Kangal Fish Spa

Kangal Fish Spa is a thermal water source located in the Kangal district of Sivas Province, Türkiye. The spa is notable for the presence of Garra rufa fish that live in its warm water pools and is used as an adjunctive treatment for dermatological conditions. The thermal water has a temperature of approximately 35°C and contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, selenium and bicarbonate like.

The most distinctive feature of the spa is that the fish living in the thermal water induce a keratolytic process by acting on skin tissues dead. For this reason, it is regarded as a complementary element in the treatment of chronic dermatological conditions such as psoriasis.

Location and History

The spa is located 90 km from the center of Sivas Province and 13 km from the center of Kangal district. The area where the spa is situated was known as a marshland until 1917. However, after the discovery of the hot spring in the region, it began to be used for health purposes. With the construction of the first facilities in 1966, the spa became a tourism center modern.

Today, Kangal Fish Spa operates as a thermal health facility equipped with a hotel, pension, pools and various social amenities. A large proportion of visitors come to the spa specifically for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections and other dermatological conditions due to the beneficial effects of the thermal water on the skin.

Kangal Balıklı Kaplıca

Properties of the Thermal Water and Fish

One of the spa’s most notable features is the natural presence of Garra rufa fish, commonly known as doctor fish. These fish clean dead skin cells from the human body, promoting skin renewal and positively influencing skin health cell.

The chemical composition of the spa water is rich in minerals including:

• Silicon,
• Calcium,
• Magnesium,
• Selenium,
• Bicarbonate.

With a temperature range of 35–36°C, the water is recognized as effective in treating dermatological conditions. Scientific studies have also confirmed that the water is bacteriologically clean and contains no chemical or toxic substance substances.

Health Tourism and Visitor Profile

The spa holds significant importance in the context of health tourism. Research indicates that a large proportion of health tourists visiting the spa come from countries such as Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan and the United States.

• Annual number of visitors: Over 30,000
• Foreign tourist ratio: 30–40%
• Average length of stay: 11–15 days

The majority of visitors come specifically for the treatment of skin conditions and stay at the spa facilities for an average of 10–15 day days.

Kangal Fish Spa

Facilities and Accommodation Options

Kangal Fish Spa has developed accommodation, health and social facilities to support health tourism.

Services available at the facility:

• Hotel: 70 rooms
• Pension: 32 rooms
• Pools: 6 pools (2 outdoor, 2 indoor, 2 for therapeutic use)
• Private bathrooms: 16
• Restaurant and market
• Children’s playground and recreational areas
• Open parking and caravan area

The pools at the spa are designed for both individual use and medical treatment. In addition, recreational activities such as a semi-olympic swimming pool and football area are offered.

Ministry of Health Approval

Approved as an official health facility by the Ministry of Health in 2003, Kangal Fish Spa is also a member of the Turkish Spas Association (TÜRKAP) and Europe the European Spas Association (ESPA).

It has been determined that the spa water and the Garra rufa fish have positive effects on:

• Psoriasis,
• Eczema,
• Fungal infections,
• Acne and other skin disorders.

The spa also plays a supportive role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and case-skeletal system disorders.