Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis

Pamukkale ('cotton castle') is a hillside covered in dazzling white terraces of travertine, formed by calcium-rich hot springs flowing down the slope and filling a staircase of shallow pools. On the plateau above are the ruins of the Roman spa city of Hierapolis, with a huge theatre, a colonnaded street and one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey. Together they're a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You walk barefoot on the terraces to protect them, so carry your shoes. Swim among submerged Roman columns in the warm Antique Pool (Cleopatra's Pool), which costs extra. The site is open long hours in summer. Come early in the morning or for sunset, when the terraces turn pink and the tour buses have gone. Hot-air balloon flights at dawn are popular too.

Pamukkale village is about 20 minutes from Denizli, with dolmuş minibuses every 15 minutes. Many people visit on day trips from the coast, but staying overnight is much better.