Travertines & Hierapolis: The entrance to the Travertines & Hierapolis is literally a 2 minute walk away from the hotel through town. Entrance cost is currently 10 lira per person and this ticket is valid for the Travetines and the ruins of Hierapolis. The site is open 24 hours and it is possible to go whenever you like, however the lights at night are not good for photography. Bathing in the Travertines is now restricted but there are man-made pools where you can sit and enjoy the views. The Antique Pool is filled with original columns and is quite a nice way to spend a day. The cost is 18 lira per person and it is open from 8am-8pm. Previously you could use your ticket in any 24hour period however this has now changed and is valid only for the day of purchase.
Afrodisias: Afrodisias is located approx 90kms from Pamukkale. Aphrodisias is one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey. Dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess and then the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it was the site of a magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and the home of a renowned school of marble sculpture. Tours to Afrodisias leave everyday (high season) and cost 30ytl per person. The bus will pick you up from the hotel at 9:30am and will return to Pamukkale approx 3:30pm. Entrance fee is not included.
Laodikya: Not far from Pamukkale yet rarely seen is the ancient site of Laodikya. This site is of great religious importance as it is mentioned in the bible as one of the `seven churches of Asia`. A beautiful way to spend the day looking at ruins with few tourists, the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and fields of poppies in between. Remnants of the ancient city include a stadium, sarcophagi, an amphitheatre, an odeon, a cistern and an aqueduct. Excavations are continuing. Local dolmus runs every 20-30mins and can drop you off at the road to Laodikya. From there it is an easy 1km walk to the site.
Kaklik Caves: Also known as the `underground Pamukkale`, this site is located around 40kms from Pamukkale. It is easiest to reach by car but local dolmus`s can also get you there.
Mud Baths: Located approx 20kms from Pamukkale these natural healing mudbaths are a fantastic way to spend the day. Cost is 40 lira and includes hotel transfer and entrance cost. At the site is closed mud baths, natural healing sauna, change and shower facilities and a gardened area. The health benifits are said to include relief from Rheumatism, Skin diseases, Eczhema, Fungal diseases and more. Indeed local Turkish people have been frequenting these health facilities for many years.
Roosters?: Many, many people ask 'What is with the rooster in Denizli?!' - as there are giant rooster statues and plaques everywhere. Well....The rooster is the symbol of Denizli, a local breed that are known throughout Turkey for their colour and also their fine singing ability....apparently :)
Textile: Denizli is a main source for textile production in Turkey. This means good news for tourists as textiles and clothes are made to a high standard and still very cheap. A whole day could be spent just in Denizli alone wandering through the endless market places, stopping for a çai and watching Turkish life pass you by without being hassled like in more touristy cities.
Karahayit: Located only 10kms from Pamukkale is the small town of Karahayit. Now the home of 5 star hotels, this small village also is home to the Red Water Springs. The water here has a much higher iron content and so the formations appear red. The water when it reaches the surface is also much hotter than Pamukkale water at 55 degrees. Buses run to Karahayit every 20-30mins from near the front of the hotel.
Paragliding: Both motor and tandem paragliding are very popular in this area. In fact, competitive paragliders are regulars at the Artemis Yoruk Hotel. You can try it out for yourself as well! Sailing over the ruins of Heirapolis and the Travertines is a unforgettable experience. Prices vary according to which type of paragliding you wish to do and there is always a guarantee...``no fly no pay``.
