Salda Lake & Pamukkale Day Tour from Side – Turquoise Lake, White Terraces and Hierapolis
Two of Turkey’s most surprising landscapes in a single day from Side: the turquoise water and white shores of Salda Lake, then Pamukkale’s travertines and ancient Hierapolis – entrance fees, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- 04:30 → 22:00
- Destination
- Pamukkale
Turquoise water lapping at shores as white as snow – no wonder Salda Lake is nicknamed the Maldives of Turkey. This Salda Lake and Pamukkale tour from Side pairs the lake with the famous travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis, all between a very early start and a late return. Entrance fees for all three sites are included, and so are breakfast, lunch and dinner – you don’t need to buy any tickets or plan any meals.
Salda Lake: the Maldives of the Turkish highlands
Salda lies around 225 km from Side, in the lake district of Burdur province. It is one of the cleanest and deepest lakes in the country, and its dazzling shores are made of hydromagnesite – a mineral that NASA scientists have compared with the rocks of Jezero Crater on Mars. You have free time to stroll across the white sand and take photos; swimming is possible only where the local rules allow it on the day.
Hierapolis first, then the travertines
About an hour and a half further west, near Denizli, Pamukkale’s terraces pour down the hillside. The visit begins in Hierapolis, the Greco-Roman spa city on the plateau, with its theatre, necropolis and baths and time to explore at your own pace. Then it is shoes off for the white limestone pools, where warm thermal water gathers in shallow basins. Cleopatra’s Pool, with ancient columns lying under the water, is right next to the ruins – a swim there costs extra.
How the day unfolds
- Very early pickup from hotels and apartments in Side, Manavgat and the surrounding resorts. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
- Breakfast and a rest stop on the way into the highlands, then free time at Salda Lake.
- A short stop at an onyx workshop and lunch before Pamukkale.
- Dinner on the return journey over the Taurus Mountains; you are back at your hotel late in the evening.
Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a warm layer – the highlands are noticeably cooler than the coast. Prefer a later start and Pamukkale only? Choose the Pamukkale day tour from Side. For waterfalls closer to your hotel, see the Side ancient city and waterfall tour.
Highlights
- Salda Lake – turquoise water and white shores, the ‘Maldives of Turkey’
- Hierapolis with its theatre, necropolis and baths
- Barefoot on Pamukkale’s travertine terraces
- Entrance fees for Salda Lake, Pamukkale and Hierapolis included
- Three meals included – breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Scenic return over the Taurus Mountains
- Pickup from hotels and apartments in the Side area
Itinerary
-
04:30
Pickup in the Side area
Collection from your hotel or apartment in Side, Manavgat or nearby. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
-
Early morning
Breakfast and rest stop
Breakfast (included) and a short break on the road inland.
-
Morning
Salda Lake
Free time on the white shore beside the turquoise water.
-
Late morning
Onyx workshop
A short stop to see onyx being worked – no need to buy.
-
Midday
Lunch
Lunch (included) on the way to Pamukkale.
-
Afternoon
Hierapolis
Visit and free time in the ancient city: theatre, necropolis, baths.
-
Afternoon
Travertine terraces
Barefoot on the white pools; optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool (extra).
-
Evening
Dinner and the road home
Dinner (included), then back over the Taurus Mountains.
-
22:00
Drop-off
Back at your hotel or apartment in the Side area.
Included / Not included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at hotels and apartments in the Side area
- Guiding
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Entrance fees for Salda Lake, Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Not included
- Swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool (paid on site)
- Drinks
- Personal spending
Packages & options
Day tour incl. entrance fees
Hotel transfer, guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner and entrance to Salda Lake, Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Good to know
Good to know
- The day starts very early in the morning and ends late in the evening.
- Travertines are walked barefoot and wet limestone is slippery – watch your step.
- Swimming in Salda Lake is possible only where the local rules allow it.
- The highlands around Salda and Pamukkale are cooler than the coast; dress for the season.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- A warm layer for the early start and the cooler highlands
- Cash for drinks and a swim in Cleopatra’s Pool
- A small bag for your shoes on the terraces
Frequently asked questions
How far are Salda Lake and Pamukkale from Side?
Salda Lake is around 225 km from Side, and Pamukkale lies roughly an hour and a half’s drive beyond it, so a good part of the day is spent on the road – broken up by breakfast, rest stops and meals.
Are the entrance fees included?
Yes. Entrance to Salda Lake, Pamukkale and Hierapolis is included in the tour. Only a swim in Cleopatra’s Pool is paid separately.
Can I swim in Salda Lake?
Only in the places and at the times the local rules allow. Bring swimwear just in case – the walk on the white shore is worth it either way.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are part of the tour; drinks are paid separately.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome and pay the child rate, and babies travel free. Bear in mind that it is a very long day on the bus.
Salda and Pamukkale or Pamukkale only – what is the difference?
This tour adds Salda Lake, includes all entrance fees and starts earlier. If you prefer a later pickup and only Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool, choose our Pamukkale day tour from Side and Manavgat.
