How about warming up your bones and refreshing your body with natural hot springs? We know your answer is, “Yes!” so, we invite you to discover Afyonkarahisar, which is a frequent destination for thermal holidaymakers! While the weather is still chilly, a pleasant thermal holiday experience in Afyon thermal springs should not be missed!
Afyonkarahisar is known as the “capital city of the thermal springs” in Türkiye and is therefore a focal point for hot spring tourism. It is flooded by thermal holiday enthusiasts throughout the year every year. Although Afyon is known for its thermal springs, the city does not neglect to offer a fascinating atmosphere with its natural beauty and rich history. So much so that those who visit Afyon for the first time for a thermal holiday may be surprised when they discover the many different cultural aspects of the region. If you want to have a thermal holiday and learn about the places to visit in Afyon, it’s time to open our Afyon travel guide file!
1. In which region is Afyon located?
Afyonkarahisar is located in the Aegean Region in the western part of Türkiye. The city, which is on the border of Western Central Anatolia, is adjacent to the provinces of Eskişehir, Kütahya, Konya, Uşak, and Isparta. Among all the districts of Afyon, Bolvadin, Şuhut, Sandıklı, Hocalar, and Dinar stand out in particular. Afyon has a continental climate with cold and snowy winters and hot and dry summers.
2. How to get to Afyon?
You can easily go to Afyon by using planes, trains, or automobiles. Transitions to Afyon from surrounding provinces are mostly provided by rail. Afyon train station, which is approximately one hour away from the Afyon city centre, is an ideal option for those who prefer train travel. The closest airport to Afyon is the Kütahya Zafer Airport. If you want to fly, you will first go to Kütahya by plane and then on to Afyon by train.
The city is extremely convenient in terms of its location, especially if you are driving. If you wish, you can easily go to Afyon by car or bus. If you are coming from a long way away for your thermal holiday, you can take a small break in the Afyon recreation facilities and make your rest period much more enjoyable when you try a Afyon-style sucuk (special spicy sausages) sandwich!
3. What is famous about Afyon?
Now, we think it is obvious that the city is famous for its thermal springs. However, if you want to know what else is Afyon famous for besides thermal springs, we have provided information for you so you can learn what makes Afyon, Afyon!
3.1. Historical Sites
Afyon, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, has an extremely rich cultural, historical, and touristic heritage. When it comes to historical places in Afyon, the first thing that comes to mind is Afyon Castle. Located on the top of an imposing rock, which forms the picturesque background of the city, the castle is undoubtably the symbol of Afyon. It is one of the historical places most frequently visited by tourists. In addition to the castle, Afyon also has a deep-rooted history with its caravanserais (historic lodging hotels), madrasas, temples, and multi-cultural architecture.
3.2. Souvenirs
It is not possible to visit Afyon and return empty-handed! So, what to buy from Afyon? We recommend you visit the famous souvenir shops of the city to bring a little souvenir from Afyon to your loved ones or to buy an item to remind you of your trip to Afyon. Rugs, magnets, paintings, and plates stand out among the souvenirs, each of which consists of handmade and unique pieces. If you wish, you can also get delicacies such as Afyon sucuğu. Of course, the choice of gift is completely up to you!
4. What to eat in Afyon?
Appealing to refined tastes in local flavours with Afyon sucuğu (spicy sausage), Afyon kaymağı (clotted cream), Afyon lokumu (Turkish Delight), Afyon is ready to establish a throne in your heart. These flavours will easily adapt to your palate and will not allow Afyon to be erased from your memory. While stopping at every point during your tour of Afyon and cheering your palate with the local dishes of the city, do not forget to have a bite for us, will you?
4.1. Afyon Sucuğu
Afyon sucuğu is one of the most delicious sausages you can eat with its unique spices and consistency! These sausages, which you should certainly try as soon as you arrive in Afyon, will imprint you with their intense taste. Do not forget to buy more Afyon sucuğu from the sucuk outlets that will be waiting for you along the road as you leave Afyon!
4.2. Afyon Kaymağı
Afyon kaymağı, is one of the most famous flavours of Afyon. It is determined to provide a festive atmosphere to your mouth! Afyon kaymağı accompanies sherbet desserts such as ekmek kadayıfı (a Turkish bread and cream dessert), baklava and kadaif, and elevates any dessert experience. At the same time, this cream is a must for breakfast tables, especially alongside honey. We recommend that you purchase these custom-made clotted creams before finishing your Afyon sightseeing tour!
4.3. Afyon Bükmesi
Afyon bükmesi, a pastry with two different varieties, lentil and poppy, is an important regional flavour. The Afyon bükmesi, which you can choose as a snack in the middle of the day, will overshadow many pastries you have eaten before, let us tell you!
5. Where to Go in Afyon?
Of course, there are so many places to visit in Afyon! However, the places that attract the most tourists in the region will make you fall proud of yourself for making such a great choice. So, let us take a closer look at our Afyon travel destinations suggestions!
5.1. Afyon Castle
Afyon Castle, which attracts attention with its magnificent appearance in the middle of the city, should be your first tourist destination in this city. If you want to feel the historical texture of Afyon Castle is a great option for you especially after enjoying one of the relaxing thermal springs. When you arrive at this castle, which stands at a height of 225 metres, you can see the whole city from the top of the rock. If you wish, you can make your view much more fascinating by waiting until sunset!
5.2. Afyon Phrygian Valley
Afyon Phrygian Valley is determined to take you to many places you see in history books like ancient roads, rock churches, old settlements, monuments, caravanserais, and much more! Offering a breath-taking environment with its historical buildings that have survived from ancient times to the present, the Phrygian Valley is ideal for exploring the history of the region and taking a long walk amid that history.
If you are planning to visit the Phrygian Valley on your Afyon sightseeing tour, let us remind you in advance, you need to be prepared in terms of equipment. Choosing proper shoes and warm clothes is important for trekking on the valley roads!
5.3. Afyon Gazlıgöl Thermal Springs
You may have some specific places in mind for a thermal holiday in Afyon. However, our advice to you would be to add Afyon Gazlıgöl Thermal Spas to your options. This hot spring, which is very popular with its 45-68 °C water, is only 20 kilometres away from the city centre. There are various Afyon Gazlıgöl thermal hotels in this region, offering plenty of alternatives in terms of accommodation.
Thermal hotels await you at Odamax for your Afyon holiday and sightseeing tour! If you wish, you can choose the best room for you by evaluating all-inclusive Afyon thermal hotels, boutique hotels, or pensions and make your reservation easily!
