Going to Turkey in a week and am debating whether to visit the travertine pools at Pamukkale. Both Fodor's and Frommer's essentially give a thumbs down since much is closed off to allow the springs a chance to recover from past tourism. Has anyone been there recently and would advise whether a trip from Izmir is justified? Thanks.

We were there in April, the terraces are being ?managed? so that only selected sections have water running down them. However, they are quite extensive and you can walk on parts of them. The baths were open with plenty of people using them.

The nearby Roman ruins are interesting and the necropolis is one of the better ones in Turkey.

Have a great time in Turkey, we did!

Tangata is correct. People are no longer allowed in the travertine pools as they became damaged. You can get a postcard that shows people bathing in them. But they are plenty with flowing water and the area is lovely. The ruins are nice and the necropolis is most interesting.

You don't have to spend much time walking thru the area, but if you want to take the "waters" most of the hotels in the area can provide this for you and evening entertainment at these hotels is fun.

A lowlight of our recent trip. The falaise was crawling with bikini and speedo clad, oiled up sun worshippers. It was basically a crowded, uncomfortable beach. The worst example of organized tour tourism I saw in Turkey. We counted over 60 buses in the parking lot as we fled - this for a 250 metre barefoot walk up the narrow trails. The few park ranger types there were trying to get tourists out of pools along the way, but to no avail. If you go, plan to visit very early in the morning or at sunset.On the other hand...
Aphrodisias is spectacular - and an antidote to busy ephesus. You will have to take a taxi if you are not part of a tour, but the drive is beautiful and the site stunning. The guys at the Venus motel can set up a lift for you.

Leaving on Monday. Thanks for the responses to tangato, sandi and gdm.