What to wear at Pamukkale (and what to carry in your bag)
The one thing that surprises first-time visitors: you take your shoes off to walk the terraces. Dress for that, for strong light and for a start before dawn, and you will be comfortable all day.
In short
Wear light, comfortable clothes you can roll up, shoes that slip off easily and a hat. You walk the travertines barefoot, so bring a small bag to carry your shoes. Add sunglasses and sun cream for the white rock, a warm layer for the night pickup, and swimwear just in case you decide on a dip in the Cleopatra Pool.
Barefoot on the terraces: why your shoes matter
The white terraces are made of travertine, a pale calcium carbonate stone deposited by water from warm springs. To protect that surface, visitors walk it barefoot. You will carry your shoes for this part of the visit, then put them back on for the ancient city of Hierapolis above.
That makes footwear a practical choice rather than a fashion one. Sandals or trainers you can pull off and on without sitting down are ideal. Leave lace-up boots at the hotel unless you enjoy fiddling with knots on a busy path.
- Slip-on trainers, sports sandals or similar
- A light cloth or plastic bag for your shoes
- A small towel to dry your feet before shoes go back on
Clothes for paddling in the shallow pools
Along the terraces you can paddle in the shallow pools that collect on the terraces. It is a walk, not a swim, so nobody needs a costume for it.
Shorts, a skirt or trousers that roll up above the knee work well. Choose fabric that dries quickly, because a splash from a child or a misjudged step is part of the fun.
Sun protection on white stone
White travertine bounces sunlight back up at you, so you feel the glare from below as well as above. In summer this is strong; even on a mild spring or autumn afternoon it catches people out.
A wide-brimmed hat, good sunglasses and sun cream are the core kit. Remember the tops of your feet — they rarely see the sun on holiday and burn quickly once your shoes are off. A refillable water bottle is sensible too, since drinks are not included in the tour price.
Layers for a start in the dark
Your coach collects you during the night, and the inland air before sunrise is cooler than the coast you left behind, especially outside summer. A light jumper or zip-up top makes the first stretch of the journey far more pleasant and folds into a bag once the day warms up.
In winter go one step further: a proper jacket, and perhaps a scarf. The ruins of Hierapolis are open ground with little shelter from the wind. You can check the window for your area on the pickup times page; the exact time is confirmed after booking.
Swimwear: only if you add Cleopatra Pool
The Cleopatra (Antique) Pool is the one place on this day where you can actually swim, in warm water among fallen ancient columns. Entry is sold on its own as an optional paid extra, and neither tour version covers it; the current price is on our tour price page.
If you think you might go in, wear swimwear under your clothes from the start and pack a towel and a plastic bag for the wet things. If you are sure you will skip it, leave the costume at the hotel. More detail is on our Cleopatra Pool guide.
A short packing list for the day
- Hat, sunglasses and sun cream
- Shoe bag and a small towel
- A warm layer for the night pickup and the coach
- Water bottle and a little cash for drinks
- Euros for the tour itself, paid on the day
- Swimwear and a second towel, only for Cleopatra Pool
- A phone charger or power bank for the long day
Booked the version without the entrance ticket? Keep money ready for the entrance, which you pay yourself on arrival. Not sure which version suits you? See with or without the entrance ticket, or go straight to the booking form.