Find the Best Areas for Food and Accommodation
Pamukkale is famous for its white travertine terraces and ancient ruins—but your experience will depend a lot on where you stay and how you spend your time.
In this guide, we’ll introduce recommended areas for staying and dining: Pamukkale Village, Karahayıt, and Denizli City.
Explore each area’s unique charm and choose the best plan that fits your travel style!
Pamukkale Lovers: Stay in Pamukkale Village
Right at the base of the terraces – perfect for sightseeing
Pamukkale Village is a small town right beneath the travertines. It’s a great base for visitors, especially those who want to enjoy the quiet beauty of the site in the early morning or after sunset—when day-trippers have left.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the village, many with great views of the terraces. Some places stay open late, and during peak seasons, you can even enjoy dinner with a view of the illuminated travertines.
Perfect for independent travelers who want to take their time.
Tip: Near the entrance of the terraces, you might find people trying to pull tourists into restaurants. For a calm meal, try spots in the center or quieter side streets.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Drop luggage at the hotel → Quick lunch → Minibus to North Gate → Visit ruins, Cleopatra Pool, and sunset at the travertines → Dinner in the village
Day 2: Morning walk by the travertines → Relax at the hotel’s pool or café → Travel in the afternoon
Recommended Restaurants & Hotels in Pamukkale Village
Asian Kitchen Landscape Restaurant
A casual Asian restaurant with a terrace overlooking the travertines. Offers a variety of dishes from Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisines—plus drinks. A great place for travelers missing familiar flavors.
Willy’s State Hotel & Restaurant
Top location for terrace views! Simple rooms, but the “Pamukkale View” rooms offer stunning sights right from your window. The restaurant is open all day and the large pool is free for guests. And you can enjyoy the “Pamukkale View” from the pool side too.
Teras Restaurant / Cadde Steak House
Easy-going and traveler-friendly. Great terrace view and very helpful staff—even letting guests charge phones while waiting for buses.
National Park Café (across from Willy’s)
Free public park with cafes and picnic space. A hidden gem for viewing the terraces at night when they are beautifully lit up.
For Relaxation: Stay in Karahayıt (Hot Spring Area)
North of Denizli and past the Hierapolis ruins lies Karahayıt, a town known for its red-colored thermal waters and spa resorts.
This area is ideal for travelers who want to unwind after sightseeing. Many hotels offer hot springs, pools, saunas, and massage services.
There are few restaurants and cafés outside hotels, so most accommodations offer half-board (breakfast and dinner included).
Tip: Some hotels allow non-guests to use their hot springs during the day—perfect for a soak after sightseeing.
Sample Itinerary:
- Visit the terraces and ruins → Check in at hotel in the evening → Relax in hot springs, and enjoy a relaxing dinner → The next day, enjoy the thermal pool until checkout.
- Visit Denizli City in the morning → Travel to Karahayıt in the afternoon → Stay overnight and enjoy spa facilities → After checking out the next morning, explore the ruins and terraces at your own pace.
Recommended Hotels in Karahayıt
Doga Thermal Health & Spa
A luxury hotel with indoor/outdoor pools, spa services, and a generous breakfast buffet. Popular with groups. Some plans allow continued use of spa facilities even after checkout.
Colossae Thermal & Spa
A large, well-equipped hotel with hot springs. Comfortable and ideal for both groups and individuals. Some options include post-checkout spa access.
Lycus River Hotel
Another reliable option with complete facilities: spa, pools, and restaurant. Spacious and clean.
For Active Travelers: Stay in Denizli City
If you plan to move around by public transport or visit nearby sites like Aphrodisias or Ephesus, staying in Denizli city is a smart choice.
Hotels near the train or bus station make it easy to store luggage and explore.
While the city center doesn’t have many tourist attractions, it offers a real taste of local Turkish life. Streets are filled with local shops and budget-friendly eateries with honest, hearty food.
Sample Itinerary:
- Return to the city after visiting Pamukkale → Enjoy a local dinner → Overnight stay → Join a regional tour the next day
- Arrive in Denizli in the morning → Store your luggage → Visit Pamukkale → Return to the city in the evening → Stay overnight → Continue your travels the next day
Recommended Spots in Denizli City
Gazezoğlu Pide Salonu
A local favorite serving freshly baked pide (Turkish flatbread) loaded with cheese and meat. One serving is more than enough!
Zafer Gazozu
A fizzy lemon-flavored soda originally from Denizli. Refreshing and widely available in cafés and stores.
Mellday Hotel / Laodikya Otel
Both are close to the bus terminal and train station—ideal for travelers focused on convenience. Clean, simple, and reasonably priced.
Final Thoughts
Pamukkale isn’t just about travertines and ruins—where you stay and how you spend your time will shape your entire trip.
Choose the area that best fits your style, and make your visit more memorable through great food, relaxing hot springs, and cozy cafés.