Erzin Starting Springs

Erzin Başlamış Thermal Springs are natural thermal springs located within the boundaries of the Erzin district in Hatay Province, in Türkiye’s Mediterranean Region, on the western slopes of the Amanos Mountains. Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from Başlamış Village, this spa area has developed along the banks of the Gökgöl Stream, over geological formations consisting of Upper Cretaceous ophiolites and Quaternary alluvium.

Geological and Hydrogeological Characteristics

The dominant lithology in the spa area consists of Quaternary alluvial and slope colluvial deposits overlying Upper Cretaceous ophiolites. The emergence of mineral-rich waters has been identified as being influenced by a fault zone that forms the bed of the Gökgöl Stream. The area contains two distinct springs: one large and one small. The large spring, known as the “Men’s Bath,” has a temperature of 32 °C and a flow rate of 2.41 liters per second. The small spring has a temperature of 31.9 °C and a flow rate of 0.1 liters per second. Both springs have a pH value of 6.66.

These springs are classified physically as epithermal waters and chemically as mixed thermomineral waters. The waters are fluoridated, magnesium-rich, sulfate-rich, and bicarbonate-rich. In terms of taste, the large spring has a slightly salty flavor, while the small spring’s water exhibits characteristics reminiscent of mineral water.

Institutional Evaluation and Classification

The spa area has been evaluated by official institutions including the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Tourism, based on criteria such as flow rates, physicochemical composition, spring safety, suitability for settlement, climatic conditions, and accessibility. Within this assessment, the springs have been ranked third among first-priority drinking water sources.

Tourism Potential and Infrastructure Development

In addition to its mineral water sources, the Erzin Başlamış Thermal Springs attract attention through their natural surroundings. Combined with the flora of the Amanos Mountains, the ruins of the ancient city of Issos, and the natural beaches along the Gulf of İskenderun—particularly Burnaz Beach—the site has become a significant destination integrating health and nature tourism. Its proximity to the Adana-İskenderun E-91 highway and motorway ensures easy access.

For many years, the spa area had only 850 bed capacities. Tourism activity in the region increased significantly with the opening of the Hattuşa Erzin İsos Thermal facility in 2015. Following the completion of the first phase of the project, three blocks and approximately 350 rooms were brought into service. Upon full completion, the facility aims to become a large thermal resort with 1,100 rooms and 5,500 bed capacities. The complex includes open-air and indoor thermal pools, a Turkish bath, sauna, spa and massage centers, an aquapark, à la carte and open-air buffet restaurants, and entertainment areas. Free shuttle services to Burnaz Beach are provided by the facility during summer months.

Other accommodation options in the region include a 150-bed municipal guesthouse and privately owned pensions. The pension restored by the Erzin Municipality operates at full capacity between June and September. In the face of increasing demand, existing facilities are occasionally insufficient.

Visitor Profile and Economic Impact

The Erzin Thermal Springs welcome numerous domestic visitors throughout the year from neighboring provinces and other regions. Tourists from Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Kahramanmaraş, Diyarbakır, and Mardin are particularly prominent. The annual average number of visitors is estimated at approximately 10,000. Additionally, foreign tourists from Germany, Greece, Azerbaijan, and various Arab countries also choose this destination.