Escape the big metropolis and indulge in a memorable trip to the small city of Yalova in northwestern Turkey. It might be part of the smallest province in the country, but don’t let its size fool you. Yalova is packed with worthy destinations, including lush landscapes, gorgeous beaches, miraculous thermal spas, trekking routes, and camping sites. Do you love learning new things about the places you visit? Head down to Yalova’s museums and learn about the early days of Modern Turkey or be amazed by artifacts and antique pieces that date back to the Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine periods. Create big memories in the smallest province of Turkey. Check out the best things to do in Yalova, Turkey.
1. Visit the "Moving Mansion," Yürüyen Köşk
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, wished for this architectural wonder to be built in 1929. The “Moving Mansion,” which is adjacent to a huge sycamore tree, got its nickname after Ataturk ordered for the mansion to be moved away, instead of just cutting the overgrown branches of the tree that were damaging the house’s roof and walls. The endeavor was a success, and both mansion and tree remained unscathed.
This landmark opened as a museum in 2006, attracting many tourists who wish to learn more about the city and the province. The terrace on the upper floor offers stunning views of the Marmara Sea.
Yuruyen Kosk
Address: İsmet Paşa, Merkez, Sahil Yürüyüş Yolu, 77100 Yalova Merkez/Yalova, Turkey
Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
2. Be active in the colorful Yalova Tatilpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tatilpark is a holiday resort that offers recreational spaces to locals and tourists. This property features 86 houses with air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, and hot water for those who wish to stay overnight. Restaurants, cafeterias, and water slides are also present within the area.
The park has a sandy beach, a great spot for sunbathing and playing beach volleyball and football. Due to its vast space, Tatilpark also hosts many festivals, such as the Yalova Müzik Festivali.
Yalova Tatilpark
Address: Bahçelievler, Liman Sk., 77200 Yalova Merkez/Yalova, Turkey
Website: Yalova Tatilpark
Opening hours: 8:30am - 12:30am (daily)
3. Stay and rejuvenate at Lova Hotel & Spa Yalova (from USD 59)
Lova Hotel & Spa is close to the main city and is one of the most popular wellness centers in Yalova. It offers impressive facilities, including a mixed and two separate spa areas for women and a fitness center equipped with the latest technology. In addition, it also has a roof terrace with nature and sea views, a ballroom and a multipurpose hall, three pools, and a poolside terrace.
Rooms vary, from deluxe units to honeymoon suites, but all come with free Wi-Fi. No matter what room you book, you’ll surely experience high-class service from this 4-star accommodation.
Lova Hotel & Spa Yalova
Address: Samanli Thermal Road Street Numbers 3,Samanli / Yalova, Samanli Koyu, Yalova, Turkey, 77100
6.83 km (4.3 mi) from Yalova Atatürk Mansion
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Admire the tree museum, Karaca Arboretum
This tree museum was established by conservationist Hayrettin Karaca in 1980 as Turkey’s first private arboretum. Named after him, Karaca Arboretum was initially meant to house deciduous plants and conifers from all over the country. Currently, it boasts 7,000 species of plants from all around the world, including maple, magnolia, oak, birch, pinus, and spruce. It also plans to expand its collection at a nearby site.
It offers tours around the botanical garden and bonsai collection. By the end of the activity, you can purchase a flower as a sweet memorabilia.
Karacam Arboretum
Address: Samanlıköy Mah, Merkez, Yalova Termal Yolu, 77200 Yalova Merkez, Turkey
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
5. Expand your knowledge at Ibrahim Muteferrika Kagit Museum
The first printing house of the Ottoman Empire was said to be established in the Elmalik village of Yalova. The province bears this achievement because of the first paper mill that was run by Ibrahim Muteferrika, to whom a museum was named.
Ibrahim Muteferrika Kagit Museum features exhibits on paper alternatives used before it was invented, and visitors can also learn about the history and growth of the paper industry. The basement houses the atelier. After the tour, visitors can try making their own organic paper.
Ibrahim Muteferrika Kagit Museum
Address: Bahçelievler, Şht. Ömer Faydalı Cd. No:203, 77200 Yalova Merkez/Yalova, Turkey
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
6. Take in the view at Balıkçı Barınağı
Balıkçı Barınağı, meaning fishing shelter or village, is a scenic spot near the marina. This is one of the most calming spots in Yalova, the ideal place for sipping a cup of Turkish tea while feeling the sea breeze and watching seagulls.
People who love fishing or eating freshly caught fish should also visit to try the sea bass, and there are high-end restaurants and authentic cafes in the area. Guests who love photography and the sea views would also enjoy this gorgeous location.
Balıkçı Barınağı
Address: Yalı, Liman Cd., 77300 Kocadere/Çınarcık/Yalova, Turkey
7. Try new cuisine at Tike Restaurant
If you want to try sumptuous Turkish cuisine, Tike Yalova is the best place to go. This restaurant sits in Setur Marina, and its accessible location makes it convenient to reach even during Yalova’s busiest hours. It features sea-inspired interiors that give the rustic feel of a Mediterranean restaurant in a scenic marina.
This restaurant has friendly staff and good food for a very fair price. Their menu is a mix of Turkish grilled fare and Mediterranean flavors—recommended dishes include kebabs, zeama (chicken soup), and lahmacun (Turkish pizza).
Tike Restaurant
Address: Setur Marina Yalı Caddesi 45, D:9, Merkez/Yalova, Turkey
Website: Tike Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 12am
8. Pay a respectful visit at August 17 Park
August 17 Park faces the Marmara Sea and is perfect for seaside views or evening strolls. More than that, it is home to the Yalova Earthquake Monument, a historical structure honoring the victims of a devastating earthquake that happened on August 17, 1999.
Currently, the monument sits on top of an artificial hill and consists of marble slabs with the victims’ names and small hollows that serve as a flower-holder. It is a beacon of Yalova’s undying strength and resilience. This park is open 24 hours a day, so you drop by whenever you want.
August 17 Park / Yalova Earthquake Monument
Address: Bahçelievler, Gazi Paşa Cd. No:105, 77200 Yalova Merkez/Yalova, Turkey
9. Know everything about Yalova at the Kent Müzesi
Once Yalova’s Government House, this property was restored by the joint initiative of the Yalova Governorship and Yalova Municipality to establish a private museum. It serves as a great historical building reflecting the cultural heritage of the city.
The museum showcases the history of Yalova, from the Ottoman Empire to the Republican Period. Exhibits feature official documents and photographs about the city’s education, sports, industry, agriculture, geography, tourism, and social life. Donated artifacts are also present.
Kent Müzesi
Address: Süleyman Bey, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:1, 77100 Yalova Merkez/Yalova, Turkey
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
10. Get in touch with nature at Harmankaya Nature Park
Harmankaya Nature Park is a vast and lush park in the Termal district of Yalova. This scenic wonder used to be a recreational area, but the Ministry of Environment and Forest declared it as a nature park in July 2011.
The park is home to an impressive amount of flora, such as beech, chestnut, oak, bellflower, goosefoot, and thistle. Reported fauna in the area includes gray wolves, foxes, wild boars, tortoises, snakes, and songbirds. Sudusen Waterfall, another famous attraction in Yalova, is also nearby.
Harmankaya Nature Park
Address: Üvezpınar, Termal/Yalova, Turkey
Explore Turkey's hidden gem
Yalova is home to plenty of attractions for all kinds of visitors. Nature parks, museums, and good restaurants are just some of them. Explore this hidden gem and challenge yourself with the best things to do in Yalova, Turkey.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to