The travertines were one of my favorite stops in Turkey. From Afar they look like snow topped mountains, but up close it was pretty amazing that nature could create something like this. Warm spring water that trickles down the mountain side is so rich with minerals that it leaves behind travertine deposits as it cools. It really looked like something out of a fairytale!
Although it was really cool that i was able to walk on the upper pools and take pictures, there was a part of me wished that they had made it off limits and left it in its natural state. They require you to remove your footwear and walk on them barefoot so you don't track any dirt on to the white travertines, unfortunately when you look down the side that tourist are allowed to walk on and compare it to parts that people are not allowed to walk, there is a huge difference in the color. The untouched parts are bone white, while the side which tourist are allowed to walk are not. =(
Walking on the travertines is free, and its a great photo op. But for a fee there is also a hot spring pool with ancient marble columns submerged in the water, which is cool but be careful not to stub your toes or shins on them. The water is just warm and kind of effervescent, don't try to open your eyes under water it burns! Guess its all the minerals. I did wish the water was hotter but liked walking around in there because the bottom was covered in these little round stones that felt like a foot massage with every step. There is a fee to enter the hot spring, and a mandatory locker rental too.
Over all it was amazing, nature at its best and along the walk (or bus for a fee) to the exit, there are more ancient ruins too! I would have liked to check them out more but unfortunately i spent all my time at the travertines and the hot spring. read more