Those who want to have a warm holiday experience on chilly days gather round! Thermal holidaymakers know that spending time in hot water is a great way to relieve stress, calm down, and relax. If you want to immerse yourself in completely natural hot waters before the season changes, you can go to Yalova!
Yalova is a small but multidimensional city. Of course, Yalova is known for its clean sea, lush areas, and proximity to İstanbul, it is not limited to only these features. There is a beauty that makes Yalova famous and therefore frequent destination for thousands of tourists every year, thermal springs! Yalova is one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to thermal tourism in Türkiye because, along with Afyon, it is extremely rich in terms of hot water resources. How about taking a closer look at Yalova and its thermal springs?
1. Where is Yalova?
Yalova is located in the southern part of the Marmara Region. There are a total of six Yalova districts, Merkez, Çiftlikköy, Çınarcık, Altınova, Armutlu, and Termal. Yalova, is adjacent to the cities of Bursa and Kocaeli, this its proximity to İstanbul and its long coast on the Sea of Marmara make it an attractive vacation spot.
2. How to get to Yalova?
Yalova can be easily reached by land and by sea. If you want to go to Yalova from İstanbul or other surrounding cities for a thermal holiday, it is quite logical to go by sea. There are ferries that go directly to Yalova from İstanbul’s Yenikapı and Pendik piers. After a sea voyage that takes about one hour and fifteen minutes, you are in Yalova and can immediately start enjoying the city. It is also easy to get to Yalova from almost all provinces of Türkiye by road.
3. What is famous about Yalova?
We have brought together the places to visit, natural beauties for you to see, and the food here. All are details that make the small world of Yalova famous.
3.1. Thermal Resorts
The district of Termal is the reason for the proliferation of thermal tourism in Yalova. Yalova attracts attention due to its unique thermal hotels. This region offers a wide range of vacation accommodations especially for thermal holiday makers. The city manages to attract thermal hot spring lovers year after year with its famous thermal hotel options.
3.2. Yalova Beaches
One of the places where you can enjoy the Marmara Sea in the summertime is on the beaches in Yalova! Many people from İstanbul and other surrounding cities immerse themselves in the clean waters of Yalova in the hot summer days. Yalova’s beaches, which are famous for their deep blue and cool seas, are a favourite of summer holiday lovers.
4. What to eat in Yalova?
Each city has its own unique tastes, but Yalova’s food is different. These delicacies, which you will love too much to leave behind, will serve as a great reason for you to come back again to visit. Here is what you must eat in Yalova.
4.1. Yalova Sütlüsü
We would like to introduce you to a delicacy that everyone who goes to Yalova does not leave without eating! Yalova sütlüsü (Dough prepared with coconut, water, milk, and vanilla), which is an extremely light dessert with an intense taste, and is one of the best things you can eat in this city. This dessert, which leaves its mark on the palate with its ideal sugar and milk ratio, appeals to all tastes with its different varieties. If you wish, you can try the classic Yalova sütlüsü, as well as the chocolate, and mastic varieties. If you like Yalova sütlüsü, you should know that it is easy to package and take with you when you return home!
4.2. Termal Çorbası (Thermal Soup)
If you have chosen Yalova for your thermal holiday, we think you cannot go without trying Yalova’s Termal Çorbası (a vegetable soup). Termal çorbası, which is one of the cherished flavours of the region during the winter months, consists of winter vegetables such as carrots, celery and potatoes. If you are looking for a flavour that will warm you up before the thermal spring waters, or just on cold winter days, you should try the termal çorbası.
4.3. Yalova Köftesi (Yalova Meatballs)
One of the most popular dishes of Yalova with its creamy filling and appetizing appearance, Yalova Köftesi (Yalova meatballs) could be a great dinner alternative. The unique taste of this meatball will make you ask for more than a serving, luckily you can find them at many places in the city centre!
5. Where to Go in Yalova?
In terms of places to visit in Yalova, of course, it is not only about thermal resources and the coastline. Let us see, what other structures and natural beauties await you in this beautiful city.
5.1. Yürüyen Köşk (The Walking Mansion)
This building, known as the Walking Mansion, is surrounded by lush green trees and impressive sea views. The house got its name because it was built at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s request next to a beloved great plane tree. Eventually the tree grew such that it was beginning to damage the house. Instead of cutting or trimming the tree Atatürk ordered that the house be moved so that the tree would not be damaged. The Walking Mansion is still a good place to take a coffee break with its original history and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by trees overlooking the Marmara Sea.
5.2. Erikli Waterfalls
Erikli Waterfall is another natural beauty to visit in Yalova. It will refresh you with its breath-taking views and clean air. This waterfall is great for you if you want to spend a weekend getting in touch with nature, or just for a long walk or a family picnic. Erikli Waterfall, located in the Çınarcık district of Yalova is easy to access from the city centre.
5.3. Deprem Anıtı (Earthquake Monument)
The Earthquake Monument, which was built in the central district of Yalova for the memory of those who lost their lives in the 1999 earthquake, bears the names of 2,504 people. The monument is erected on earthquake rubble has an atmosphere that will give you goosebumps. The monument is an prescient reminder to learn from the past.
The Yalova hotels you are looking for your thermal holiday are at Odamax! If you wish, you can quickly sort the hotels, each of which has a high level of comfort, get information about Yalova thermal hotel prices, and create a reservation for the room that appeals to you!
