driving directions to Pamukkale - best route?

[travelbug]

My husband and I will be driving up the coast from Antalya back to Istanbul. We are trying to fine tune the trip from Fethiye northward. We want to see both the Kusadasi area and the Pamukkale area. We have two choices - 1) Passing through Mugla heading to Denizli and Pamukkale and then to Selcuk and then North to Istanbul, or 2) From Mugla to Kusadasi/Selcuk, then to Pamukale and then heading North. We wonder which route you think is more scenic and enjoyable. While in the Pamukkale area we also want to go to Aphrodisias.

Also, we were wondering if it is better to stay in Selcuk or in Kusadasi.

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions - June

[David Morgan]

1. but not via Muğla to Pamukkale, stay in Selçuk, and then visit Bergama and Assos (and Troy?) on your way north.

[travelbug]

Ok, now I'm confused. David - I understand you are suggesting staying in Selcuk rather than Kusadasi, but are you suggesting our option #2 - driving on to Selcuk along the coastal route rather than doing Pamukkale first? Are you suggesting that from Selcuk, we head up to Pamukkale area and onwards afterwards towards Pergamon/Assos via the inner road or is there any benefit of coming back to the coastal road through Selcuk before heading North? Thank you once again for your suggestions. Can't wait to get to Turkey!

June

[David Morgan]

Sorry, I mean Pamukkale before Selçuk and then north along the coast. But you don't need to go through the town of Muğla to get to Pamukkale from Fethiye.

[margaretp]

Unless you really want to do the coastal road from Fethiye to Mugla (the scenic bit of this road is really only the first 40 km after that its not too interesting) the best option is the road to Kemer. You then head up into the mountains(its the inland route back to Antalya). Either turn off for Antinayla and Golhisar or stay on the main road until you get to the junction when you head for Cavdir. You are now on the main road to Denizli. You can either see Aphrodisias first (turn off the main road after Serinhisar and go via Tavas) or go straight to Pamukkale and afterwards see Aphrodisias by turning off the main Denizli/Aydin road at Kuyucak. I believe that the second option is probably the faster road.

There is also a more minor road from Fethiye to Cameli and on to Golhisar. Scenic but slower.

I think I've got confused about your itinerary!! could have sworn you were going in the other direction!! shall have to check your earlier posts.

[travelbug]

Margaret - I think you are confused, or maybe I am! We are heading from Antalya to Olympus/Cirali and then Fethiye. From there we had to decide whether to take the coastal route towards Selcuk or the inland route to Denizli in order to see Pamukkale/Hieropolis and Aphrodisias. From there we could go back to Selcuk before heading back towards Istanbul, stopping at Assos and Pergamon if we have the time. It sounds like both you and David recommend turning off the coastal route rather than going to Selcuk before heading to Pamukkale. We never planned to go all the way to Mugla. My map looks like the turn is just before Mugla. I think it is the D330 we take, through Kale. Am I correct or is there a better way when leaving from Fethiye? Is it better to go to Aphrodisias first and then Pamukkale or the other way around? How much time do you think we will need at each sight and where do you think it would be best to stay overnight?

Thanks again for your imput - June

[Tosun Saral]

Hi, First have a nice trip in Turkey.
Your rote from Fethiye must be following:
Dalaman-Ortaca-D430 to Koyceyiz-Ula- Mugla (not turn to D550)-D330 to Kale- Tavas(not turn to D585) -E87- Denizli- Pamukkale-Saraykoy-Kuyucak-Aydin-Soke-Kusadasi
E87 starts from Antalya to Denizli
Stay at Kusadasi. It is a port and a lively town. It is only 25 kms to Selcuk(Ephesus)
You will cross many mountains and valleys. It is most mountainious part of Turkey.
Dont forget to visit Koyceyiz with a boat trip on the lake and graves of old kings on the mountains like in Fethiye. Take a mud bath to be more beautiful and young. They said that Cleoparta took a mud bath also (!!??) What a Cleo She was in everywhere. We have also a Cleotra Beach in Alanya just infront of my summer home.

[travelbug]

Thank you all so much. You have all been most helpful! - June

[carrie]

Hi June...I think Margaret's explaination was correct because near to Fethiye there is another place called Kemer..not the one you are thinking of close to Cirali..so if you also follow that route she gave it will get to to Pamukkale...

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/atlas_mi ... ey_map.jpg

http://www.adiyamanli.org/MapofTurkey/d2.htm

Fethiye to Pamukkale (Denizli): 251 km (156 miles) N, 3.5 4.5 hours

I would go to Pamukkale first and then Selcuk ( following the route to Aydin as it is a great road ) ...and then you can follow along the coast up until..Manisa and then follow the route..

From Pamukkale to Istanbul..other ideas..

Denizli - Manisa - Balilkesir - Bandirma - then the ferry to Istanbul would be the best route..
or

Denizli - Afyon - Kutahya - Eskisehir - Bursa - Izmit - Istanbul

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/A ... index.html

Bandirma Train, Bus & Ferryboat

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/T ... index.html

Bursa Distances & Travel Times

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/T ... ances.html

Also I agree about Selcuk as opposed to Kusadasi....we visited last year and you can find my review of the Akay hotel that we stayed at..here in the fourms..

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=3358&p=12267&hili

hope this helps a bit...

Carrie

[margaretp]

OK, I admit it, I was confused (its my age!!)
I would say that Pamukkale before Ephesus is the better option.
Whether you take one of my routes or head along the coast road and turn off onto the D330 probably doesn't make a huge difference. This route is probably more sensible if you are planning on seeing Aphrodisias first and Pamukkale next. It all depends on timing and where you want to spend the night. Possible to follow this option and get to Pamukkale for the night, then morning on the travertines before heading towards Selcuk, but my feelings are that it would be a bit rushed.

As you may remember, I havn't yet seen Aphrodisias! (we plan to be there on 26th May ) but I would expect 2/3 hours there at least. Its about more than the actual exploration of the ruins. The atmosphere of these sites is amazing and you need to just relax and let the 21st century slip away. The scenery is very beautiful and you should just soak up the whole experience.

I have more of a leaning towards the other option, i.e. drive inland to Pamukkale,see the travertines, stay overnight, then on to Aphrodisias, when you wouldn't feel the pressure to rush off, before driving to Selcuk. Perhaps I'm misreading you, but I feel that the ancient sites are higher on your list of priorities than scenic sights. I know several of us have urged you not to miss Pamukkale, but the second option means you see it at the best time of day, sunset is lovely there and so nice when all the tour coaches depart and you can see the pools without all the other tourists!!

Just as an aside, I have your email details and will be in touch I hit base in Calis.