MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE IN TURKEY – PAMUKKALE AND SALDA LAKE
A motorcycle trip to Turkey has been our dream for a long time. The combination of raw mountains, endless plains, oriental bazaars and ancient ruins is the recipe for the perfect trip. Finally, we managed to discover one of the most fascinating places in this country. In this article, we will focus on Pamukkal and Lake Salda.
Lake Salda – Turkish Maldives
Lake Salda, called the “Turkish Maldives”. Located among the hills, with crystal clear water and white beaches, it really resembles an exotic paradise. After a full day of riding, we could not refuse to bathe – the water was pleasantly cool, and the views were breathtaking.
Lake Salda is one of the cleanest and deepest lakes in Turkey, reaching a depth of about 196 meters. The unique mineral formations and wealth of magnesium make the bottom of the lake resemble the surface of Mars, which has even attracted NASA researchers.
The water in the lake has an extremely intense blue color, which changes the shade depending on the time of day and the angle of incidence of light.
In addition, thanks to the high mineral content, mud extracted from the lake is considered to have health and skin care properties.
Walking on the white sand, you can feel like a tropical island, although you are actually in the heart of Turkey.
In addition to the lake itself, the area offers many opportunities for active time. You can find viewpoints here, which offer a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding hills. Hiking and cycling routes around the lake are also popular, allowing you to admire its unusual scenery from different perspectives.
Lake Salda is also a place to take a break from the heat – thanks to the altitude at which it is located, the temperatures here are slightly lower than in other parts of Turkey, making it an ideal place to relax even on summer days.
Pamukkale – a cotton paradise
Pamukkale is about 100km away from Lake Salda. This is an amazing place where limestone sediments have formed natural pools, filled with turquoise water.
Pamukkale is called the “cotton paradise” (from Turkish “Pamukkale” means “cotton castle”) because of its unusual white limestone terraces, which resemble huge, fluffy piles of cotton.
They are formed as a result of the outflow of thermal waters rich in calcium, which settles on the slopes of the hill, forming spectacular cascades and pools. This is one of the most unique places in Turkey, impressing not only with its appearance, but also with the healing properties of thermal waters.
It is worth remembering that you should walk barefoot on the lime terraces so as not to damage the delicate sediments and preserve the natural beauty of this place.
Currently, natural pools in Pamukkale are protected and are not allowed to prevent degradation. However, visitors can take advantage of designated, artificially created thermal pools, which still offer a remarkable experience of bathing in mineral-rich waters.
For those who want to see Pamukkale from a completely different perspective, there is an opportunity to fly a balloon at sunrise.
The sight of white terraces bathed in the first rays of the sun, surrounded by the fog of the morning, is an unforgettable experience. The balloon flight also offers an extraordinary panorama of the ruins of Hierapolis and the hills stretching around. It is an ideal attraction for lovers of photography and unforgettable experiences.
One of the more unusual points in Pamukkale is Cleopatra’s Pool.
According to legend, the Egyptian queen herself was supposed to take baths here, believing in the rejuvenating properties of these waters. Natural thermal springs heat the water to a pleasant temperature, and while immersed in the pool, you can admire the sunken fragments of ancient columns. Bathing in such an environment is a real journey through time. However, it is worth remembering that the entrance to the Cleopatra Pool is additionally paid.
Ruins of Hierapolis – an ancient city on a hill
Pamukkale is not only impressive terraces, but also the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was once an important cultural and religious center. Walking among the remains, you can see a well-preserved theater, a monumental necropolis and ancient baths. The Hierapolis theater is particularly impressive, which can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Importantly, visiting the ruins of Hierapolis is included in the ticket price to the Pamukkale terraces.
A motorcycle trip to Turkey is not only an adventure, but also a test of endurance – long routes, heat and changing road conditions require good organization. However, views and meetings with warm people compensate for every effort. Pamukkale and Lake Salda are two unusual places that are worth seeing, especially from the perspective of two wheels.
WHAT WE DRIVE AND WHAT WE USE
SECA ARRAKIS III
NEXX X.WED3
SENA 30K
