Things to Do in Yalova in Turkey

Yalova is a charming town in northwestern Turkey near the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara. It has a population of more than 1,00,000 inhabitants, and its history dates to 3000 BC. It is filled with natural beauty and scenic spots such as thermal waters, pristine beaches, lush greenery, gorgeous landscapes, and many biking, trekking, and hiking routes. Yalova also has several thermal hotels, resorts, and campsites that offer a fantastic break from the city crowds. In fact, the town is easily accessible from Istanbul, and it is a perfect weekend getaway for the locals to escape the mundane city life. Here is a list of some of the most incredible things to do in Yalova, Turkey.

Best Things to Do in Yalova

Cinarcik Resort

Located in the popular beach town of Cinarcik, on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, the magnificent Cinarcik Resort is one of the most visited tourist areas, thanks to its awe-inspiring natural beauty and several historical places dating back to the Byzantine era.

Sudusen Falls

Located approximately 12 km from the city center, Sudusen Falls is one of the top attractions in Yalova, Turkey. It is a mountainous area surrounded by trees and colorful flowers on all sides. It provides an ideal spot for some quiet moments with nature or a picnic meal or barbeque with your family and friends. Those who love adventure can also do hiking or trekking activities here. There are many restaurants and cafes around the area where you can savor a meal while feasting your eyes on the breathtaking beauty of this place.

Termal District

The Termal District is one of the oldest areas in Yalova because of its historical significance. It is renowned for its healing sulfur waters, rich in calcium and calcium fluoride, and thronged by locals and tourists. These thermal waters are believed to cure many ailments like skin diseases, mental diseases, functional disorders, and orthopedic disorders. There are old Turkish baths, and some of the famous ones are Sultan’s Bath, the Mother’s Bath, Kursunlu Bath, and the Village Bath.

Erikli Hill

Erikli Hill is situated approximately 600 meters above sea level in Cinarcik near Yalova. The hill consists of a natural lake with pine trees flanking its sides. It is a fabulous place to enjoy nature and interesting activities like camping, hiking, and trekking. It is a picturesque spot with verdant meadows and a splendid waterfall making it one of the best places in Yalova.

Tesvikiye Waterfalls

Yalova is home to many stunning waterfalls and another one to make it to the list is Tesvikiye Waterfalls. Located around 29 km from Yalova city center, Tesvikiye is one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in Yalova. Thousands of tourists visit this place annually owing to its remarkable beauty and its natural surroundings. It is set in the middle of a forest replete with green trees and colorful flowers and offers a perfect spot to escape the summer heat and soaring temperatures. The sheer beauty of this place is enough to tempt you to apply for a Turkey visa.

Karaca Arboretum Park

Karaca Arboretum Park is a tree museum established by conservationist Hayrettin Karaca in 1980. It is Turkey’s first private arboretum and is named after him. It was initially supposed to house deciduous plants and conifers from all over the country. It has more than 7,000 species of plants/trees from around the globe, such as magnolia, oak, maple, pine, birch, and spruce. You can sign up for tours around the botanical garden and bonsai collection and learn a thing or two about the various plants. After completing the activity, you can also purchase a flower or plant as a souvenir to carry back home.

Walking Mansion (Yürüyen Kösk)

Yürüyen Kosk was built in 1929 next to the sycamore tree on the coast of Yalova. It is a wooden structure comprising two levels; the top floor looks at a lush forest and the striking Marmara Sea. The name “Walking Mansion” was derived from an incident when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, visited this place. He saw a worker cutting the sycamore tree branches near the palace to protect the wooden walls. Kemal Ataturk ordered the builders to move house instead of cutting the sycamore tree branches. Today this place serves as a museum where visitors can learn about the city and enjoy beautiful views.

Balıkçı Barınağı

Balıkçı Barınağı translates to a fishing shelter or village and is a spectacular spot near the marina. This marvelous place offers a lot of tranquility and is excellent for spending some quality time with your loved ones. You can sip some Turkish coffee while enjoying the spectacular views of the sea and watching the world go by. Numerous high-end restaurants and cozy cafes in the area serve freshly caught fish from the sea, so if you are a seafood lover, this is the place to be.

Beach Destinations in Yalova

Though Yalova is a famous thermal district, it has a couple of beautiful beaches because of its proximity to the coast.

• Armutlu is a seaside location situated around 50 kilometers from the Yalova center. Apart from the thermal hot springs, it also offers many beach activities like sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
• Cinarcik is another famous seaside location with a very laid-back atmosphere. Apart from the many beach activities, this place also has a vibrant nightlife that is a favorite with partygoers. Due to the reasonable prices and growing construction, many locals have invested in seaside holiday homes here. The beaches also have sun loungers, restaurants, cafes, showers, toilets, and all basic amenities.
• Mawish is another sought-after beach with plenty of resorts and beach clubs. It has a restricted entrance and is only accessible to guests from the resorts. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also try watersports, including jet skis and catamaran rides here.

Weather in Yalova

The weather in Turkey, specifically in Yalova during summer, is temperate and warm because of its location by the Sea of Marmara. Conversely, the weather in Yalova in winter tends to be chilly and wet, with snow covering the region’s mountains. The best time to visit Turkey however is April and May and once there, the hot springs in Turkey are a must-see.

Distance of Yalova from Istanbul

Yalova is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey for reasons good. The distance betweek the Turkish cities of Yalova and Istanbul varies depending on each city’s specific location. The two cities are divided by the Sea of Marmara. The most frequent way to move between them is via ferry. A ferry trip from Istanbul (typically from Yenikapı/Pendik ferry port) to Yalova takes roughly 45-60 minutes. This depends on both the ferry type and the route. If traveling by car, you can also opt for a longer route via crossing the Osmangazi Bridge and driving around the Sea of Marmara’s eastern coast. The estimated straight-line distance between the centers of Istanbul and Yalova is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles). Remember, travel times can diverge based on the route selected and the transportation method.

FAQs

Q1. What are Yalova’s key attractions?

Yalova is recognized for its hot springs, green spaces, and scenic splendor. Some well-liked sites include the Yalova Hot Springs, Ataturk’s Residence, Sudusen Falls, and the Walking Fountain.

Q2. What are the famous dishes in Yalova?

Yalova has scores of appetizing Turkish foods to experiment with. Some local favorites comprise seafood just caught from the sea, tender, juicy kebabs cooked in Turkish style, and classic desserts, particularly baklava.

Q3. In Yalova, what are the transportation mediums?

Yalova has a transportation system with good connections. Besides ferries that connect it to Istanbul, this city has cabs, buses, and dolmus (shared minibuses) to get around locally.

Conclusion

Yalova is one of the lesser-known destinations in Turkey but gaining importance slowly among tourists due to its beauty and charm. So next time to visit Turkey, keep a day or two aside to see this delightful place, and we promise you will have a memorable time.