Yalova
TürkiyeCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
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Why visit
Most visitors come for the spa retreat at Termal, 12 km south of the city, the natural sulfur-rich hot springs have been used since Roman. Byzantine times, with elegant Ottoman-era bath houses (Sultan Banyo, Kürsünlü Hamam) built by Sultan Abdülhamid II and visited by Atatürk. The Atatürk Yalıkavak Mansion (the 'Walking Pavilion' that was famously moved to save a tree) is on the seafront. The forested Karaca Arboretum has 7,000 plant species. Day trips to the Marmara island ferries, the historic Iznik (ancient Nicaea) with its ceramic workshops, and Bursa with the Ottoman tombs are all easy. Try Marmara seafood and the Yalova süt çöreği (sweet milk bread).
When to avoid
The 1999 earthquake's legacy means Yalova sits on an active fault, newer construction is to higher seismic standards, but check your hotel. Summer ferry traffic from Istanbul fills weekend ferries. Book in advance or arrive midweek. The city itself isn't particularly atmospheric, the appeal is Termal and the surrounding countryside, not downtown. Female travelers should expect more conservative dress norms inland than along the seafront. Don't drink tap water. Bottled is everywhere.