Mini Pamukkale Population:20,300
Diyadin is an unexceptional small town 7km south of the main road from Doğubayazıt to Ağrı. A further 9km to the south is Ilıca, site of thermal activity that brings water gushing from the ground at a constant 70 degrees Celsius.
To capitalise on the hot water six kaplıcas (hot spring resorts) have been created where you can either swim very cheaply in a public pool or hire a private bath. It’s a nice idea but sadly the bath complexes are all extremely crude and ugly and surrounded with rubbish. More interesting are the pools of pure turquoise reminiscent of miniature Pamukkales that can be seen beside the oldest of the complexes.
Nearby a river flows through a gorge. The surrounding scenery is lovely. It’s probably best to come for that rather than the hot springs.
Transport info
There are dolmuşes from Doğubayazıt to Diyadin where you can pick up a taxi to the hot springs.
