Yalova, Turkey’s second-smallest province, sits on the Marmara coast directly south of Istanbul — a 1.5-hour fast ferry or 2.5-hour drive. The province is Turkey’s leading ornamental plant and seedling producer (most Istanbul parks are planted from Yalova nurseries), and its coastline on the Gemlik Bay is lined with olive groves.
The Termal district thermal springs have been used since at least Roman times; the current facilities include the historic Ottoman bath complex (renovated) and several modern spa hotels amid the ancient chestnut forest.
- Region
- Marmara Sea / Istanbul hinterland
- Ferry access
- 1.5 hrs by fast ferry from Yenikapı, Istanbul
- Key attraction
- Termal — Atatürk's spa retreat in chestnut forest
- Known for
- Thermal spas, rose and plant nurseries, olive oil
Termal District
Termal, 12 km south of Yalova city in a forested valley, is Turkey’s most historically significant thermal spa resort. The springs (52–65°C, mineral-rich) were used by Byzantine emperors; Atatürk visited repeatedly between 1929 and 1938, and the Ottoman-era Kurşunlu and Valide baths have been restored as functioning hamam-spas. The Atatürk Köşkü (small white cottage in the forest) is preserved exactly as Atatürk left it in 1938 — furniture, personal items intact. The surrounding chestnut forest is magnificent in autumn.
Marmara Coastline & Armutlu
The Armutlu Peninsula, west of Yalova city, has 50 km of Marmara coastline with small bays accessible by narrow mountain roads — quieter than the Bodrum or Çeşme coasts and popular with İstanbulites who own summer houses. The olive groves along the coast road are attractive in March–April (flowering). Armutlu town itself has a marina, beach cafes and a relaxed atmosphere compared to the bigger resort towns.
Şirinköy (Safraköy)
Şirinköy(formerly Safraköy), 8 km from Yalova city, is a restored Ottoman stone village — a rare example of authentic rural architecture preservation in the Marmara region. The narrow stone lanes, wooden-balconied houses and orchards have been carefully maintained; several houses operate as guesthouses or cafes. The adjacent botanical garden (Atatürk Arboretum) has rare specimens from the province’s plant nursery heritage.
Yalova in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Yalova
3Fast ferry (hızlı feribot) from Yenikapı (European side) or Kabataş to Yalova: 1.5 hrs, runs every 30–60 minutes. By car via the Osmangazi Bridge (Gebze-İzmir motorway): 2.5 hrs. The ferry is the recommended route — it's faster, scenic and avoids Istanbul traffic.
The historic Kurşunlu Bath (renovated) and Valide Bath operate as thermal spa facilities. Water temperature is 52–65°C; the mineral content (sulfate, calcium, magnesium) is therapeutic for rheumatic conditions. Modern hotel spas in the valley offer day access. The baths are set in a beautiful ancient chestnut forest — the setting is as attractive as the thermal experience.
Yes — combine the Termal baths (morning), Atatürk Köşkü (30 mins, included with Termal ticket), Şirinköy village walk (1 hr) and a Marmara seafront lunch. The ferry journey itself is pleasant. Alternatively, use Yalova as a base for a Bursa day trip — Yalova to Bursa is 65 km by road.