Foreign travelers often overlook Yalova in Turkey, yet for many years Istanbul residents seeking a short escape from city life have favoured it as an ideal destination. Summer weekends, when schools close, remain a traditional time for families to visit.
For city dwellers, Yalova offers a broad range of attractions: thermal springs, scenic landscapes, hiking and biking routes, and numerous campsites. In the following piece, Turkish author Bayram Tekce explains why he loves this region.
Residents of Yalova are proud of the province’s link to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. He enjoyed spending summers in the area with colleagues and friends and was so fond of it that he commissioned a house there. Today that residence belongs to the nation and is open to the public as a museum, preserving the memory of his years in the region.
Atatürk’s influence is also the origin of another well-known local landmark. In 1930 he objected to the removal of an old tree that threatened a nearby mansion’s foundation, and instead ordered the mansion be moved five metres away so the tree could remain. This unusual decision led to the building’s nickname, the Yürüyen Köşk, or the Walking Mansion.
Yalova Termal District
The Termal district lies about twelve kilometres from Yalova city centre and is the area most associated with the province. Several hotels there provide access to thermal waters that are believed to relieve symptoms of various conditions, including certain skin and musculoskeletal issues. Thermal bathing has a long history across Turkey, where spa springs were used for healing by people from many eras.
Trekking, Hiking, Biking and Camping in Yalova
Yalova’s natural scenery invites visitors to get outdoors. Sudüşen Waterfall is a top attraction, while numerous trails make the area well suited for hiking, trekking and cycling.
The Delmece plateaus stretch across roughly 400 acres and are covered with pine, oak and chestnut trees. Erikli Plateau, near Taşköprü and Teşvikiye villages, is popular with campers and photographers alike. Families and picnickers often head to the Hasan Baba area, a protected habitat known for its deer.
Beach Destinations in Yalova: Çınarcık and Armutlu
Beyond the thermal district, Çınarcık and Armutlu are among Yalova’s best-known coastal destinations. Armutlu, about 50 kilometres from Yalova centre, combines seaside pleasures with thermal springs, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Çınarcık is also a seaside town but has a livelier nightlife scene than many nearby spots. Other parts of Yalova are relatively tranquil, so if you’re seeking summer evenings with bars and live entertainment, Çınarcık stands out. Shopping is more limited than in larger cities, but Bursa and Istanbul are close enough for day trips and larger retail options.
Çınarcık’s relaxed atmosphere makes it attractive for holiday-home buyers, and in recent years many Istanbul investors have purchased apartments in Yalova because of comparatively lower prices and new developments offering modern housing.
Also visit…
Horticulture is a significant industry in Yalova; a large share of Turkey’s floriculture trade takes place here. Cut flowers and ornamental plants are cultivated and exported, and the flower has become a local symbol showcased at annual fairs. The Karaca Arboretum reflects this botanical focus: it spans 13.5 hectares and features thousands of plant species, open to visitors who want to explore diverse tree and flower collections.
Yalova’s open-air archaeological and historical displays provide another distinction. Rather than enclosing artefacts behind glass and walls, the city has arranged many historical pieces in green spaces throughout the centre, creating an outdoor museum experience that highlights the area’s long history across Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Practical Information
Driving from Istanbul to Yalova can be a lengthy road trip, so many visitors prefer ferries that cross from Istanbul’s Yenikapı or other terminals to shorten travel time. Ferries make day trips and weekend visits convenient and frequent.
For additional practical details such as timetables, accommodation options and attractions, consult official local tourism resources or municipal information when planning your visit to Yalova.