Kursunlu Bath
Kurşunlu Banyo
4.4 · 320 reviews · via Google
Kursunlu Bath
calcium · Marmara
Hotter than 17% of Turkey springs (n=12).
More acidic than 67% of Turkey springs (n=12).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Remote — over 5km from the nearest station
Cost
Moderate
Crowd level
Quiet
About this spring
The water is clear and odorless with a high mineral content of calcium and fluoride. The bathhouse has an indoor pool and a connecting outdoor pool surrounded by lush green forests. It features a historic lead covered dome and an attached steam sauna room. It suits families and couples looking for a relaxed mountain retreat away from the city. Swimming caps are required in the pools and can be purchased at the reception desk.
Highlights
History
The bathhouse was first constructed by Byzantine Emperor Justinian seventeen centuries ago as part of the wider Yalova Termal complex.
After being buried by landslides over the centuries it was excavated and restored in 1900 by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. The name of the bath means leaded in Turkish, referring to the heavy lead plating on its central dome.
Local guide
Arriving at the Yalova Termal district, forested grounds surround the bathhouse long before you reach its distinctive lead-covered dome, a visible link to its Ottoman-era restoration. Moving between the connected indoor and outdoor pools, you notice the water is clear and nearly odorless, a contrast to the stronger sulfur springs found elsewhere in Turkey, with the outdoor pool framed by tall trees on all sides.
Bring or buy a swimming cap at reception, since one is required in the pools, and pack a swimsuit suited to families, as the forested outdoor pool draws a relaxed mix of couples and groups. The attached steam sauna room is included in the entrance fee and worth setting aside extra time for.
Visit in the cooler months when the contrast between the forest air and the warm pools is most pleasant. The Yalova Termal complex has several simple cafes nearby serving Turkish tea and pastries, an easy stop between bathhouses if you plan to visit Valide Bath the same day.
Mineral chemistry
Water character inferred from mineral type — verify on site.
Calcium chloride springs share the heat-retaining property of sodium chloride springs but with a stronger warming effect. Prized for muscle and joint relief.
The strong warming effect means those with cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or pregnancy should limit soak duration and consult a doctor if in doubt.
Sulfate springs contain dissolved calcium, sodium, or magnesium sulfate. Calcium sulfate springs are traditionally associated with wound healing and post-surgical recovery.
Sodium sulfate springs can have a mild laxative effect in sensitive individuals — stay well hydrated.
Similar springs
The water is highly carbonated and rich in calcium and magnesium with warm effervescent bubbles rising from the bottom. The pool is filled with submerged Roman columns that collapsed during an ancient earthquake. Visitors swim directly over these historic marble ruins. The facility features modern changing rooms and lockers but guests must bring their own towels. Public bathing is strictly permitted within this designated pool only while wading in the main travertine terraces is restricted to designated paths.
The thermal water has an incredibly high sulfur content with a strong distinctive odor and trace amounts of radon. The rustic complex has outdoor thermal pools and open air mud pits where visitors apply mineral mud to their skin. It also features a indoor pool covered by a simple dome. The facility borders Lake Koycegiz and is popular with day trippers and wellness travelers. Visitors should wear old dark swimwear as the sulfur mud can easily stain light fabrics.
The water contains highly therapeutic sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate which is scientifically recognized for its high mineral density. The bathhouse has a simple and functional public design with deep marble pools and separate bathing quarters for men and women. It is best for travelers seeking genuine medical thermal therapy rather than luxury pampering. Bring your own towels and standard bathing gear as the facility functions primarily as a local public utility.
The thermal water is highly saline and contains therapeutic traces of radon and calcium. The facility features a large outdoor thermal pool overlooking Sifne Bay where warm mineral water meets the Aegean Sea. It is an upscale and relaxed resort setting with lounge chairs and direct beach access. It is highly suitable for couples and leisure travelers seeking sea views. Visitors should bring sunscreen and expect a resort style environment.
Amenities
Getting there
From Istanbul
Gateway: Istanbul Yenikapi Ferry Port (75 min)
Take the fast ferry to Yalova port then ride the local Termal minibus
Total journey: 100 min
- Municipal dolmus from Yalova Otogar (Bus) · 12km · 20 min
- Private taxi from Yalova center (Taxi) · 12km · 15 min
- Walk from the Termal district central terminal (Walk) · 0.4km · 5 min
Board a frequent municipal dolmus bus from the Yalova city center waterfront terminal directly to the Yalova Termal resort entrance.
Location & nearby
Gokcedere Mahallesi Yalova Termal Yolu No 4 77400 Termal Yalova
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Attraction
Yalova Atatürk Köşkü
0.2km away
Park
Termal Ekopark
0.5km away
Park
Termal Belediyesi Park ve Barbekü Alanı
0.7km away
Viewpoint
Kavaklı T
1.1km away
Viewpoint
Çuval T
1.2km away
Viewpoint
Kokulupınar T
1.4km away
More springs in Marmara
The mineral water is rich in sulfur and sodium chloride with therapeutic benefits for joint pain and skin conditions. The facility is a massive domed bathhouse adorned with beautiful Iznik tiles in shades of green and blue. It offers separate spacious bathing halls for men and women with heated marble platforms for massages. It is popular with local bathers and tourists seeking an atmospheric historic soak. Bring personal toiletries as only basic soap is provided.
The thermal water is rich in calcium and fluoride and has a mild sweet taste that is traditionally used for drinking cures. The bathhouse features traditional marble basins and a classic arched steam room layout. There are strictly separate sections for men and women with no mixed bathing allowed in this historic structure. It is ideal for solo travelers and purists of the classic Turkish hammam experience. Guests must bring their own bathing attire and sandals.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Kursunlu Bath?▾
The water temperature at Kursunlu Bath ranges up to 40°C (minimum around 38°C).
Is Kursunlu Bath free to visit?▾
Kursunlu Bath charges an entrance fee in TRY.
Is Kursunlu Bath a public or private bath?▾
Kursunlu Bath is a mixed bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Kursunlu Bath?▾
Yes, Kursunlu Bath welcomes visitors with tattoos.
What is the nearest station to Kursunlu Bath?▾
The nearest station to Kursunlu Bath is Yalova Otogar, about 12km away.