There is a lot to tell about Yalova, from thermal waters to
dazzling natural beauties, places to visit and delicious cuisine. Surrounded by
the Marmara Sea to the north, Bursa to the south, and Kocaeli to the east,
Yalova is a small city right next to Istanbul.
When you step into the city, which hosted important civilizations
such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans and Ottomans, you will also come across
traces of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. There are many places to visit and see in
Yalova, but we have explained the main places and why you "must" see
them.
Natural Beauties of Yalova
Delmece Plateau
Among the most famous plateaus of Yalova are Erikli and Delmece plateaus. The road to the plateau, which you can easily reach by setting off from Teşvikiye town of Çınarcık, is asphalt. The natural beauties of the plateau, which has a wide and flat area, are among the details that first attract the attention of visitors. You can take a walk using the natural walking track and witness all these unique beauties with fresh air. Among the beauties you can see in Delmece Plateau: There are also many waterfalls, including the Erikli Waterfall located further on the dirt road, a drinkable water source known as healing water, and a deep crater lake known as Dipsiz Lake.
Bottomless Lake
The lake in Erikli Plateau is divided into
two: Big Dipsiz Lake and Little Dipsiz Lake. Since the road is asphalt, you can
easily reach it. Those who like hiking and camping can benefit from the
surroundings of Büyük Lake. We should point out that although many creatures
live in Dipsiz Lake, which is a crater lake, it is not suitable for drinking
because it is stagnant water. The lake, whose depth is still unknown and has
become bottomless due to the collapse of its bottom, is among the natural
beauties that visitors love.
Geyikdere – Çamlık
Geyikdere, located on the high hills of
Altınova in Yalova province, is one of the most popular centers for a day
holiday with its picnic areas offering a bird's eye view of the Izmit Bay, cool
pine forests, bird sounds and its green view.
Karaca Arboretum
If you want to be alone with the natural
beauties of Yalova and spend more time in greenery and peace, you should
definitely add Karaca Arboretum to your first places to visit. The area, decorated
with plants brought from different continents such as Asia, Europe, Africa,
Australia, as well as Turkey and New Zealand, is Turkey's first private
arboretum. You should visit Samanlı Village for a few hours where you will
forget all your troubles.
Sudusen Waterfall
The natural beauties of Yalova are endless. The
waterfall, one of the natural wonders of the city, where you can find peace
with its sound and refreshment with its breeze, is surrounded by a forest with
thousands of shades of green. It awaits those who want to have a picnic or
camping, and those who like activities such as hiking and cycling tours.
Historical Places of Yalova
Open Air Museum
The Open Air Museum, where historical artifacts
of Yalova with a 6000-year history are exhibited, was opened by the General
Directorate of Monuments and Museums of the Ministry of Culture. The artifacts
obtained from excavations over the years were preserved in different places for
a while, and then started to be exhibited here with the opening of this museum.
The museum, where sarcophagi, tombstones and many other important works from
the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods are exhibited, is also known as the
Archeopark.
Stone bridge
There is no information about when and by whom
the Stone Bridge was built; But as a result of research, it was revealed that
it has a history of more than 400 years. The bridge over Kılıç Creek is made of
cut stone and is still actively used today. It is under protection by the
Natural Heritage Preservation Board.
Atatürk pavilion
One of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's favorite cities
was Yalova. Atatürk, who frequently visited the city because he liked both the
relaxing effect of the hot spring waters and the dazzling greenery of its
nature, has 3 houses here. The mansion, which was built upon his request in
1929, is welcomed with interest by those who visit Termal. There are pianos, a
billiard table and two paintings by Nurettin Niyazi in the mansion.
It was used only in the summer months, and in
addition to Atatürk's room, rooms were also built for his adopted daughters.
After the restoration work carried out in 1984, it began to serve as a museum.
Walking Mansion
The mansion, built for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in
1929, is among the places you must see during your trip to Yalova. The
building, which took this name because it was moved away by a rail system in
order not to cut down the tree next to the mansion, awaits its visitors in
Yalova, which Atatürk called "my hometown".
Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha Mosque
The mosque, which is estimated to have been
built in the early 16th century, is located in the Altınova district of Yalova.
The mosque, which was repaired in 1773 after being damaged in the 1766
earthquake and an inscription stating this was placed, was repaired again in
1965.
Adjutant's Mansion
The mansion, located in Gökçedere Village of
Termal district, was used as a rest mansion during the reign of Abdulhamid II
and as the Aides Mansion during the Republic period. Today, it is used as the
Turkish Grand National Assembly guest house.
Yalova Thermal Springs
Termal and Armutlu thermal springs, named after
two districts of Yalova, are among the first degree important thermal springs
of Turkey. Thermal spas are the most organized and developed spa area in Turkey
and are located in the Termal district center, 12 km away from Yalova City
Center.
