You do not expect travertines on the Black Sea. Near Yavuzkemal, part of Dereli, mineral water has painted the rocks white and formed turquoise pools in step after step. It is likened to Pamukkale but has two important differences: the surroundings are lush green and you can go into the water.
What is it like?
White limestone steps descending the slope, with pale blue water collected inside them. You can walk over them; taking off your shoes and moving from pool to pool is possible.
As the surroundings are forest, the contrast is striking: white, turquoise and dark green together.
Entry fee
| Ticket | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full | 100 ₺ |
| Student | 70 ₺ |
Two important notes: The Kuzalan-Mavigöl ticket is not valid here, a separate ticket is required. The Museum Card is not accepted either. Carry cash; the fees are updated each season.
How to get there
About 1 hour 15 minutes from the centre via Dereli. The road is paved but a mountain road; the average speed is low.
- There is a car park
- There are shops at the entrance; you can drink the local mineral water
- It takes 1-2 hours to visit
The best hour
Weekdays, before noon. Two reasons: the turquoise colour comes out better in direct light, and the crowds build in the afternoon.
On weekends and holidays the tops of the pools get crowded; taking photos and walking both become harder.
Going into the water
- Bring a towel — do not expect to rent one on site
- The ground is slippery — walk slowly, hold children's hands
- The water is cool; it is hard to stay in long
- Spare socks are useful
In the same valley
The travertines alone do not even fill half a day. The good news: there are two more stops in the same valley.
- Kuzalan Waterfall — nature park, viewing terraces
- Mavigöl — wooden platforms, easy walking
Putting all three in one day is possible and the most efficient plan. The total ticket per person is 165 ₺ (student 105 ₺).
On the map
On the map Göksu, Mavigöl and Kuzalan sit in the same valley; you can string them into one day.
Open the guide