Pamukkale, 19 km north of Denizli, is Turkey's foremost mineral-bath spa because of its natural beauty: hot calcium-laden waters spring from the earth and cascade over a cliff. As they cool they form dramatic travertines of hard, brilliantly white calcium that form pools. Pamukkale used to be a favourite stop on every backpacker's trip to Turkey. Adventurous travellers would stay in Pamukkale Town's small pensions and hotels, bask in the warm mineral water of the travertine pools, linger over long dinners with drinks in the evening, exchange tales of the road, and generally have a wonderful time in this laid-back atmosphere.
