Thermal Springs in Turkey

Turkey has always been a tourist hot spot for those who wish to enjoy the hot sun and beaches. Added to the historical significance of numerous places in Turkey, the presence of numerous thermal springs around the country make it quite a popular destination for those seeking cures for ailments like rheumatism, digestive disorders and skin complaints.

Though there are more than 1300 thermal springs around Turkey, we have mentioned only a few below which are more popular with the tourists owing to their location, healing properties and available amenities.

Orucoglu Thermal Center: Situated about 14 km from Afyon, this thermal center has numerous hot water springs and is located right next to a modern hotel. The water in the springs stays at 49degrees Celsius and contains numerous minerals like sodium bicarbonate, bromide, sodium chloride, and Fluoride.

Water from these springs is known to heal disorders like eating problems, and muscle and nerve fatigue, stomach, intestine and gall bladder problems, and even psoriasis.

Gonen: This thermal center is slightly smaller in size and contains water at 52 degrees Celsius. The center is located a few kilometers north of the town of Balikesir and the water is fresh enough to drink as well as take bath in.

The springs in this region are known to cure patients with nervous complaints in addition to treating liver, urinary, and dermatologic disorders in patients.

Kos Hot Springs: Located about 20 km from Bingol, these springs are what you may call an oasis in the middle of a desert. Surrounded by guest houses, well established hotels, several restaurants, gardens and even separate swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor), Kos Hot Springs offers peace and tranquility to arriving guests who find cures for skin diseases in the hot water that flows in the springs.

Cekirge: Located in the Bursa district, the thermal springs in this region are filled with water whose temperature ranges from 47 degrees Celsius to 78 degrees Celsius. Containing essential minerals like magnesium, sodium and sulphur, the water in these springs are known to cure patients with rheumatic, dermatologic, metabolic and gynecologic issues in addition to treating those with post operative problems. It is possible to find a place to stay for the night as there are a fair number of hotels and guest houses in the region in addition to 24 hour medical supervision.

Pamukkale: Perhaps the most visited thermal spring in Turkey; Pamukkale is located in the Denizeli region of Turkey and has several hotels and other condominiums on site. The water in the springs fluctuates between 42 degrees Celsius and 56 dgrees Celsius and contains traces of carbon dioxide, sulphur, calcium and iron. A dip in these waters cures those with circulatory problems in addition to those suffering from kidney, liver, gall bladder and rheumatic disorders.

Balcova: This indoor thermal center is present in the Izmir region and is perhaps the largest indoor thermal center in all of Turkey. With a 400 bed capacity, the center is frequented by Scandinavian tourists and has water flowing at a temperature of 62 degrees Celsius.

The fresh water is suitable for drinking too and is known to treat ailments like sciatica, rheumatism, nervous disorders, orthopedic, intestinal and gynecologic disorders in addition to providing cures for those suffering from urinary problems.

Balikli Cermik: This thermal spring center is locates in the Sivas region and is about 17 km away from Kangal. The water in these springs stays at 36 degrees Celsius and contains traces of magnesium, calcium and sodium bicarbonate.

So what’s so different about this spring you may ask. The springs in this spa are filled with very small fish that help in curing skin disorders like psoriasis. The water also contains cures for rheumatic, arterial and gynecologic related issues in addition to treating sclerosis. There are several small motels offering basic accommodation and food in the regions surrounding the springs. You can also choose to camp out near the springs.

Whenever you travel to Turkey, try to visit any of the above mentioned springs to enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. Enquire with the locals or a travel guide about possible thermal springs in the nearby areas and grab the opportunity to have a refreshing bath under the open sky while letting the water and its healing powers work at your body inside out.