A spa blessed by water nymphs

In Turkey, regarded as a haven of thermal springs, spring waters are an effective method of treatment for almost all diseases. Experts who claim that springs are beneficial in treating physical ailments recommend that we don't go to springs before consulting a doctor, who are the only people qualified to decide if we will be able to benefit from spring waters.

One of Turkey's most important thermal springs is in Yalova. If you want to spend your weekend walking in a green forest and enjoy the healing waters of spas, then we recommend you visit Yalova Thermal. Yalova Thermal is a spa city that is 11 kilometers from the center of Yalova. It is a comfortable place surrounded by gardens and is very easy for people living in Istanbul to reach. You can get to Yalova from Istanbul by ferry in 45 minutes and arrive at a thermal spa after a 20-minute ride.

The tale of healing waters:

There is a tale about the healing waters of Yalova Thermal that dates back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. The daughter of the ruler of Constantinople, Eleni, recovered from an illness in curative thermal waters. Doctors told the ruler that his daughter would not recover from her illness, making the king very sad. The beautiful Eleni got uglier by the day and shut herself up in her room, refusing to speak to anybody. He sent his daughter to the healing waters of the spas as she awaited death.

One day while walking around the spas she saw a wounded gazelle. She saw the gazelle every day at the same hour. It came here every day, drank the spa water and left. After a short time she noticed that the gazelle looked very healthy and was running.

Eleni began to do the same thing and drank the water every day. She felt she was getting better day by day and finally recovered from her illness. When her father came to the spa, he was very surprised and as a result established Turkish baths there for everyone.

Spring waters heal diseases:

Yalova Thermal Spa, known for its Kurşunlu bath, was called Pythia in the olden days. Healing waters at Yalova Thermal first emerged from underground in 2,000 B.C. after an earthquake. The city became a health center during the days of the Romans. The founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, came here in 1929 and wanted to make the city a model for Europe as a city of thermal waters. The construction of the Thermal Hotel started in 1936, opening in 1938.

Spa waters that contain rare minerals and gases make people feel better. The mineral water is a steady 66 degrees Celsius. There are various alternatives for water treatment. You can choose one of three Turkish baths that are separated by gender or swim in an open pool, which is 37 degrees year-round.

If you suffer from sciatica, rheumatism or fungus, you can benefit from the “foot water.” Many people bring their relatives who walk with difficulty to take in the “foot water.” Also, the “eye water” is very good for eye-related problems. Wash your eyes with this hot water and see the miracle...

According to Assistant Professor Zeki Karagülle, spa waters help treat many diseases like rheumatism, digestive tract disorders, liver problems, gall bladder ailments, obesity, poor kidney function and urinary and skin problems. But it is very dangerous for people suffering from heart disease, tuberculosis or cancer.

Places that are worth seeing:

The Çınar Hotel and Çamlık Hotel are great places for guests. Some people come here just to walk in the forest, where they are accompanied by squirrels.

If you like walking, then there are some surprises for you at Yalova Thermal. You can see sculptures and tombs dating back to the Roman period. You can also visit “Lovers Road,” which is surrounded by ivy. The village of Gökçedere appears after passing through “Lovers Road” where you can purchase mint, thyme, linden, hazelnut, walnut and blackberry.

There are many other places to visit in Yalova:

Hasan Baba is located on the Yalova Çınarcık highway. Yedi Havuzlar is a waterfall located at the entrance of the thermal facilities. The waterfall is famous for its colored hydrangeas and rare trees and flowers. You can also reach the beautiful Delmece Plateau from the village of Teşvikiye in Çınarcık. Kurtköy sits by the banks of a creek and is famous for its trout fishing and picnic areas.

Sudüşen Falls:

The village of Üvezpınar is one of the places that you must see in Yalova. Located seven kilometers from Yalova Thermal, this 25-meter-high waterfall is dark blue and is surrounded by trees. It is also known for trout fishing and it is possible to swim here.

If you don't want to use the spas, then you can sit under the old trees and rest or visit other historic and touristic places in Yalova.