Alien-Looking Landscapes You Can Actually Visit on Earth

14. Pamukkale, Turkey – The Cotton Castle of Another World

Imagine a cascading mountain made of pure white stone, with turquoise pools shimmering on each level. Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is a surreal geological wonder formed by mineral-rich thermal waters that deposit calcium carbonate as they flow down the slopes. The result is a dreamlike landscape of glistening terraces and steaming pools that look like an icy alien world—despite the warm waters that invite visitors to bathe in their surreal surroundings. The site is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, adding a historical touch to this bizarrely beautiful landscape.