Pamukkale, or "Cotton Castle", is a series of shimmering snow-white terraced travertines, which cascade down the mountain side slopes, formed by limestone-laden hot springs. The passing of time has yielded stalactites, potholes and magical fairy-tables. The thermal water is also reputed to have healing properties. Paddling in the little pools on the plateau is possible and exhilarating. There are also other hot pools in the area, supplied by the natural springs, where you can swim among ancient column fragments scattered underwater.