Top 10 Spa Destinations in Turkey for Health and Healing

Berfin Ceren Meray
Onedio Member
0

Are you looking for a way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while also taking care of your health and wellness? Look no further than Turkey, where you'll find some of the best spas in the world. From luxurious resort spas to authentic hamams, Turkey offers a wide range of options for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. In this blog, we will explore 10 cities in Turkey where you can find health and healing in their spas. Whether you're seeking traditional treatments, like Turkish baths and massages, or more modern approaches, such as hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, these spa destinations will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the world. So, pack your bags and get ready for a journey of wellness and discovery in Turkey's top spa destinations.

1. Denizli

Denizli is a city known for its thermal springs, with Pamukkale being the most famous. Pamukkale Thermal Springs are formed by thermal waters coming out of karst areas and are known for their cotton-looking limestone tuffs. The water temperature of the thermal springs ranges between 35 and 100 degrees Celsius and is used for treatment purposes in various medical conditions.

2. Bursa

Bursa is a city where green and blue are intertwined, and it is known for its beautiful thermal springs that date back centuries. The Ottomans repaired the baths dating back to Byzantium and built new hot springs. The most famous thermal springs in Bursa are Oylat and Hedged Mineral Water in Inegöl, Tümbüldek in Akarca village connected to Mustafakemalpaşa, Terme on the way to Umurbey village in Gemlik, and Ağaçhisar and Sadağ Thermal Springs connected to Orhaneli. The city has different resource centers that offer services like thermal pools, mud baths, physical therapy, massage, and beauty cures.

3. Bolu

Bolu is a city known for its natural beauty and developed economy, as well as its underground resources. Bolu thermal hotels, located at the intersection of Istanbul and Ankara, have been distributing healing to their guests for centuries. The famous thermal springs in Bolu are Karacasu, Sarot, Babas, Pavlu, and Çatak Thermal Springs.

4. Ankara

Ankara is one of the first places that come to mind when talking about spas. The city has various thermal springs, including Kizilcahamam, Ayaş, Haymana, and Beypazarı. Kizilcahamam is the most famous among them. When it comes to thermal hotels in Ankara, these districts come to mind first.

5. İzmir

Izmir is a city that has a spa tradition since ancient times, with various thermal springs that distribute healing to guests from all over the world. The hotels with thermal water facilities in the city are focused on Balçova, Inciraltı, Narlıdere, and Çeşme, while the thermal springs are located in Bergama, Dikili, Menemen, Seferihisar, and Gulbahce. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before using spas and not to start treatment without their approval, especially for those with severe medical conditions.

6. Afyon

This city is well-known for its hot springs, with a reputation that has spread around the world. According to a miraculous story, Sen Mishel blowing into the water has healing properties, which have been passed down through generations. The center, built on 6 large pillars by the Phrygians, is also famous for healing the wounds of King Midas' daughter. Since the Byzantine Empire period, Afyon has been a center for thermal healing, and although the number of hot springs is not large, the qualified Afyon thermals that exist are enough to make it a thermal city. The most preferred Afyon hot springs are Hudai Mud Baths, Heybeli Hot Springs, Ömer Hot Springs, and Gecek.

7. Yalova

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk once said, “This will be the water city of the future.' Yalova is known for its hot springs, with a history dating back 4000 years. The Yalova thermal springs, known as Pitiya in history, are located 12 km away from the city center. The Byzantine emperors founded the first baths 1600 years ago, but their development stopped during the Ottoman period. The importance of thermals was realized again in the last times of the empire, and new baths and mansions were built, and historical monuments were restored. The most well-known Yalova thermals are Thermal, Pear, and Pistachio.

8. Balıkesir

If you want to relax in the healing waters accompanied by the magnificent air of the Kaz Mountains, this is the place to go. There are many hot springs in Balıkesir, but the thermals located near the Kaz Mountains are particularly recommended. The oxygen-rich air of the Kaz Mountains is also refreshing. Famous hot springs of Balıkesir include Pamukçu, Bale-Ilica hot springs, Bigadiç, Güre, and Gönen Hot Springs.

9. Kütahya

The famous Eynal Hot Springs mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's Travelogue are located in this city. The Simav district of Kütahya is also home to the Eynal Hot Springs, which are known for the rich minerals contained in their thermal water, and have been distributing healing for more than three thousand years. Evliya Çelebi visited this center in 1671 and said: “I have visited many places, I have seen many hot springs, but there is no such thing on earth.” Other famous hot springs of Kütahya include Yoncalı, Kızılsınler Hot Spring, Göbel Hot Spring, Gediz Hot Spring, and Murat Dağ Hot Springs.

10. Hatay

Although it is a little behind in terms of thermal tourism compared to other cities, the healing waters coming out of the underground in Hatay are still worth visiting. The hot springs in Hatay are good for many skin diseases, and their underground waters have healing properties. Here are the 5 famous hot springs of Hatay: Thermal Water of Alaattin Village, Hamamat Hot Springs, Reyhanli Bath, Erzin Started Hot Springs, and Kisecik Village Healing Water.