Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
the Dominican Republic
FijiProvince · Trácia e Mármara
Yalova
Yalova, on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, has the Termal thermal baths, used since Roman times, the Sudüşen waterfall and the Karaca Arboretum, a boat ride from Istanbul.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Yalova
Yalova is the smallest province in the Marmara region, on the southern shore of the entrance to the Gulf of İzmit, facing Istanbul. It has coastline on the Sea of Marmara, forested hills to the south and seaside towns such as Çınarcık and Armutlu.
The town of Termal, about 12 km from Yalova, gathers thermal springs used since the Roman and Byzantine periods, with historic baths like the Kurşunlu, in a forest park. In the same park is Atatürk’s House, where he used to spend time.
A trail along the Termal stream leads to the Sudüşen waterfall, among trees. Near Yalova, the Karaca Arboretum, created by Hayrettin Karaca, founder of the environmental foundation TEMA, brings together trees from several continents.
In the city of Yalova, the Yürüyen Köşk, the walking house, is Atatürk’s summer residence that was moved a few meters so a plane tree would not be cut down. The İbrahim Müteferrika Paper Museum tells the story of paper.
Termal soup, a vegetable soup with butter, and Yalova milk pudding (Yalova sütlüsü) appear on the region’s menus.
When to go
The thermal baths operate year-round and are usually more popular in autumn and winter. From May to October is generally the best time for the trails, the waterfall and the Karaca Arboretum; summer is the beach season in Çınarcık and Armutlu.
Getting there
From Istanbul, fast boats and ferries cross the Sea of Marmara to Yalova; check departure piers and schedules. By road, the Osmangazi Bridge crosses the Gulf of İzmit and links Yalova to the Istanbul highway. The most used airports are Istanbul’s, and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is closer. Confirm before buying. From the town of Yalova, local buses run to Termal.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Yalova
Can you do Yalova as a day trip from Istanbul?
Yes. By boat to Yalova and by bus or taxi to Termal, the thermal baths, Atatürk’s House and the walk to the Sudüşen waterfall can fit into one day, returning at night.
Can a tourist use the Termal thermal baths?
Yes. The thermal baths and pools welcome visitors with single-entry tickets, and hotels in Termal have their own pools. Bring swimwear and check what is open before you go.
What is the hike to the Sudüşen waterfall like?
It follows the stream that runs through Termal, through forests, and reaches the waterfall, with picnic spots along the way. It is an easy walk, often combined with a visit to the thermal baths.
What is the Yürüyen Köşk?
It is Atatürk’s summer house in Yalova that was moved a few meters on rails to preserve a plane tree that was growing next to the wall. The name means the house that walks.