Yalova is the smallest state in Turkey with a total area of 839 square kilometers. It is bordered by the Sea of Marmara on the north and on the south by Bursa and on the west by the state of Kocaeli.
Yalova offers many opportunities for city dwellers such as thermal springs, great views, hiking, trekking, cycling routes and many camping areas. Bayram Tekci, a Turkish citizen, tells in this article why he loves Yalova so much.
Yalova has a coastline of 105 km long, and despite its small area, it is a favorite tourist destination for many tourists due to the beauty of its charming tourist areas.
Charming places in Yalova
1- Karaca Arboretumu
A beautiful garden that provides various types of plants and flowers from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, and makes it a paradise on earth. Karaja Arboritomo Garden is a land that the farmer Haji Khalil Karaja bought in 1948 to plant poplar trees in it, and in 1970 his son Khair al-Din Karaja turned it into a Garden, and in 1980 it was named “Karaja Arboretomo” and opened for all to visit.
2 -Sudüşen Şelalesi
Sodosan Waterfall is 12 km from the center of Yalova, and is located in the city of Termal and between the folds of the Samanlı Dağları Mountains.
Trees and green plants surround the waterfall, you can walk around and explore the surrounding area, picnic, even camping and doing sports activities such as cycling.
3 -Çınarcık
The history of Çınargık dates back to 4000 BC, inhabited by many tribes and peoples whose fingerprints are still present in the city. In the Byzantine era, it was called the city of clean air because of the purity of its air, the abundance of its green natural areas and the cleanliness of its beaches.
4-Yalova Termal Kaplıcaları
Thermal spas are located 12 kilometers from the center of Yalova and are famous for their healing thermal waters, which scientists say relieve symptoms of various diseases such as skin and bone diseases, mental illnesses and functional disorders. This is not a new trend because soldiers from various empires across Turkey used hot spring water to recover after the war. Thermal springs in Pamukkale and springs in the Balçova district of Izmir are other examples of these thermal areas.
5 -Dipsiz Gölü
Lake Dipsies consists of two beautiful lakes, one of which is called the “big” Büyük, and it rises 570 meters above sea level, and the second is called the “small” Küçük, with a height of 530 meters above sea level, located in the “Erekli” resort.
6-Yürüyen Köşk
Koshak is located on the coast of the city of “Yalova”, built in the Ottoman style and requested to be located next to the sycamore tree.
Hiking, Climbing, Camping, and Cycling Routes in Yalova
When Yalova is mentioned, places, where you can be intertwined with nature, come to mind. In addition to the Sudüşen waterfall, which is one of the most interesting places, hiking, trekking, and cycling paths that offer magnificent views invite visitors to the lap of nature.
While Delmece plateau attracts attention with its various trees such as pine, oak and chestnut covering an area of 400 decares, Erikli plateau near Teşvikiye Village is a frequent destination for camping enthusiasts and photographers. Hasan Baba region, where deer are taken under protection, is a favorite of those who want to have a picnic.
Horticulture is a big market in Yalova and about 20% of the country’s trade takes place here. Cut flowers and garden shrubs are very important and many producers from Yalova export their goods abroad. Therefore, the flower is a symbol of Yalova and the annual fairs encourage local expertise. Karaca Arboretum also largely reflects Yalova’s interest and expertise in this field. This public arboretum covers an area of 13.5 hectares with approximately 7000 different species of trees, plants and flowers.
While most museums in Turkey hide their works behind glass vaults and stone walls, Yalova displays ancient jewels in the open. The open-air museum showcases 600 years of history, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Opened to visitors in 2003, the works are scattered in a green area in the heart of the city center.
