Salda Lake From Side

• Early morning pickup from Side and surrounding hotels
• Breakfast stop on the way
• Arrival at Salda Lake and free time on the turquoise beach (swimming & photos)
• Visit to a local onyx stone workshop
• Lunch break
• Arrival at Pamukkale
• Guided tour of the Hierapolis ancient city and free time
• Walk on the Pamukkale travertines and photo break
• Chance to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool (optional, extra fee)
• Dinner stop on the return journey
• Evening arrival back in Side and drop-off at hotels

Salda Lake and Pamukkale Tour from Side

If you're vacationing in Side, why not dedicate a day to experiencing some of Turkey's most stunning natural and historical wonders? Our Salda Lake and Pamukkale tour from Side is a popular full-day option that offers just that opportunity. On this all-inclusive day trip, you'll visit Salda Lake—often called Turkey’s Maldives—and the breathtaking white terraces of Pamukkale in the same day. From an early morning departure to an evening return, everything is arranged to ensure you collect unforgettable memories along the way.

Tour Kick-off and Salda Lake Visit

We start bright and early by picking you up from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Enjoy views of the Taurus Mountains and rural Anatolian villages as we journey approximately 4 hours towards our first stop, Salda Lake. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the sight of powdery white sands and brilliant turquoise waters at Salda Lake, a crater lake renowned as one of Turkey's deepest and cleanest. Encircled by magnesium-rich white shores that give it the Maldives-like appearance, Salda Lake has remained pristine due to its remote mountain location. During your free time here, you can stroll along the shore, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water, and snap stunning photos of the idyllic scenery. The mineral-rich mud on the lake's shore is also said to have beneficial properties for the skin, so feel free to try a natural mud mask if you like!

After enjoying the tranquility of Salda, we will head towards Pamukkale. The drive from Salda to Pamukkale is about 1.5 hours. Before reaching Pamukkale, we'll stop at a local restaurant for a tasty lunch, giving you a chance to recharge and sample some regional flavors. With appetites satisfied, we'll continue on to Turkey's most famous natural wonder: Pamukkale.

Pamukkale's Travertines and Ancient Hierapolis

Pamukkale, which means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is an otherworldly landscape of glistening white travertine terraces formed by thermal mineral springs. This UNESCO World Heritage site is unlike anywhere else on Earth. When we arrive (Pamukkale is approximately 300 km from Side), you'll be amazed by the vast hillside of snowy-looking pools and ridges. Fed by 30°C hot springs rich in calcium, the terraces have formed over millennia, creating natural infinity pools of warm, mineral-rich water. You'll have the chance to remove your shoes and walk barefoot across the terraces, feeling the warm water flow over your feet and enjoying the surreal environment. Be sure to have your camera ready; the views from the travertines over the valley are spectacular, offering perfect photo opportunities.

Adjacent to the terraces lies the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the ruins of this “Holy City,” discovering the grand Roman theater, city gates, colonnaded streets, and a vast necropolis with thousands of tombs. Founded in the 2nd century BC by the Kingdom of Pergamon, Hierapolis thrived in Roman times as a healing center built around the hot springs. As you wander through the site, you'll gain fascinating insights into the history and the importance of thermal baths in antiquity.

The Cleopatra Antique Pool

No visit to Pamukkale is complete without mentioning the famous Cleopatra Antique Pool. According to legend, the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra once swam in these very waters to enhance her beauty. This thermal pool, littered with submerged ancient columns from a long-ago earthquake, offers a magical swimming experience. During your free time at Pamukkale, you can optionally take a dip in Cleopatra's Pool (for an additional fee). Soaking in its thermal waters (around 36°C), surrounded by centuries-old marble pillars, is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and is said to have healing benefits for the skin and joints.

The Journey Back

After we've fully explored Pamukkale and Hierapolis, we begin our journey back to Side in the late afternoon. On the way, we'll pause for an evening dinner break in a local town. This gives everyone a chance to relax, enjoy a delicious dinner (included in the tour), and reflect on the day's adventures. As night falls, we'll continue our drive and have you back at your hotel in Side around mid-evening. You might be tired, but you'll be returning with incredible memories of two amazing locations visited in a single day.

Why Choose This Tour?

Our Side to Salda Lake and Pamukkale tour allows you to experience two exceptional sites in one go, making the most of your holiday time. It's the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical exploration, wrapped into one convenient package. With all transportation, guiding, and even meals and entrance fees arranged, you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. If your schedule is tight or you prefer focusing only on Pamukkale, we also offer a separate Pamukkale from Side tour. However, this combined Salda & Pamukkale trip ensures you won't miss out on the turquoise waters of Turkey's Maldives, offering a richer, more diverse experience in one unforgettable day.