is famous by the name “Cotton Castle” in Turkey, and it is also a remarkable site for visiting the ruins of the Roman-Greek city of Hierapolis. UNESCO has announced Pamukkale-Hierapolis as a world heritage site considering the amalgamation of man-made and natural art. It is a primary attraction in Turkey, and there are more than 2 million visitors to Pamukkale every year.
Also Read: Pamukkale Travel Guide
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Why Visit Pamukkale
There are different travertine terraces worldwide in places like the USA, China, Iran, and many more. But the experience in Pamukkale is way too different. The travertine formations here are built from limestone deposits here. The other attractions here are the collonaded streets, abundant hot springs, greek houses, bath places, temples, a theatre of the remains of the Roman-Greek city Hierapolis and the necropolis. There is also a facility to bathe in the pools, which is filled with warm water (about 36 °C) and is rich in minerals. It is a great place to swim and experience the antiquity of the pool.
How To Reach Pamukkale
Image Credit: Dennis G. Jarvis
Pamukkale is situated in the western part of the Anatolian plateau, about 120 miles east from the Aegean resort, which is more like a cruise ship port of Kusadasi near Ephesus. Most of the visitors who visit Pamukkale come from Mediterranean or Aegean resorts. The best and simplest way to reach Pamukkale is to take a car on hire, as the drive takes around three hours from Kusadasi, four hours from Marmaris and Antalya, and it takes five hours from Bodrum. Cardak-Denizli Airport is the closest airport to Pamukkale. It is easy to find an overnight bus from Istanbul and reach Pamukkale, and the journey would be of 10 hours. The facility of buses are very frequent from Denizli to Pamukkale, and it is only a 40-minute ride from there.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Pamukkale
Weather Conditions In Pamukkale In December
The Pamukkale weather in December is rainy. The amount of rain during this time is almost 89 mm, which is equal to 3.5 inches. The sun is visible very few times in December. There are 102 hours of sun/ daylight in total during winter.
According to reports, there are more than 40% rain chances in Pamukkale during December. The minimum temperature is about 4 °C, and the maximum temperature reaches 12 °C. The weather in Pamukkale in December is rainy, and a few places should be avoided during this season. But many other places are best to visit during the month of December.
What To Wear In Pamukkale In December
The weather is rainy, so it is necessary to carry a waterproof jacket for the rain. The weather would be cold due to the rains, so carrying sweaters and jackets are also essential. There are swimming pools in Pamukkale that are worth visiting. So you could carry a swimsuit along, if you want to get a dip in there. Also, remember to take sunglasses along because the limestone is very bright, and it might hurt your eyes if you look at it directly. Most importantly, a lot of water is to be carried because there is a lot of variation in the temperature, which might cause dehydration. So pack all these up, and you should be set for your Pamukkale Trip.
Related Post: Things To Do In Pamukkale
Pamukkale In December: Highlights
There are many things to do in Pamukkale in December. We have mentioned some of them here go through them to make sure you do not miss out on the fun this place has to offer.
1. Visit Hierapolis City Ruins
Hierapolis was a military province when King Eumenes II built it at around 190 BC.
This city collapsed in a quake in 60 AD and was later rebuilt. Its parallel roads run to the travertines, stretching to the necropolis on the northern side and the Byzantine church on the southern side. It is one of the best things to do in Pamukkale as there are various nearby places that one could visit along with Hierapolis City Ruins.
2. Visit Hierapolis Theatre
Image Credit: Antoine Taveneaux for Wikimedia Commons
The ruins of Hierapolis have one thing that makes it worth visiting. The Hierapolis Theatre has an exterior of approximately 100 meters, two levels of seating, and 26 columns on each level. Roman Emperors Septimius Severus and Hadrian were ruling at this time, and they safeguarded the place of performance very well. Many unique details are still visible.
Related Post: Hostels In Pamukkale
3. A Swim In The Pamukkale Antique Pool
It is situated adjacent to the Apollo Temple. This pool gives a royal feeling like the one Romans would have had. A person who is tired from the journey should surely visit the Pamukkale Antique Pool and just relax. The pool has hot spring water at a temperature of 36 °C and marble pieces. It is the most fun thing to do in Pamukkale.
4. See The Sunset At Travertine
A travertine is a kind of limestone that is deposited through mineral springs (hot springs, usually). They can be seen in shades of tan, white, and off-white. Travertines look fabulous, and their beauty increases when they are viewed during sunset. The tour guides would advise you to see the travertines at sunset because it is a beautiful sight that never disappoints.
Related Post: Pamukkale In Summer
5. Try Paragliding In Pamukkale
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Some companies offer paragliding facilities for people interested in experiencing this at Hierapolis and Pamukkale. The view of the travertines and the Hierapolis Ruins changes when viewed from the open sky. For those looking for some adventure in this place, paragliding can be the ideal activity.
6. Visit Pamukkale Nature Park
Connecting with nature in Pamukkale would delight and relax a person. The nature park in Pamukkale can make you want to come back as you get a chance to witness nature’s beauty with all its intricacies. There is a facility of paddle boats to get close to the ducks, and there are even small water slides for kids to enjoy.
You May Also Like To Read: Pamukkale In Winter
It is always amazing to visit Pamukkale in December and one easily get a chance to create a lot of memories here. A trip to Pamukkale will never be disappointing because there are a lot of things to see for everyone. So pack your bags and book this trip for New Year’s Eve and experience the best of Pamukkale with your friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pamukkale In December
Is Pamukkale open for visitors in winter?
Yes. Pamukkale welcomes tourists all throughout the year and is a great place to visit in December.
What is the best time to visit Pamukkale?
The best time for visiting Pamukkale is during the spring i.e April to mid-June. The autumn season is also a good time to visit Pamukkale but be prepared for occasional rain.
What is the weather like in Pamukkale in December?
Some of the best things to do in Pamukkale in winters are:
1. Take a dip into the Turkey Cotton Castle or Pamukkale Travertines
2. Explore the Ruins of the City of Hierapolis
3. Traverse the Hierapolis Theatre
4. Take a soothing bath at the Antique Pool of Pamukkale
5. Paraglide over Pamukkale
6. Enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Pamukkale Natural Park
What should I wear in Pamukkale in December?
As the temperature in Pamukkale in December is a bit mild, a light jacket or a cardigan with jeans or full-length trousers would be perfect for your day time excursion.
Does it snow in Pamukkale in December?
There are chances of snow during winters(November to January) in Pamukkale as the temperature may drop to zero degrees.
Can you swim in Pamukkale Travertines in winter?
Yes. You can take a dip in the warm travertine pools of Pamukkale for fun or even for healing. Taking a dip in the travertines is an ideal way to warm up in the cold weather of Pamukkale.
What is Pamukkale famous for?
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli in southwestern Turkey and is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing water which forms tiny pools of warm water with rich content of minerals.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
