Pamukkale

geology · natural wonders · Turkey · hot springs

Hot springs create white towers. Thermal spring water flows down the mountainside carrying dissolved minerals called carbonates. As the water cools and evaporates, these minerals are left behind, building up bright white layers that look like cascading cotton or a frozen waterfall.

The name means "cotton castle". Turkish people called this place Pamukkale because the brilliant white terraces really do look like a giant castle made of fluffy cotton when you see them from far away.

Located in southwestern Turkey. Pamukkale sits in Denizli Province in the River Menderes valley, an area with pleasant, mild weather most of the year, which makes it a perfect place to visit and explore.

Mineral magic in action. The carbonate minerals that create Pamukkale's white layers are still being deposited today as more hot spring water continuously flows down the slopes, meaning the site is literally still growing and changing.