On my last visit to Turkey, I had a chance to visit the western part of Turkey, specifically Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Bodrum. I spent a day in each of the cities. I think a day would most likely be enough if you are a fast walker.
The trip had a nice family side to it as well. My cousin picked me up from Dalaman, and from there we went to Pamukkale together. After that, I visited my aunt in Akhisar, in Manisa, and then went on to Bursa, where my family lives. On the return part of the trip, my mom came with me, and we visited Ephesus and Bodrum together before I flew back to Ireland from Bodrum.
Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its hot springs and the white terraces that have formed around them. The terraces are made of travertine, a type of limestone that has hardened over time. The waters of the hot springs are rich in minerals and are said to have healing properties. You can take a dip in the pools or hike to the top of the terraces for a stunning view. Since my cousin lives in Denizli, that part of the trip felt especially easy and relaxed, and it was really nice to spend some good time there together.
After staying with family in Bursa, I continued the trip with my mom. We visited Ephesus and Bodrum together, which made that part of the journey feel different from the first half. It was winter, but both of us liked how mild and pleasant the weather was. It almost felt like spring.
Bodrum is a seaside town on the Aegean coast, known for its beaches, coastline, and resorts. It also contains the ruins of ancient Halicarnassus, once one of the most important cities in the ancient world. Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century. I liked walking around the town and by the beach, and the mild weather made it even better.
The ancient city of Ephesus was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Its surviving ruins include the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater. The House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last home, is also nearby, though I didn't visit it. Visiting Ephesus with my mom was one of the nicest parts of the trip. We got to enjoy its history together before heading down to Bodrum.
