Yalova is a city in northwestern Turkey, located just an hour's drive from Istanbul.
It is known for its thermal springs, green hills, beaches and the cozy atmosphere of a small seaside resort.
Yalova perfectly combines health tourism, comfortable living and proximity to the metropolis while remaining a quiet, green and clean city.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Marmararegion

• Population: about 300,000

• Location: southern shore of the Marmara Sea, between Bursa and Istanbul

• Climate: mild maritime

  • Summer: warm and humid (+28-32°C)

  • Winter: is mild (+5-10°C), snowfall is rare.

• Special feature: the city is surrounded by mountains and forests, and a few kilometers from the center there are thermal springs, waterfalls and beaches.

🏛 History

The history of Jalova dates back to ancient times.

• In antiquity, the area was inhabited by the Phrygians and Vitinians, later it became part of the Roman and Byzantine empires.

• Under Byzantine rule, Yalova was known as Pylai, an important port and spa with thermal baths.

• After the conquest by the Ottomans in the 14th century, the city became a vacation spot for nobles and sultans.

• In the 20th century, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk chose Yalova as his summer residence, saying:

  "Yalova benim kentimdir" - "Yalova is my city."

Thanks to this city was given special importance: roads, parks and the first resort facilities of modern Turkey appeared here.

🕌 Main attractions

💧 Yalova Thermal Springs (Yalova Termal Kaplıcaları)

• Located 12 km from the center, surrounded by pine and chestnut forests.

• The water temperature: ranges from 55°C to 60°C.

• They have been known since ancient times - they were used by the Romans and Byzantines.

• The water contains sulphur, calcium and magnesium and has a beneficial effect on the skin, joints and nervous system.

• There are modern spa centers and hotels:

  • Limak Thermal Boutique Hotel

  • Thermalium Wellness Park

  • Green Thermal Hotel

💧 Atatürk is believed to have taken thermal baths here to restore his health.

🌳 Atatürk House (Yürüyen Köşk - "Walking House")

• One of the symbols of Yalova.

• It is a small wooden house on the seashore where Atatürk often vacationed.

• When one of the trees near the house began to touch the roof, he ordered not to cut down the tree, but to move the house a few meters - which was done in 1930.

• This episode came to symbolize Atatürk's love for nature.

🏖 Beaches and promenade

• Yalova's city promenade stretches along the entire coastline - a place for walks, cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea.

• Popular beaches:

  • Çınarcık - the busiest, with bars and beach clubs.

  • Armutlu - quieter and more picturesque, with clear water and mountains behind.

  • Altınova is a family beach, often with a Blue Flag award.

🌊 S udüşen Waterfall (Sudüşen Şelalesi)

• Located 8 km from the thermal springs.

• A picturesque waterfall in the middle of a dense forest, a popular place for picnics and walks.

• It is reached by a picturesque mountain road with views of the Marmara Sea.

🏛 Yalova Museum (Yalova Kent Müzesi)

• Tells about the history of the city, the life of Ataturk and the development of thermal spas.

• Here you can see old photos, models and personal belongings of the founder of the Turkish Republic.

🏞 Nature and Recreation

Yalova is one of the most green and well-maintained cities in Turkey.

• 🌲 Termal National Park: pine forests, walking trails, waterfalls.

• 🐦 O rnithology tra ils : coastal areas and lakes have become home to dozens of bird species.

• 🚴‍♀️ Bicycle paths and eco-trails: Yalova is one of the few small towns in Turkey with infrastructure for outdoor activities.

🍽 Yalova's cuisine

The region's cuisine combines marbled seafood and Anatolian village dishes.

Try:

• 🐟 Levrek buğulama - braised sea bass with lemon and butter.

• 🥙 Köfte Yalova usulü - Yalova-style cutlets with yogurt sauce.

• 🍲 Termal çorbası - thick soup with chickpeas and meat.

• 🍰 Yalova tatlısı - layered dessert with cream and nuts.

• 🍇 Wines from Armutlu - the region is famous for its vineyards and soft fruit wines.

🧿 Culture and lifestyle.

• Yalova is a city of tranquility: there is no hustle and bustle here and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a European seaside resort.

• The locals are hospitable and proud to live in "Ataturk's city".

• Flower, culinary and folk art festivals are regularly held.

• In recent years, Yalova has become popular with foreigners (especially families from Europe, Arab countries and Russia) who buy vacation properties here.

🚗 How to get there

• 🚢 F rom Istanbul:

  • ferry (İDO or BUDO) from Yenikapı, Pendik or Kabataş districts - ~1 hour travel time;

  • then 10-15 minutes by car to the center of Yalova.

• 🚗 F rom Bursa: 65 km (~1 hour).

• ✈️ Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is the nearest major airport (about 45 minutes on the O-7 expressway).

✅ Why visit Yalova

✔ Proximity to Istanbul and the quietness of the province
✔ Famous thermal springs and recreational activities
✔ Nature - forests, waterfalls, sea
✔ Historical atmosphere and "Ataturk's House".
✔ Cozy cafes, clean air, well-maintained beaches
✔ Great place for living and investment

📌 Conclusion

Yalova is a city of health, tranquility and nature.
Here you can swim in the sea in the morning, walk in the shady mountains during the day, and relax in a thermal bath in the evening to the sound of pine trees.
It keeps the spirit of old Turkey - hospitable, cozy and soulful.

"Whoever is looking for harmony between nature and life will find it in Yalova." 🌿