Thermal Türkiye: How the land is nurturing mind, body, and soul
Türkiye exists in symbiosis with nature, epitomized by hidden gems like Afyonkarahisar. Enriched by geothermal waters and fertile farmland, this city elevates the travel experience beyond discovery to one of holistic healing and gastronomic splendor.
Travel for reward
Set within western Türkiye, Afyonkarahisar bears the remnants of ancient Phrygia through a remarkable display of rock-cut tombs, fairy chimneys, and open-air temples that span 3,000 years.
But beyond its historical legacy, Afyonkarahisar has an elusive quality of being far from the well-trodden coastal path, yet still within easy reach. Whether visitors take a domestic flight from İstanbul to Zafer Airport, the train from İzmir or Ankara, or a road trip across the Aegean, the city offers transformative experiences that promise to deepen the connection between people and nature.
Just as the thermal springs of Afyonkarahisar have been sparking the curiosity of travelers since the Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE), local agriculture has been filling tables with organic produce for millennia.
Today, people journey from around the world to take advantage of the warm waters that are believed to hold healing properties—and to discover a culinary heritage that has deemed Afyonkarahisar a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Heat for healing
Home to four main thermal areas—Ömer-Gecek, Heybeli, Gazlıgöl, and Hüdai—Afyonkarahisar is affectionately known as the thermal capital and “Healing City” of Türkiye. Visitors can navigate the cultural route named “Healing Waters of Anatolia” and choose from a selection of hot springs, ranging from 46°C to 85°C and containing a blend of minerals that are said to aid respiration, digestion, muscular aches, and skin conditions.
As well as their remedial benefits, the hot springs of Afyonkarahisar offer travelers a sense of tranquility that stimulates both mental relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation.
This holistic experience can also be found away from ancient healing practices, in the contemporary spa treatments offered by the region’s thermal hotels. Whether visitors take a leisurely swim in a thermal pool, submerge themselves in volcanic mud sourced from nearby Sandıklı, or unwind in a Hamam (Turkish bath), spa hotels are a perfect opportunity to discover the restorative power of thermal Afyonkarahisar.
Its natural resources also transcend the parameters of tourism. Led by Afyon Geothermal Tourism and Trade (AFJET), Afyonkarahisar’s thermal waters have been transformed into a clean and sustainable energy reserve used to heat its tourist facilities and supply water to its commercial greenhouses.
Home to four main thermal areas—Ömer-Gecek, Heybeli, Gazlıgöl, and Hüdai—Afyonkarahisar is affectionately known as the thermal capital and “Healing City” of Türkiye. Visitors can navigate the cultural route named “Healing Waters of Anatolia” and choose from a selection of hot springs, ranging from 46°C to 85°C and containing a blend of minerals that are said to aid respiration, digestion, muscular aches, and skin conditions.
As well as their remedial benefits, the hot springs of Afyonkarahisar offer travelers a sense of tranquility that stimulates both mental relaxation and spiritual rejuvenation.
This holistic experience can also be found away from ancient healing practices, in the contemporary spa treatments offered by the region’s thermal hotels. Whether visitors take a leisurely swim in a thermal pool, submerge themselves in volcanic mud sourced from nearby Sandıklı, or unwind in a Hamam (Turkish bath), spa hotels are a perfect opportunity to discover the restorative power of thermal Afyonkarahisar.
Its natural resources also transcend the parameters of tourism. Led by Afyon Geothermal Tourism and Trade (AFJET), Afyonkarahisar’s thermal waters have been transformed into a clean and sustainable energy reserve used to heat its tourist facilities and supply water to its commercial greenhouses.
‘Afyon’, which translates to ‘poppy’, is an ode to what used to be Afyonkarahisar’s most prevalent crop. The seeds from the diminutive flower are a key ingredient in several regional pastries, like katmer—a flaky pastry filled with poppy seed paste. Its fertile land also lends itself perfectly to fruit growing, cultivating sweet and sour cherries and apples that are among some of the best in Türkiye.
Afyonkarahisar has made a name for itself as one of the top producers of meat and dairy, with several products now registered as a geographical indication (GI). Visitors can enjoy Afyon sucuğu—a spiced sausage and staple of Turkish cuisine—before trying a local favorite, Afyon kaymağı. Made from buffalo milk, this cream is best experienced on top of artisanal Afyon lokumu (Turkish delight) or Vişneli Ekmek Kadayıfı (bread pudding with sour cherry).
This passion for gastronomy is also reflected in the variety of food festivals held within the region, including the Gastro Afyon Festival. Hosted at the end of summer, the three-day event welcomes celebrated chefs from around the world, enticing visitors to partake in a series of exhibitions, competitions, and tasting events that showcase the enriching flavors of western Türkiye.
Food for thought
Geothermal greenhouses have revolutionized agriculture in Afyonkarahisar, minimizing energy costs and carbon emissions, while increasing employment opportunities and the food economy. They have nurtured an environment where everyone has access to a reliable and controlled food supply—one that enhances the spirit of the region’s culinary scene.
‘Afyon’, which translates to ‘poppy’, is an ode to what used to be Afyonkarahisar’s most prevalent crop. The seeds from the diminutive flower are a key ingredient in several regional pastries, like katmer—a flaky pastry filled with poppy seed paste. Its fertile land also lends itself perfectly to fruit growing, cultivating sweet and sour cherries and apples that are among some of the best in Türkiye.
Afyonkarahisar has made a name for itself as one of the top producers of meat and dairy, with several products now registered as a geographical indication (GI). Visitors can enjoy Afyon sucuğu—a spiced sausage and staple of Turkish cuisine—before trying a local favorite, Afyon kaymağı. Made from buffalo milk, this cream is best experienced on top of artisanal Afyon lokumu (Turkish delight) or Vişneli Ekmek Kadayıfı (bread pudding with sour cherry).
This passion for gastronomy is also reflected in the variety of food festivals held within the region, including the Gastro Afyon Festival. Hosted at the end of summer, the three-day event welcomes celebrated chefs from around the world, enticing visitors to partake in a series of exhibitions, competitions, and tasting events that showcase the enriching flavors of western Türkiye.
As the gatekeeper of a natural sanctuary, Afyonkarahisar is a coveted destination for wellness experiences. While local foods feed a physical appetite, thermal waters satisfy an inherent desire to reenergize body and mind—bringing travelers in alignment with the timeless beauty of this Turkish haven.
