Pamukkale

The Pamukkale travertines may be seen from practically anywhere in the hamlet. A massive snowy mountain appears out of nowhere in the middle of verdant, undulating hills. It's as if something from the polar ice caps has been dumped in the heart of Western Turkey's rural farmlands. When you approach closer, you see it's a white rock mountain built of calcite terraces that were once filled with warm thermal water. It genuinely is a natural wonder, and it appears so out of place that you can't believe it's not man-made. These are the kinds of vistas that keep us traveling the world year after year.

The Romans enjoyed it here, erecting an amphitheatre and baths around the travertines. You may still visit the remains today and wander about the old columns and fragments after you've had your fill of the pools. Despite the safety concerns that many people have about visiting Turkey at the time, it is no wonder that Pamukkale remains quite popular. There will be buses no matter what time of year you visit. Everyone comes to view the slope of turquoise lakes that appear to be right out of a fairy tale. There are around 8-10 pools that are maintained such that there is always water in them so that you may bathe, paddle, and enjoy the wonderful scenery surrounding them. Because the water is only warm at the top and bottom pools and chilly everywhere else, most people will cluster in the warm pools.

Location: Turkey