The advertising material below belongs to the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and does not represent the views of Al Jazeera Media Network Foundation.
Turkey offers its visitors sustainable tourism destinations ranging from urban reserves, attractive rural resorts to eco-friendly cuisine and exhilarating adventures across the most beautiful islands, beaches, mountains and lakes.
Whatever your preferences, a green holiday awaits you in Türkiye that will immerse you in unforgettable experiences.
1- Escape to nature in Istanbul
When spring arrives in Istanbul, city dwellers flock to the Princes’ Islands (9 in number) where they are greeted by the endemic golden mimosa trees with their colorful flowers starting in March.
Join these visitors on a fun hour-long ferry ride, and wander the streets of the islands. Buyukada andHeybeliada Traffic-free (they are two of the most popular of the Princes’ Islands), and get away from the stress of city life.
End your day by enjoying fresh fish caught in the Bosphorus (Istanbul Strait) at a traditional meyhane-style restaurant (serving appetizers and fish, often accompanied by music), before heading to one of the many boutique hotels (smaller, more serviced).
2- Find your favorite beach
- Blue Flag Beaches in Antalya
With its crystal clear waters and sun-drenched beaches, Antalya (southwest Turkey) proudly maintains its reputation as a beach lover’s paradise along the pristine coast of the Turkish Riviera, boasting the largest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world.
As of 2023, 231 of Turkey’s 551 Blue Flag beaches, known for their exceptional water quality and safety standards, are located along the Antalya coast.
From the enchanting sand dunes to the ancient ruins of Patara From the luxurious beaches of the golf clubs and the GTSC certified sustainable resorts in the Belek area, Antalya offers a coastal retreat designed for everyone.
However, perhaps the crown jewel of Antalya is the Konyaalti Beach It is a picturesque oasis located in a central location in the city, with a majestic view of the towering Beydağları Mountains in the background.
And in CalisiAntalya’s fortified and picturesque historical centre, you will also be surprised to find quaint bays with natural rock platforms, ideal for sunbathing and swimming next to the historic marina.
- More water adventures
Join now the emerging surfing destinations in Türkiye, both Alacati (Windsurfing) in Izmir, andAkyaka (Windsurfing) in the Mugla region. Also, the areas Reeva Near Istanbul, next to Alanya andUrdudeveloping its own windsurfing venues.
3- Enjoy the magic of the countryside
- Best tourist villages
Izmir (western Turkey) is full of exciting rural destinations that will make your trip unforgettable. Having earned its rightful place in the list of the best tourist villages for two years in a row, the villages of Bergy Sherins and Shermans have received global acclaim from the United Nations Tourism Organization for their commitment to preserving rural heritage, nurturing local communities and rich culinary traditions.
Located in one of the most fertile valleys in Turkey, Birgi is a rare cultural discovery with a rich history spanning 5,000 years, in addition to its beautiful streets decorated with traditional Seljuk and Ottoman houses.
On the other hand, the area attracts Sirens With its own charm, visitors are drawn to it by its magnificent wooden Ottoman dwellings.
Just a 15-minute drive from the historic city of Ephesus, Sirince offers the perfect retreat for travelers looking for an inspiring stopover.
- For more countryside experiences
Travelers looking for villages filled with local charm will find themselves in homes in both… Tarakli (Saqarya), andBettys (Bodrum), andMustafa Pasha (Cappadocia), andOrmana (Antalya).
4- Discover the land of mountains and lakes
- Cachar Mountains soaring above the clouds
The Cachar Mountains, near the city of Rize, stand as a testament to the majesty of nature, attracting lovers of the outdoors and history. Here, roaring rivers flow through rugged valleys, while pristine glacial lakes reflect the majesty of the towering peaks. Alongside this natural splendor, historic forts, ancient caravan routes, and remnants of the legendary Silk Road offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient past.
Wooden chalets spread over the hills give you Chamli HemsinAt an altitude of two thousand meters above sea level, real moments of escape from the outside world.
There’s also the local Karakwan honey, harvested from apiaries where bees naturally forage inside hollow tree trunks, and mohlama, a delicious blend of melted cheese, butter and cornmeal, a local staple that will tempt even the most discerning foodie.
Located just north of the Western Taurus Mountains, the ancient region of Pisidia exudes a special charm as Turkey’s ‘lakes region’ par excellence, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
This stunning landscape spans the cities of Antalya, Isparta and Burdur, and features a stunning array of lakes, each with its own unique character.
- Lake Egirdir: The second largest freshwater lake in Turkey, it invites visitors to enjoy its sandy beaches and resort-like atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by sprawling orchards where one can buy baskets full of fresh apples, peaches, cherries and sour cherries directly from the villagers during September and October.
- St. Paul’s Path Crossing: The second longest hiking trail in Turkey, stretching 500 kilometres from Perge (Antalya) to Yalvas (Isparta), winding its way through a range of stunning landscapes.
- Burdur LakeIt is famous for being a bird habitat as well as being close to the ancient city of Sagalassos, while it continues to Lake Salda Stunning scientists with its striking resemblance to the Jezero Crater on Mars, this lake contains some of the oldest traces of microbial life on Earth.
- More heights to explore
Turkey offers mountaineering enthusiasts several excellent options, with more than 60 peaks over 3,000 metres. Mount Agri (Mount Ararat) Experienced climbers are drawn to its imposing summit, the highest in Europe at 5,137 metres.
5- Unforgettable adventures
- Discover Türkiye on two wheels
Turkey remains a magical land that beckons lovers of unforgettable cycling adventures across diverse landscapes ranging from the beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean to the otherworldly volcanic terrain of Cappadocia.
Among the many cycling options, the so-called “Auroville 8”, Mediterranean Road, Izmir sectionwhere cyclists can practice their hobby between two UNESCO World Heritage Sites along 500 kilometers. Eco-Trails offer a sprawling network of 740 kilometers of cycling paths.
These interconnected paths consist of 5 paths in: Koyigiziand 4 in Ortacaand 5 additional tracks in DalamanAll of these paths are clearly marked.
Highlights include the ancient city of Kaunos, with its stunning rock tombs, peaceful gum tree forest, and the beauty of the nearby Tobarlar Waterfall. On the other hand, Antalya With delightful trails that cross the pristine wilderness ofTahtali Mountain and Beydaglari National Park.
The Cedar Trail, in particular, takes cyclists to dizzying heights of over 1,500 metres above sea level, passing through fragrant cedar forests on a memorable journey.
- More active holidays
Take a trip along The Lycan RoadOne of the most scenic hiking trails in the world, which offers a distinctive 540-kilometre route from Oludeniz to Kemer, Antalya.
You can discover Cappadocia On horseback on trips organised by many local farms, or you can discover the place on individual trails on a mountain bike.
Go For diving in the Kash area Explore the rich marine life of the Turkish Riviera, and spot rare species including turtles, Mediterranean monk seals, barracudas, stingrays, groupers, sea snakes and more.
6- Travel to the dawn of civilization
- Gobekli Tepe and Taştepe
In the heart of the city Sanliurfa In southeastern Türkiye, it has contributed to the understanding of human history in its early stages.
Discovered in the mid-1990s, this mound reveals the oldest known monumental architecture, dating back to at least 9,600 BC, predating the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge by thousands of years.
In recent years, 11 additional early human settlements have been uncovered in the rugged stone hills surrounding Şanlıurfa, including Karahantepe Wonderful.
This hilltop settlement, which is probably older than Gobekli Tepe itself, is now also open to visitors. While exploring the area, you should definitely visit Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum And the Hali Bahcesehir Mosaic Museum.
The two museums display artifacts extracted from these hills, along with intricate mosaics discovered in ancient Roman villas, andStatue of Balikligol Famous, the oldest representation of a life-sized human figure, closely linking us to our earliest ancestors.
- More UNESCO sites to explore
Go to two other sites recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List:
Gordion:Near the capital Ankara, the site represents the political and cultural center of Phrygia, which was a civilization during the Iron Age.
Wooden column mosques In medieval Anatolia, it was spread around and in the cities of Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, Afyonkarahisar and Kastamonu.
7- With Nature Program
Be in the right place at the right time to make the most of your trip to Türkiye.
April – May
The annual migration of hundreds of dolphins that pass through the Bosphorus Strait in search of food, from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, is noteworthy as they return in the fall on a path opposite to their annual path.
End of April – beginning of May
The Judas trees are in bloom, painting the Bosphorus hills a vibrant purple.
May – June
Rose harvest in Sparta, the city that supplies 65% of the world’s rose oil, used in perfumes, medicines and food industries.
July – September
Baby turtles hatched on the beaches of Dalyan, Fethiye, Patara, Cirali, Belek, Anamur and in the Goksu River Delta.
August 15 – September 15
The spectacular passage of around a million storks on their annual migration from Africa to Europe, a sight that can best be seen in Istanbul.
November – December
Olive harvest in the Gulf of Edremit, the main olive oil producing region in Türkiye.
8- Discover sustainable accommodation facilities in Türkiye
If making conscious choices while traveling is your top priority, you will feel right at home in Türkiye.
Not only does the country offer a stunning array of natural beauty combined with a rich history, it also offers visitors sustainable accommodation facilities wherever they go, regardless of size and classification.
Turkey has become the first country in the world to sign an agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to meet international standards by 2030, and more than 16,000 establishments have already made more than 1.5 million beds sustainable by adopting this program.
Embark on a journey to witness the efforts Türkiye has embarked on to ensure high-quality sustainable development for future generations.
9- Environmentally friendly restaurants
The new Michelin Guide restaurants in Istanbul, Izmir and Bodrum represent a rise in gastronomic standards in Turkey, honouring a new generation of bold chefs who take pride in their traditions.
Izmir’s restaurants, which entered the Michelin Guide this year, have distinguished themselves by their loyalty to local products and strong ties with local producers. This commitment is demonstrated by the awarding of the Green Michelin Star to three restaurants in the region.
In addition to recognizing outstanding environmental commitment, the Michelin Green Star is also a trusted indicator for foodies looking for authentic, inspiring cuisines that are well connected to their roots.
Of the 111 recommended restaurants, the following five hold a green Michelin star:
Istanbul:
1- Newlocal
2- Circle by Vertical
Urla, Izmir Province:
1- Orla
2- Vino Local
3- It would be if it was
The above advertising material belongs to the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and does not represent the views of Al Jazeera Media Network Foundation.
