Built near the natural hot springs, the grand city of Hierapolis attracted a steady stream of pilgrims, who came to bathe in the curative waters. Pamukkale is located 250 km from Izmir and 20 km from Denizli. The Pamukkale hot springs flow at a rate of 500 litres per second. Water temperature is 36 to 38 C with a PH of 6. Throughout history Pamukkale has been a famous spa, with both baths and open pools set into the snow-white cliffs.
Bath treatments take place at natural pools developed around the main hot springs.
Hot mineral water spas have been opened at a number of new and very comfortable hotels in the area. Total capacity is 4,000 beds. The lake narrows into a channel, flowing into the Dalyan river and emptying into the Mediterranean at one of Turkey's most spectacular beaches. The beach is the breeding ground of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. The reed-edged river meanders to the sea, surmounted by 4th century BC Lycian rock tombs.