5 Best Sights in Turkey

Ayder is also known for its kaplıcaları (hot springs), reputed to cure all types of ailments. Whether this is true or not, the springs, housed in a modern, marble-lined building near the village's mosque, are good for a relaxing soak after a day of hiking. There's a large pool to splash around in and a hammam area where you can give yourself a good scrub. There are separate facilities for men and women, as well as private rooms for couples that want to bathe together.

Much of the the region's medical fame comes from the plethora of hot mineral springs, noted all the way back to Homer. One of the most popular and scenic is located in the village Nebiler, 16 km (10 miles) north of Dikili. Among the plane trees, domed hamams cover mineral rich springs reaching 54 degrees C (130 degrees F), while relaxation cabins sit nearby. Nebiler also draws hikers and naturalists to its famous waterfall and surrounding caves.

There are several reasons visitors flock to the thermal waters of the Sacred Pool at Hierapolis: the bathtub-warm water (a relatively constant 95 degrees Fahrenheit), the reputed therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich water (Cleopatra supposedly used it as toner), and the atmospheric marble columns and ancient stone carvings scattered about. The lushly landscaped complex has changing rooms, lock boxes to store your stuff, souvenir shops, and (overpriced) snack bars. Entry to the pools is expensive (you need to pay to get into Hierapolis as well) but floating over ancient ruins in hot, faintly effervescent mineral water is more fun than it sounds. If you don't want to spend the time and money, you can relax in one of the shaded seating areas with a beverage instead. The pool gets crowded in the summer months so plan your visit for early morning or after the tour buses depart. The pool closes earlier in winter months but it's also much less crowded during the day. Consider bringing your own towel. Locals line up to collect spring water from the on-site faucets, but unless you have a strong stomach, it's probably best to avoid joining them.

A popular spa since Roman times, Termal is a good stop if you're en route from Yalova to either İznik or Bursa. The springs were used by the Ottomans, refurbished in 1900 by Sultan Abdül Hamid II, and regularly visited by Atatürk in the 1920s and 1930s. Termal is a self-contained resort with exotic gardens, a huge swimming pool, and four historic bathhouses that have many options for soaking in the mineral-rich waters. The baths are open to non-hotel guests, and private family bathing cabins can be reserved for an extra charge.

Avoid summer weekends, when the place is absolutely packed, and the crowds will probably outweigh the baths' relaxing properties. Besides, the hot baths are more appealing (and the rates cheaper) in other seasons. Also consider a walk in the pine forests, where you can enjoy a packed lunch.

Turkey's oldest, still-functioning hammam is thought to be Seljuk in origin. The name comes from the eight (sekiz) columns (direk) that support the dome of the hot room. It's a men-only affair, so women in search of a scrub will have to make do with the more modern Meydan Hamamı just off Atatürk Alanı.