A long-established thermal centre in the Sandıklı district south-west of the city, where therapeutic waters of around 68°C feed bathing pools and a renowned thermal mud treatment. It draws visitors for health and wellness stays well beyond the province.
The Hüdai thermal springs at Sandıklı are among the most celebrated in the Afyonkarahisar region, situated in the Sandıklı district approximately 62 kilometres south-west of the city. The waters emerge at around 68°C, among the hottest in the province, and are used for both therapeutic bathing and the mud treatments for which Hüdai has a particular reputation. The springs have been exploited since at least the Ottoman period and today form the basis of a cluster of thermal hotels and treatment centres. The mineral composition of the Hüdai water is dominated by sodium bicarbonate and carbon dioxide, with trace elements traditionally considered beneficial for rheumatic conditions, kidney and urinary complaints, metabolic disorders and skin conditions. The thermal mud available here is sourced from fine sediments carried by the spring water and has long been used in packs and full-body applications for joint and skin conditions. The spa complex around the springs ranges from the comfortable to the fully luxurious, with hotels at various price points. Day visitors can access pool facilities at most establishments for a session fee. The Sandıklı area has a small market town character, and visitors staying overnight have access to local tea houses and the modest town centre. The total journey from Afyonkarahisar takes about one hour by car.
Good to know
- Hours
- Thermal facilities open daily; hours vary by establishment
- Best time
- Autumn to spring for thermal bathing and mud treatments
Location
Hüdai Kaplıcaları, Sandıklı, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
38.5000, 30.2000 View on map
Highlights
- Hot springs emerging at approximately 68°C — among the highest-temperature springs in the region
- Renowned thermal mud treatment, a speciality of Hüdai, for joint and skin conditions
- Long-established spa tradition dating to the Ottoman period
- Range of thermal hotels and treatment centres at different price points
Tips for visiting
- Book mud treatment sessions in advance at peak season (autumn and winter)
- Day-use pool entry costs approximately 250–500 TRY; mud treatment prices are higher and vary by facility
- The drive from Afyonkarahisar takes about 1 hour by car; no direct public transport connects the springs
- Bring a change of clothes; thermal mud treatments require a shower afterwards
When to visit
Autumn and winter are peak season for therapeutic thermal stays. A weekday visit avoids weekend crowds and makes advance booking for mud treatments easier to arrange.
Accessibility
Modern thermal hotel facilities generally include accessible changing areas and pool access. The Hüdai area has multiple establishments; visitors with mobility needs should confirm specific accessibility arrangements with their chosen facility before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Hüdai particularly notable among the region's thermal springs?
Hüdai is distinguished by its very high water temperature (around 68°C) and the availability of therapeutic thermal mud treatment, which is not as widely offered at the other thermal zones in the province.
Is day use available without an overnight stay?
Yes, most facilities offer day-use pool and treatment access; advance booking for mud treatments is advisable at busy periods.
How long does a typical visit take?
A bathing session and mud treatment together take around 2 to 3 hours; visitors combining this with a lunch stop typically spend half a day.