Yalova is a port city located on the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara within the province of its own name in the northwestern portion of Turkey. The city is an important transportation hub for Bursa as well as a growing residential area with its own outstanding natural and manmade tourist attractions.

Yalova is remarked for a variety of natural landmarks, most notably the Yalova Kent Orman Cifte Selale, a great place for hiking and viewing waterfalls, the Dipsiz Gol, and the Pythia Thermal Spa, a refreshing hot spring. The Karaca Arboretum is an additional natural gem, a gorgeous preservation of colourful flowers and trees. Other tourist sights include the Yalova Atatürk Mansion, multiple cultural centres, and the unique Yalova Earthquake Monument.

The predominant form of transportation to Yalova from Istanbul is by water ferry, a 70-minute journey. KamilKoç and Yalova Lines are the primary public bus services connecting Yalova to other parts of Turkey. Yalova itself is a small pedestrian-friendly city and walking is the most common form of transit.

Yalova has been an important agricultural and trade city throughout history due to its natural abundance of resources and proximate location to reigning urban centres. It was most highly regarded by the great leader Atatürk, who was responsible for much of the development of Yalova and often frequented the city.