4 places to visit in the Kozaklı district of Nevşehir: Kozaklı Thermal Baths, Kozaklı Castle and Thermal Park and Walking Areas. Plan your trip to Kozaklı with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Kozaklı is a district known for its thermal baths in Nevşehir province, and is the district furthest from Nevşehir city centre. It covers 772 km², and the average elevation of its centre is 1,054 metres above sea level. The district has 30 settlements, 24 of which are villages.

District History

Kozaklı became a district in 1954, when it was separated from the Central and Karahasanlı subdistricts of the Avanos county, with Hamamorta as its centre. The name of the district comes from Kozaklı village, which was merged to form it. The people of the district are of Turkmen origin and belong to the Kızılkoyunlu, Akçakoyunlu and Yabanlı tribes.

Transport

Kozaklı district is about 25 km from Topaklı, on the Ankara–Kayseri highway. Bus services from the district centre give access to every city in Türkiye.

Kozaklı Thermal Baths

According to the classification of the German Spa Association, the Kozaklı thermal waters contain sodium, calcium and chloride and belong to the A and C groups of healing waters. Water temperatures range from 27 to 93 degrees. In Kozaklı, one of Türkiye’s most important thermal health centres, there are 30 hotels and motels with a capacity of 9,000 beds. The spas, which have an important place in health tourism, have become well known thanks to recent investments.

History and Culture

Kozaklı was founded in 1954 through the merger of the villages of Hamamorta, Buruncuk, Bağlıca and Kozaklı. It is said that the name Hamamorta comes from the bath built by a man named Kozoğlu, whose tomb is there, as understood from the inscriptions on the tomb stones. The origin of the name Kozaklı is not known for certain. The people of Kozaklı are of Turkmen origin.

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Places to Visit in Kozaklı

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Nature

Kozaklı Thermal Baths

Kozaklı is one of Türkiye's most important thermal tourism centres, with geothermal springs reaching 96°C. The thermal waters, which are good for rheumatism, skin diseases and respiratory ailments, are served in modern facilities.

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Historic

Kozaklı Castle

Castle remains on the hill above the district centre, dating from the Seljuk period. From the area around the castle, views of the district and the surrounding plains can be seen.

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Nature

Thermal Park and Walking Areas

Parks and walking areas arranged around the thermal facilities offer thermal tourism visitors a place to rest in nature.

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Religious

Kanlıca Village Historic Mosque

A historic mosque with a hand-decorated ceiling, built in Kanlıca village in 1304. The village also has the Turudu Tomb and a natural cave.

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Places to Visit Around Nevşehir Province

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While you are in Kozaklı, you can also see the highlights of Nevşehir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Göreme Open-Air Museum — An open-air museum made up of rock-cut monasteries and churches, famous for its Byzantine frescoes of the 10th to 12th centuries; the Dark Church, the Apple Church and the Snake Church are the main buildings.
  • Uçhisar Castle — A natural fortress at Uçhisar with hundreds of rooms carved into the rock; it is one of the highest points in Cappadocia, and the whole region can be seen from its summit.
  • Derinkuyu Underground City — A multi-storey underground city carved into the rock, 30 km from Nevşehir, with ventilation shafts, stables, wine workshops, churches and doors closed by rolling stones; it was discovered in 1963 and opened to visitors in 1967.
  • Kaymaklı Underground City — An underground city at Kaymaklı thought to have eight storeys, four of which are open to visitors; it has been open to visitors since 1964.
  • Zelve Open-Air Museum — An abandoned rock village spread across three valleys on the slopes of Aktepe, 5 km from Avanos; it was an important monastic centre in the 9th to 13th centuries, and people lived here until the 1950s.
  • Paşabağ (Monks Valley) — On the road to Zelve, one of the most photogenic spots in Cappadocia, with mushroom-shaped, multi-headed fairy chimneys.

Practical Information for Visiting Kozaklı

Suggested time
1–2 days
Best time to visit
Year-round (thermal tourism), spring–autumn (nature)
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Kozaklı

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  • Kozaklı Mantısı (Kozaklı-style dumplings)

    Small pieces of hand-rolled dough filled with minced meat and boiled. Served with a yoghurt and butter sauce. The recipe is passed down through generations and varies slightly in each family.

  • Arabaşı (thick chicken and flour soup)

    A thick soup made from chicken broth and flour, a traditional winter flavour.

  • Tarhana Çorbası

    A soup made from tarhana, prepared by drying yoghurt, tomato and wheat flour, and an essential part of Kozaklı's winter tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kozaklı

  • Thermal Tourism Culture

    Kozaklı's thermal springs have been used for healing purposes for centuries. Modern thermal hotels and spa facilities combine the traditional culture of healing with contemporary tourism.

  • Cappadocian Farming Tradition

    Grain farming and livestock have been traditional livelihoods in Kozaklı for centuries. Threshing time and harvest customs are still kept alive in the villages.

Local Products

  • Kozaklı Termal Suyu — Geothermal water reaching 96°C, known for its healing properties. It is used in thermal facilities for bathing and as a drinking cure.
  • Kozaklı Buğdayı — Wheat grown in the fertile plains around the district, an important agricultural product of the region.

Economy

Kozaklı's economy is based on thermal tourism and agriculture. Spa facilities and thermal hotels are the district's most important source of income. Wheat, barley and potato cultivation are the main farming activities. Geothermal energy production also contributes to the economy.

How to Get to Kozaklı

Kozaklı is 65 km from Nevşehir and 50 km from Kırşehir. Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport is 95 km away. Regular minibus services run from Nevşehir and Kırşehir.

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Kozaklı: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kozaklı?

The 4 main places in Kozaklı are Kozaklı Thermal Baths, Kozaklı Castle, Thermal Park and Walking Areas, and Kanlıca Village Historic Mosque.

What is there to eat in Kozaklı?

Kozaklı Mantısı, Arabaşı and Tarhana Çorbası are the flavours that stand out at Kozaklı's tables.

What is Kozaklı famous for?

Kozaklı is known for Kozaklı Termal Suyu and its thermal tourism culture. The geothermal water reaching 96°C is known for its healing properties. It is used in thermal facilities for bathing and as a drinking cure.

How do I get to Kozaklı?

Kozaklı is 65 km from Nevşehir and 50 km from Kırşehir. Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport is 95 km away. Regular minibus services run from Nevşehir and Kırşehir.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Kozaklı?

Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: year-round (thermal tourism), spring–autumn (nature).

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