Are you ready to explore two of Turkey’s most breathtaking natural wonders? Our Salda Lake & Pamukkale Tour from Side is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure!
Step into a world where nature paints the most stunning landscapes—glimmering turquoise waters, pristine white terraces, and ancient ruins that whisper tales of the past. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, stunning photography spots, or a journey through history, this tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Join us for an experience where every moment is a postcard-worthy scene, from the dazzling shores of Salda Lake to the mesmerizing travertine pools of Pamukkale.
Often called the ‘Turkish Maldives,’ Salda Lake is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white mineral-rich shores. Nestled in the mountains, it is one of Turkey’s most untouched natural wonders. Strict regulations protect its beauty, allowing you to experience an unspoiled paradise.
This lake, located in the Burdur province, is among the deepest in Turkey, reaching depths of over 180 meters (590 feet). The lake’s unique composition, rich in magnesium and hydromagnesite, gives its shores a striking resemblance to those of Mars! Scientists have even studied the lake for its similarity to Martian soil.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore, take a dip in the mineral-rich waters, or simply admire the unique landscape. The lake’s mud is also said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin, making it a perfect spot for a natural spa-like experience! With only a small café nearby for refreshments, Salda Lake is a place to truly disconnect and embrace nature’s beauty.
Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world. Its white travertine terraces, shaped over thousands of years by mineral-rich thermal waters, create an otherworldly spectacle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a popular wellness destination since ancient times, attracting visitors for its supposed healing properties.
At the top of the terraces, the ancient city of Hierapolis awaits, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved ruins, grand amphitheater, and the famous Cleopatra’s Pool—where legend has it, the Egyptian queen once bathed! The ruins also include ancient Roman baths, an extensive necropolis with hundreds of tombs, and an impressive Hierapolis Theater that once seated more than 12,000 spectators.
Pamukkale’s terraces are naturally formed by calcium deposits left behind by thermal spring waters. These pools are warm throughout the year, making them a unique experience no matter the season. The contrast of the pure white terraces against the blue sky creates a surreal landscape that looks like something out of a dream.
Classic Package Salda Lake & Pamukkale Tour
Adults: €45 per person
Children (Ages 4-8): €25 per child
Infants (Up to 4 years old): Free of chargeAll-Inclusive Package Salda Lake & Pamukkale Tour
Adults: €75 per person
Children (Ages 4-8): €45 per child
Infants (Up to 4 years old): Free of charge
Easily select your preferred package using our simple booking form and get ready to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of Salda Lake & Pamukkale!
Side Hotels ≅ 04:40
“Please note that we have no hidden costs”
What do you need to bring with you?
Towels, swimming costumes, sun cream, sunglasses, camera, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, and a hat are all recommended.
Your adventure begins bright and early as we pick you up from your hotel in Side in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. A friendly, professional guide will accompany you, sharing fascinating insights about the journey ahead.
Before reaching our first destination, we’ll stop for a delightful breakfast to energize for the exciting day ahead.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Turkey’s cleanest lake! Spend an hour soaking in the views, taking photos, or even enjoying a refreshing swim in its unique, mineral-rich waters.
After exploring Salda Lake, we’ll head towards Pamukkale, stopping at a charming local restaurant for a delicious lunch featuring regional Turkish cuisine.
Upon arrival in Pamukkale, we’ll step back in time as we explore the ruins of Hierapolis. Walk through ancient streets, visit the necropolis, and admire the well-preserved amphitheater, where gladiators once entertained the crowds.
Next, we visit the spectacular white terraces of Pamukkale, where you can walk barefoot on the warm, mineral-rich formations and experience their natural beauty up close. If you wish, take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool (extra entrance fee applies) and enjoy the thermal waters that have been cherished for centuries.
As the day comes to an end, we’ll embark on a comfortable journey back to Side, giving you time to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.
For the daily trip from SIDE to Salda Lake & Pamukkale, you can choose between two options: the Classic and the All-Inclusive package.
Bring decent walking shoes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, and towels. A decent sun hat is also recommended because there is no shade when ascending the travertines. Please keep in mind that you are not permitted to wear shoes or flip-flops when walking through the travertines. This regulation is in place to protect the whiteness and purity of the rocks themselves.
Carry your camera for those great moments along the route, and don’t forget to bring some money. Not only for beverages or snacks to accompany your meals, but also for those presents or mementos that will definitely attract your attention.
For the classic package Salda Lake & Pamukkale Trip, admission to Pamukkale and to the historical sites costs an additional €30, payable locally. These fees are included in the all-inclusive package. Also drinks and access to the Cleopatra pool consumed during the day must be paid for separately.
The Salda Lake & Pamukkale from SIDE is for everyone who wants to experience something different and enjoy Turkey’s antique side. It is feasible for those who are less physically capable to take the bus to the top of the Travertines and yet enjoy the vistas and the historic city itself. The carriages are air conditioned and spacious. Smaller children may find the day exhausting, however breaks are scheduled throughout the day.
The Salda Lake & Pamukkale tour starts early in the morning and returns to SIDE in the evening. The drive takes approximately 3.5-4 hours each way, and the total tour duration is around 15 hours.
The travertine pools themselves are shallow and unsuitable for swimming, however you can put your feet in the water. Cleopatra’s pool is better suitable for a leisurely swim and requires an admission charge that is payable locally.
You can easily book your preferred package through our simple online booking form or contact us directly for assistance.
Entrance fees to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Necropolis are included in the All-Inclusive Package but not in the Classic Package. Cleopatra’s Pool requires an extra fee in both options.
It is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book online or contact us for availability.
Brilliant day trip from Side to a very popular tourist spot in Turkey. The day was great and the pools were quite busy with tourists from all over the world. We went there with my son, he loved the place so much too.
I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is staying in Side and wants to visit Pamukkale!!
The tour guides were of the highest quality and knowledgeable of all those areas we visited. Always ready to answer all your questions. I can’t wait to come back to Side and explore joinexcusions.com some more.
As a photography enthusiast, the Pamukkale tour was a dream come true. The landscape is breathtaking and offers countless opportunities for perfect shots. The Salda Lake, with its unique colors and shapes, was the highlight of my trip. The guide was very helpful and took us to the most beautiful spots at the best times to capture the perfect light. This tour is a must not only for nature lovers but also for anyone who wants to capture special moments. Simply amazing!
I joined the tour to Salda Lake and Pamukkale and was overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. The white terraces and turquoise water are an incredible sight. I was especially impressed by how sustainably this place is being preserved. The tour was informative, and our guide explained many interesting details about the geological processes. Swimming in the natural pools was the perfect refreshment. An unforgettable experience that I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.
Salda Lake is a place you simply have to see – the landscape reminds you of the Maldives. Pamukkale was just as impressive, especially the ancient ruins and the warm thermal water. Our guide was very friendly and told us a lot about the history of the places. Although the tour was long, the time flew by.