Because Turkey is located on top of a major geothermal belt, it is among the top seven countries in the world for quality and quantity of thermal springs with over 1000, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 110ºC.

Most are in the Marmara and Aegean regions and because of their proximity to popular travel destinations such as Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale and Marmaris, public transport is easy. Many of Turkey’s historical places developed because of their springs, like the ancient city of Hieropolis which was built upon the rich mineral springs of Pamukkale, and the ancient Lydian city of Kaunos, whose people took baths in the rich mineral mud of Lake Koycegiz.

A visit to Turkey would not be complete without a stop at one of the country's better known spas, whether to treat a health -problem or simply to luxuriate in the soothing waters of natural mineral baths.

A stop at one of the spas described here can easily be added to a tour of Turkey's most famous destinations.

The health-giving properties of Turkey's natural hot springs have been renowned since antiquity.

The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on the site of the rich mineral waters of Pamukkale, where the steaming water has hollowed enormous circular basins in the earth as it flowed down the mountainside, coating the slopes in a smooth layer of dazzlingly white calcareous rock.

The- Balcova/Izmir hot springs are located on the site of the Baths of Agamemnon, known and used in Roman times for their therapeutic qualities.

On the shores of the Aegean, Cesme is famous for its natural mineral springs and the therapeutic qualities of the sea.

But while touring through Turkey's Central Anatolian Region there is one thermal spa well worth mentioning here, a spa of such an extraordinary character that it is unique in the world. It is visited by people from everywhere who are searching for cures. This healing spa is called "Kangal Hot Springs with Fish" and it is only 13 km from the town of Kangal in the province of Sivas. The beneficial waters contain myriad small fish
(2-10 cm long), which play a vital part in curing various skin diseases.