I’ve visited Turkey a few times now, but each trip has been completely different.
My first visit was a relaxed beach holiday where I did very little beyond enjoying the resort. My second took me to Istanbul, where I explored iconic sights like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
This time, I wanted a winter escape from England, so I booked a week in Belek at an all-inclusive resort. It was January, and although the hotel was lovely, it was much quieter than peak season. The beach was cold and windy, so I avoided it, and it quickly became clear that I needed more than books by the pool to keep me occupied.
I’m not really a “sit still” kind of traveller — I like to explore.
A quick search revealed some of the top things to do in Antalya, and I ended up booking three guided tours on different days:
– Antalya City Tour with a boat trip and Düden Waterfalls
– Pamukkale and Hierapolis
– Manavgat Bazaar
Finding My Rhythm in Antalya
Along the way, I made friends with two lovely ladies – Joy and Ruth- at the hotel. We shared two of the tours together, but when it came to Pamukkale — with its 4:30am start — they quite sensibly decided to stay in bed! We had great fun, and I’m still in touch with them now back in the UK.
The Antalya City Tour was a great introduction. Walking through the old town of Kaleiçi, visiting the main square, and seeing Hadrian’s Gate — an impressive Roman archway — really brought the history of the area to life.
The Düden Waterfalls were another highlight, although getting to the Upper Falls was a bit of an adventure. One of my new friends kindly held my hand as we carefully made our way down the steps through a cave. I’ll admit, I closed my eyes at one point — I was quite nervous — but I was rewarded with a beautiful cascading waterfall at the bottom. Thankfully, we didn’t have to go back the same way!
The boat trip, however, was less enjoyable. It was short, cold, and windy, and with very few people on board, it felt more like something to tick off than truly experience.
The Manavgat Bazaar was also a bit of a disappointment. But what made up for it was an unexpected stop at a mosque. We hadn’t planned for it and didn’t have headscarves, but there was a basket at the entrance with a selection we could borrow. It turned into a lovely and memorable cultural moment.
The Early Start to Pamukkale
I had been warned about the early start for Pamukkale — and they weren’t exaggerating.
We left the hotel at 4:30am for what turned into a long drive, but the journey had its moments. Our guide introduced us to a traditional local bakery where we could pick up breakfast, and I have to say, the bread was absolutely delicious.
We also stopped to watch hot air balloons rising into the early morning sky — a beautiful and peaceful experience, and well worth being up early for.
Exploring Hierapolis
By the time we arrived at Hierapolis, I was ready to explore.
This ancient city is vast — much larger than I had expected — and our guide explained that we would only be able to see the highlights. Even so, there was so much to take in.
We visited the central baths, the Plutonium (with its cave entrance), and of course, the theatre — which was the highlight for me. The amphitheatre is incredibly well preserved, and the views from the top are stunning.
Walking through the ruins, it was easy to imagine life here thousands of years ago. There was a quiet, almost reflective atmosphere that I really enjoyed.
Pamukkale – A Different Experience
Then came Pamukkale.
As we approached, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. If I’m honest, I had mixed feelings. It was smaller than I had imagined, and not quite the bright white “cotton castle” I had pictured.
Visitors are asked to remove their shoes to protect the terraces, which felt a little awkward at first, but I followed along. Walking barefoot across the terraces was certainly a unique experience. The surface was smooth, the water shallow and warm, but I found myself being quite cautious — I was worried about slipping and losing my balance.
I didn’t spend a long time walking across them. Instead, I sat and watched others arrive — dipping their toes in, hesitating, and then slowly making their way across before turning back. It was interesting to observe, almost as much as taking part.
A Moment of Reflection
What stayed with me most was the contrast.
On one side, you have the soft, natural formations of Pamukkale. On the other, the vast and historic ruins of Hierapolis sitting just above it. It made me wonder whether the connection between the two was coincidence or something more intentional.
Is It Worth It?
Would I recommend it?
Getting up at 4:30am and travelling for hours — probably not for Pamukkale alone.
But as part of a wider experience, combining both the natural and historical elements, it does offer something quite unique. And sometimes, it’s those contrasting experiences that stay with you the longest.
If you’re visiting, I’d recommend allowing plenty of time. There’s more to see than you might expect, and it’s worth taking it slowly to appreciate both sides of the experience.
I visited India’s Taj Mahal – undeniably beautiful and symbolic of love, but did it live up to the “Wonder of the World” title?
In Pictures
