Every year, Türkiye’s stunning coastal provinces beckon millions of visitors with promises of serene, tranquil getaways. If you’re seeking a slower, more relaxing holiday, Türkiye’s Slow Cities (Cittaslow) are the perfect destination. Here, time stretches, traditions are cherished, and the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.
Imagine starting your day with a sumptuous Turkish breakfast and ending it with fresh Aegean seafood, regional olive oil dishes, and exquisite Turkish wines. In between, the options are endless: boat trips, surfing, and exploring ancient sites are just a few of the delightful activities that await you.
Peaceful Holidays in the Izmir Province: Seferihisar and Foça
Situated along the Aegean Sea, İzmir province is home to not only the bustling city of İzmir but also several picturesque holiday spots like Çeşme, Alaçatı, Urla, and Kuşadası. Seferihisar, Türkiye’s first Slow City and a Cittaslow member since 2009, is less than an hour’s drive from İzmir and about 20 minutes from the nearest beach.
This charming town combines its traditional coastal character with sustainability initiatives like solar-powered street lamps and mesh bags instead of plastic. Local shops sell products made from area-grown plants, and the Sunday market at Sığacık Castle offers a variety of regional goods. Known as the tangerine capital, Seferihisar celebrates the tangerine season every November with the Tangerine Festival (Mandalina Şenliği). The district is also rich in history, with ancient sites like the Ancient City of Teos, a key Ionian settlement.
Foça, named after the seals that inhabit its coast, offers a blend of history, nature, and sea. The area is a sanctuary for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and boasts Blue Flag beaches such as Eski Foça, Yeni Foça, Bağarası, and Ilıpınar, perfect for canoeing, sailing, and swimming.
Eski, Foça’s old town, is a charming neighbourhood filled with seafront taverns, bakeries, and friendly cats. This peaceful fishing village is also famous for its olive groves and vineyards producing the unique Foça Karası grapes. Start your day with a crispy simit or hot pastry from a local bakery, and in the evening, enjoy stuffed mussels with plenty of lemon and local wines made from Foça grapes.
At the Heart of Nature in Muğla: Akyaka
Muğla province, where the Mediterranean and Aegean meet, is home to popular destinations like Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, and Akyaka. Nestled among pine forests and overlooking the Gulf of Gökova, Akyaka was built on the ancient Carian settlement of Idyma, with stone graves from that era still visible.
Known for its carved wooden houses, Akyaka exudes a peaceful vibe, complemented by sun, sand, and sea. Activities like windsurfing, kite surfing, and sea kayaking are popular, and the Azmak River offers a unique swimming experience with its mix of hot and cold waters.
The Turkish Riviera’s Capital of Tranquillity: Finike
Antalya province, celebrated for its Blue Flag beaches, dive sites, and luxurious resorts, also hosts the charming town of Finike, a Slow City. Established by the Phoenicians in the fifth century BC as Phoinikos, Finike has a rich history with ancient sites like Limyra and Arykanda. The area’s natural beauty includes orange groves, pristine beaches, and turquoise bays. One such spot, Andrea Doria Bay, is renowned for its clear waters and lush surroundings, sometimes visited by Mediterranean seals and Caretta caretta sea turtles.
Visitors can also hike Gökbük Canyon and explore Suluin Cave, known for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and travertine pools. Finike’s famous oranges make it a gastronomic destination, especially for products like juices, jams, and marmalades.
