Kusadasi to Pamukkale: A Day of Ancient Wonders on Our Azamara Mediterranean Cruise

Kusadasi was our fourth port on our Azamara Mediterranean cruise, and because we had already been to Ephesus (and absolutely loved it), we wanted to try something different this time. We were craving a new adventure - something that peeled back another layer of Turkey’s deep history. So, we chose a shore excursion that included Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and the stunning travertine terraces.

We had no idea just how unforgettable this day would become.

The Road Through Turkey’s Countryside

Our day started with a three-hour drive from Kusadasi, winding through quiet villages, rolling hills, and fields dotted with olive trees. It was one of those peaceful scenic rides that lets your mind settle in and prepare for a full day of exploring.

By the time we arrived, the landscape shifted dramatically - suddenly we were surrounded by gleaming white cliffs and ancient ruins stretching farther than we could see. It felt like we’d stepped onto another planet.

Exploring the Ancient City of Hierapolis

The ruins of Hierapolis were far more extensive and fascinating than we ever imagined. This ancient Greek city, later embraced by the Romans, was once known as a thriving healing center thanks to its mineral-rich thermal waters. Touring the site by golf cart gave us a real sense of its vastness.

And thank goodness for that golf cart - it was hot and dry the day we visited, the kind of heat that radiates off the stones beneath your feet. Still, I found myself thinking how wonderful it would be to return during a cooler month and wander the ruins slowly on foot.

Walking through the Frontinus Gate felt like stepping straight into history. We knew some of what Hierapolis held, but the scale and depth of it all still caught us off guard. Then we reached the theater - over 300 feet wide with more than 50 rows of seats. Sitting on the warm stone, you can almost imagine the shows, celebrations, and stories that once echoed through that space.

Everywhere we looked were fields of relics - broken pillars, intricately carved marble, and fragments of temples scattered across the dry grass. Among them was the Temple of Apollo, standing as a powerful reminder of Hierapolis's spiritual past.

The massive necropolis, home to more than 1,200 gravestones, stretched out like a silent city of its own. Each stone had a presence to it, as if carrying its own story. And yet, one place drew us in more than any other.

Pluto’s Gate - The Entrance to the Underworld

One of the most haunting and fascinating sites in Hierapolis is the Plutonium, known as Pluto’s Gate. In ancient times, this cave was believed to be an actual entrance to the underworld.

Deadly carbon dioxide vapors seeped from the opening, silently suffocating animals - and sometimes humans - who wandered too close. Priests would perform rituals near the mouth of the cave, seemingly unharmed, adding to the fear and reverence people felt for this mysterious place.

Standing there, you could almost sense the mix of fear and curiosity it must have inspired. It’s one of those rare moments where myth, faith, and science collide, creating a story that still lingers in the air long after civilizations have faded.

The Surreal Beauty of Pamukkale’s Travertine Terraces

After exploring Hierapolis, we made our way to Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces - a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly one of the most unique landscapes in the Mediterranean.

Even though the water flow was low during our visit, the terraces were still breathtaking. The white calcium cliffs gleamed under the sun, and the milky-blue pools shimmered like something from a dream.

We even had the chance to wade into one of the thermal pools - calcium-rich, warm water swirling around us - as we enjoyed one of those true bucket-list, Instagram-worthy moments. There’s something magical about sitting in waters that have been flowing over ancient ruins for thousands of years.

A Taste of Turkey

After exploring, we stopped for a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Fresh bread, grilled meats, crisp vegetables, and strong coffee - exactly what we needed after a morning filled with walking, heat, and jaw-dropping sights.

Why Kusadasi Is More Than Just Ephesus

Kusadasi is often known as the gateway to Ephesus, but this day proved that the region holds so much more for travelers - especially those sailing on an Azamara Mediterranean voyage.

From the sacred ruins of Hierapolis to the surreal beauty of Pamukkale, every moment felt like discovering another chapter of history. This was one of those rare days where everything - the myths, the landscapes, the ruins, the stories - came together so perfectly.

It reminded us exactly why we love traveling with Azamara. Their smaller ships make it easy to reach incredible ports like Kusadasi and explore deeper, more meaningful experiences that many travelers miss. For us, this day became one of the defining memories of our Mediterranean cruise.

Travel Tip

Bring your swimsuit!
You’ll absolutely want to enjoy the thermal pools at Pamukkale. Just be careful - the pathways leading up to the baths can be extremely slippery. And don’t forget those amazing Instagram selfies with the white terraces glowing behind you!

To view more photos of this wonderful day, visit https://tammydoucettephotography.com/kusadasi-greece