Çiftlikköy: Coast and History on the Sea of Marmara

Çiftlikköy lies east of Yalova on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara and west of Karamürsel District. Its coastal character is evident along Sahil Yolu, which runs beside the sea through the Sahil Mahallesi neighbourhood. A cycle path and a walking path provide space for sports, leisurely strolls and morning or evening walks. When choosing your holiday apartment in Çiftlikköy, whether you would like to spend time by the shore during your stay can be a useful guide.

Along Sahil Yolu and at Halk Plajı

The walking and cycle paths offer different ways to experience Sahil Yolu: you can take a stroll or get some exercise there. For a holiday with quieter outdoor breaks, the picnic and recreation areas at Halk Plajı are a good option. This coastal destination therefore offers both opportunities for activity and time to unwind.

When planning your day, bear in mind that the picnic and recreation areas along Sahil Yolu and at Halk Plajı are particularly popular with people from the surrounding provinces at weekends. Stalls are also set up along Sahil Yolu in the late afternoon, staying open until late at night and offering a wide range of souvenirs. Cafés, bars, türkü houses, tea gardens and restaurants can be found around Sahil Yolu. This means you can combine time by the shore with a stroll or a break at one of these establishments.

Discover history and culture

Kara Kilise reflects several historical uses: it served as a bath in the 6th century AD and as a church in the 8th and 9th centuries. According to some sources, it may have been a waterworks dating from the Roman period. This interpretation is based on the sources cited. Stelae and finds from the area around Kara Kilise are displayed at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, adding artefacts from the surrounding area to the story of the site.

Atatürk Evi is another historical landmark in Çiftlikköy. Atatürk stayed there during his visit to Çiftlikköy; the house is designated as a museum. Nearby, in the village of Gacık, is the historic Gacık Hamam. It was restored from 2013 to 2015 as part of a project undertaken by the provincial administration, the Provincial Special Administration and Çiftlikköy Municipality.

Villages nearby

Dereköy is known for its authentic village houses and largely unspoilt village setting; it lies along the Yeşil-Mavi Route. The upper part of Dereköy has a picnic area used by villagers and visitors, as well as the Kocakiraz Fountain. According to the municipal text, its water is always safe to drink. If you would like to explore village houses and the local setting as well as the shore, you can make Dereköy a special stop in your travel plans.

The nearby village of Laledere also offers a viewing terrace and authentic houses. Along with the historical sites described, these provide a range of options for your stay: time by the sea, a trip to a village or an exploration of Çiftlikköy’s history. These differences can help you decide what kind of trip you want and, in turn, choose the holiday apartment that best suits your plans.

Getting there and other destinations

You can reach Çiftlikköy from Istanbul by car. Another option is to take the ferry to Yalova and continue from there to Çiftlikköy. You can therefore plan your journey either as a drive or as a ferry crossing followed by a drive.

If you would also like to explore other places as you plan your trip: Esenköy Belediyesi, Elmalık, Yalova, Termal, Kirazlı Köyü, Fevziye Köyü, Fıstıklı Köyü and Armutlu.

For the broader travel overview: Yalova.