1. For thermal springs that deliver you from the urban jungle: Thermal springs in Ankara
Ankara has been hiding a treasure underground for centuries. We are referring to subterranean thermal springs, known from the Roman and Seljuk times. The city features 37 thermal centers. In this sense, Ankara is one of the richest cities in Türkiye for spa tourism; as well, Türkiye’s most equipped thermal facilities are here. The most important centers in the area are Kızılcahamam, Haymana and Ayaş Karakaya.
It is believed that the hot spring waters in this area, at an average temperature of 47 degrees, are beneficial for liver, kidney, stomach, intestine, respiratory tract, skin, heart and blood circulation disorders. The common feature of these three spas is that the waters are drinkable. It is also alleged that drinking these waters can cure stomach, intestine, pancreas, liver, kidney and gall bladder disorders.
For Ankara residents, these thermal centers offer a quick and easy holiday. For visitors from other areas of Türkiye or from abroad, we suggest a visit to Ankara while you’re in the region. For more information about Ankara’s charms, see our Ankara city guide.
2. For the hottest waters: Thermal springs in Afyon
Afyon has Türkiye’s hottest thermal spring waters – reaching a temperature of more than 60 degrees. As one of Türkiye’s most important spa tourism centers, Afyon has 22 thermal facilities, the most prominent of which are Sandıklı, Gazlıgöl and Heybeli.
It is believed that the waters of these three springs are effective in addressing rheumatic diseases, calcification, disruptions in the heart and circulatory system, and skin, bone and gynecological disorders, as well as kidney and liver diseases. Sandıklı is distinctive for its world-renowned warm mud bath facilities. It is said that mud baths are helpful for respiratory tract infections, psychological disorders and skin diseases.
To reach Afyon and enjoy the area’s health and thermal tourism centers, you can buy a ticket to Kütahya.
3. For hot springs that soothe body and spirit: Thermal springs in Bursa
An open-air, natural hot spring located in Keramet village of Bursa.
The numerous thermal centers in Bursa are said to have healed the emperors, queens and sultans of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras.
The healing waters of Bursa, which provides service with 27 thermal centers, are alleged to be helpful in treating physical conditions, as well as mental illnesses. These physical ailments include rheumatic syndromes, chronic inflammation, gynecological disorders and vascular occlusions.
The historic Oylat Thermal Springs are the city’s most preferred health and thermal tourism center. Located near the İnegöl district, the Oylat waters are drinkable; consuming the waters are said to be effective in the treatment of obesity. It is also believed that Oylat hot spring waters are helpful in addressing hardening, calcification and severe pain in the knees. If you plan a winter weekend at Bursa’s hot springs, definitely visit Uludağ, featuring Türkiye’s most famous ski resorts. Discover Bursa without wasting time.
4. Centuries of healing: Thermal springs in Pamukkale
Pamukkale, one of Türkiye’s most important health and spa tourism centers, is famous not only for its white, cloud-like rock formations, but also for its thermal waters. The travertines of Pamukkale add special minerals to the waters. Another wonderful spring is in the ancient city of Hierapolis, established nearly 3,000 years earlier. Visitors to Hierapolis can bask in history as they bask in pools formed between columns and marbles. The travertines and Hierapolis are often utilized by those suffering from heart disease, vascular or nervous system disorders, and paralysis.
In Denizli, another important thermal center, and one similar to Pamukkale, is Karahayıt. Karahayıt’s distinctive, red-tinted curative hot water and thermal mud are alleged to be useful in the treatment of orthopedic, neurological, rheumatic, stomach and skin diseases. Buy a Denizli plane ticket to visit other thermal centers.
5. The hot springs closest to Istanbul: Thermal springs in Yalova
While Yalova does not have as many thermal centers and thermal facilities as other cities, it does have two rather distinctive options: The first is Armutlu, where the water temperature is 55-60 degrees. Due to its high radioactivity, bathing in these spa waters is thought to be effective in removing heavy metals from the body, as well as helping with nerve diseases, healing of wounds and hormone regulation.
The second option is the Termal district, 12 km from the Yalova city center. The hot waters of the thermal baths here are used as alternative methods in treating muscle, bone, digestive system, liver, gallbladder, kidney, urinary tract, and skin and gynecological disorders. To reach the Yalova thermal health tourism centers, you can fly to Istanbul and then travel via the ferry.
6. Fishy treatments: Hot springs in Sivas
The springs of Sivas offer a distinctive feature. At the Balıklı Çermik spa, Garra rufa – small toothless fish between 2-10 cm long – swim in the 36-degree waters. These fish, sometimes called ‘doctor fish’, eat dead skin. Considered effective in treating skin wounds, eczema, acne and psoriasis, it is believed that the maximum benefit of this treatment occurs after about 20 days. While ‘cooling your heels’ in Sivas, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the area’s natural beauties and historical sites.
7. A centuries-old healing destination: Hot springs in Bolu
Bolu thermal, Bolu thermal springs hotels,
Bolu has considerable geothermal water resources; geologically, the area lies on one of Türkiye’s most prominent fault lines. For centuries, Bolu has been known as a spa tourism center for its thermal springs, even mentioned by the celebrated 17th-century traveler, Evliya Çelebi. Offering both bathing and drinking options, the waters, with an average temperature of 42 degrees, are believed to be beneficial for rheumatic, skin, digestive system, gallbladder, kidney, blood circulation and heart, respiratory tract and gynecological disorders.
Bolu is also one of Türkiye’s most favourite thermal centers.
8. More than just a thermal spa: Hot springs in Balıkesir
Balıkesir is another prominent center for spa tourism, offering healthy natural spring water and hot springs, and mud and sand pools. In Balıkesir province, there are modern thermal facilities in Edremit, Balya, Bigadiç, Gonen, Manyas and Susurluk. Allegedly, these hot waters are beneficial in the treatment of various conditions including diabetes, stomach, kidney and rheumatic diseases, and skin, back and neck disorders.
9. Enchanting waters of Sultaniye: Thermal springs in Muğla
With its 2,000-year-old history, Sultaniye Thermal Springs draws both local and foreign tourists as well for its mineral values and ideal temperatures. Sultaniye Thermal Springs, in the Köyceğiz district of Muğla, has been in use for centuries and features mud baths in addition to its healing waters. The thermal springs in Muğla, a highly developed city in terms of health and thermal tourism, are allegedly beneficial for rheumatism, kidney and urinary tract diseases, metabolic disorders, mental fatigue, and skin and gynecological diseases. You can fly to Dalaman and explore other thermal springs in Muğla’s Dalaman and Milas districts.
10. Enjoy the plateau and the hot springs together: Thermal springs in Rize
Outstanding for its natural beauty and plateaus, the Black Sea region is just as celebrated for its natural water resources and thermal facilities. Rize, in particular, is notable. Two regions stand out in Rize: the Ayder Plateau and İkizdere Valley. The hot waters of İkizdere Valley are considered to be among the highest quality of thermal waters, with more than 4,500 minerals present in the 72-degree water. The İkizdere waters are believed to be useful as a complementary treatment for sports injuries, chronic lower back pain, joint and stress disorders, and neurologic complications. The colorless, odorless, and clear waters of Ayder Plateau are also preferred as a complementary treatment for certain conditions such as rheumatic and joint pain. You fly to Artvin or Trabzon and explore Rize’s spas and thermal facilities.
11. For Ilıca Thermal Springs: Thermal springs in Kahramanmaraş
About 70 km from the Kahramanmaraş city center and Ilıca Thermal Springs hosts hundreds of local and foreign tourists every year and has grown into a destination for spa tourism. It is believed that the waters of the Ilıca Hot Springs are beneficial for a number of ailments, from rheumatic diseases to ulcers and from upper respiratory tract diseases to skin diseases. Near Kısık Valley are caves known as the “Asthma Caves”, as they are believed to help treat asthma and bronchitis.
Ilıca Thermal Springs is not the only spa tourism center in Kahramanmaraş; Döngele Hot Springs, Ekinözü Springs and Göksun Büyükkızılcık Spring are also well-known destinations.
You can fly to Kahramanmaraş and immerse yourself in its thermal facilities.
12. Erzin Başbaşı Thermal Springs: Thermal springs in Hatay
Hatay, a culinary destination in Türkiye, is also a well-developed center for thermal health tourism. The most famous spa center in the area is Erzin Hot Springs, in Başlamış village of the town of Erzin. It is alleged that the hot water and healing mineral waters coming out of the rocks are beneficial for various disorders. The bitter and slightly salty waters contain bromide and carbon dioxide. Other thermal tourism centers in Hatay are Hacamat Hot Springs, Reyhanlı Hamam, Kisecik Village Healing Waters and Alaattin Village Thermal Waters.
To visit a thermal spa destination and sample world-famous cuisine, take a flight to Hatay!
13. Yoncalı Thermal Springs: Thermal springs of Kütahya
Kütahya is one of the most important cities in Türkiye for health and thermal tourism. Nine of the 73 thermal tourism centers, as announced by the decision of the Council of Ministers, are in Kütahya. In particular, Yoncalı Thermal Springs, 15 km from the city center, offers well-developed thermal tourism facilities. It is believed that the 42-degree waters are beneficial for rheumatic and neurological disorders. In Kütahya, thermal centers such as Ilıca, Gediz Murat Mountain, Gediz Ilıcasu, Simav Eynal, Simav Naşa, Emet Dereli, Tavşanlı Göbel and Hisarcık Esire host thousands of tourists every year seeking relaxation and healing.
Fly to Kütahya and visit one of Türkiye’s most important thermal health tourism centers.
Please note! The benefits of the thermal spa centers described in this blog are anecdotal and for promotional purposes only. Thermal water healing is considered an alternative treatment method and its benefits are not proven. For disorders and illnesses, we suggest that you consult a medical professional.
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