Termal: Thermal history, nature and culture

Termal combines a long thermal history with distinctive cultural sites and a diverse range of plant life. The historic open-air thermal baths, Atatürk Köşkü and Yedi Havuzlar waterfall each give the place its own character. When planning your holiday, it is therefore worth considering whether you are most interested in discovering thermal history, historic buildings, nature or local products.

Thermal water and a distinctive bath

The historic open-air thermal baths of Termal are considered Turkey’s first registered open-air thermal baths. They include an integrated children’s pool—a specific detail families can take into account when choosing activities.

Thermal water is also closely tied to Termal’s identity: it comes from a depth of 2,200 metres. In an assessment of the world’s thermal waters, it received first prize in Rome in 1911. Anyone interested in the history and significance of thermal water will find two notable points of reference here: the historic bathing complex and the water’s award.

Buildings and places of remembrance

Termal Atatürk Köşkü was built in 1929 on Atatürk’s instructions. Prof. S. Hakkı Eldem constructed it in 38 days. Following restoration, the köşk opened as a museum in 1984 and continues to serve as a museum today. The construction period and its subsequent use as a museum give the building a distinctive historical context.

Kurşunlu Hamamı has a much older history: it was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. As a result of natural disasters and wars, it lay underground for centuries. The two buildings represent different periods: the Byzantine hamam and the köşk from the Republican era.

Ata Park also commemorates Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It was established in his memory during the Republican era and includes a pool with a bust. The protected Yaver Köşkü, a mansion from the Republican era, is also located within the Termal thermal baths complex. These places offer different perspectives on remembrance and architectural history in Termal.

Valley, plant life and local products

The Termal thermal baths complex is situated in a valley on the slope of Samanlı Dağı. At the entrance to the complex is the waterfall known as Yedi Havuzlar. The landscape is also reflected in the diversity of plant species: Termal has 39 deciduous and 26 evergreen tree species, 25 deciduous and evergreen shrub species, and 18 climbing and ground-cover species. The figures therefore include not only trees, but also various lower-growing and climbing plants.

Aşıklar Yolu is also part of the local character. A local market is usually held there, where residents sell fresh fruit and nuts from the surrounding villages. This offers a different way to get to know Termal than through its thermal baths and historic buildings: the focus here is on local produce and trade.

Understanding Termal as a holiday destination

The Termal thermal baths are located in the centre of Termal district, 12 kilometres from Yalova city centre. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can weigh up the main interests of your stay: thermal water and bathing history, cultural sites, plant life or the market on Aşıklar Yolu.

More destination pages: Esenköy Municipality, Kirazlı Village, Çiftlikköy, Armutlu, Fıstıklı Village, Çınarcık, Elmalık and Yalova.

Go to the parent travel overview: Yalova.