Four picturesque villages in Türkiye have been named among the “Best Tourism Villages 2025” by UN Tourism, reinforcing the country’s responsible and community-based tourism approach. Muğla’s Akyaka, İzmir’s Barbaros, Mardin’s Anıtlı and Antalya’s Kale Üçağız are recognised for their harmony with nature, deep-rooted culture and commitment to sustainable tourism. Hidden amid the mountains, seas and tales of Anatolia, the selected villages earned the Best Tourism Village certification during an award ceremony in Huzhou, China.
Following the previous inclusions of Taraklı in Sakarya, Mustafapaşa in Nevşehir, Birgi and Şirince in İzmir, and Ormana in Antalya, the Best Tourism Villages 2025 has placed Türkiye among the world’s standout destinations for rural tourism experiences once again. With the addition of the four new villages, Türkiye now boasts nine UN Best Tourism Villages.
Akyaka: A Seaside Heaven of Slow Living
Akyaka, located just north of Marmaris in Muğla province, is a peaceful town nestled between lush green mountains and turquoise waters and surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees, with the Azmak Creek winding through its heart. This stunning natural setting makes Akyaka ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, from windsurfing and cycling to kitesurfing and trekking. Akyaka is also a reflection of architectural wisdom, with traditional Ula-style homes influenced by Ottoman and Aegean styles. Visitors can witness the cultural heritage of Carian civilisations, enjoy a culinary scene rich in seafood and meze (appetizers), and experience a slower-paced lifestyle away from the noise in Akyaka. Akyaka also proudly stands as a member of the international Cittaslow network, underscoring a commitment to a slow and sustainable way of life.
Barbaros: A Village of Local Experiences and True Hospitality
Barbaros is a charming Turkish village located just a short drive away from İzmir’s Urla district, a rising gastronomic hub of the Aegean coast. It is renowned for its vernacular architecture, stone houses, culinary delights, hospitable folks, local productions, and traditional handicrafts. Visitors roaming through the village’s narrow streets can knock on the doors of houses marked with the “Çat Kapı” (Knock Knock) sign and taste local specialities prepared with local olive oil, vegetables and herbs for very affordable prices. Furthermore, just three kilometres away, the Urla Vineyard Route begins, home to a new generation of winemakers and MICHELIN Guide restaurants. In addition to all these experiences, visitors can take part in the Oyuk (Scarecrow) Festival in the spring and witness handcrafted scarecrows adorning the streets.
Anıtlı: A Multicultural Corner of Historical Texture
Anıtlı is located in the Midyat district of Mardin, a cultural cradle where Syriac, Muslim, Yazidis, and Christian communities have lived together. The monasteries in this village, established by the earliest Christian communities and still thriving today, top the list of must-visit sites. Morning and evening services at the Virgin Mary Church, with special ceremonies held every 15 days, and religious rituals during Christmas and Easter, make the village especially appealing to visitors seeking faith tourism. Additionally, visitors to Anıtlı can explore churches and monasteries in the greater Midyat and surrounding areas (the Tur Abdin region), which were added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List in 2021. Visitors can also enjoy events such as the Midyat International Culture and Art Festival; taste local delicacies like black chickpea stew, almond sweets, and Syriac wines; purchase traditional souvenirs like shawls; and even participate in traditional village activities, such as milking sheep and harvesting fruits alongside locals.
Kale Üçağız: A Coastal Hidden Gem with Lycian Traces
Kale Üçağız is a coastal village with a unique past in the Demre district of Antalya, the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Also known as “Castle Village”, Kale (Simena) Üçağız (Teimiussa) is a tranquil spot tucked away from the main roads, where visitors can enjoy both crystal-clear waters and rich cultural treasures. The village is a gateway to the famous long-distance trail, the Lycian Way. The village offers easy access to Kekova Island and the sunken city of Simena and visitors can join boat tours exploring different coves or discover ancient ruins by kayaking. Kale Üçağız’s history dates back centuries, with remnants of its rich past visible throughout the streets and landmarks. The village features charming hills covered in olive trees, stone houses adorned with bougainvillaeas, and a small harbour filled with fishing boats, offering a serene atmosphere for all who visit.
Together, these four villages showcase the diverse beauty and cultural richness found across Türkiye’s rural landscapes. Each one offers a unique lens into the country’s heritage — whether through architecture, cuisine, festivals, or faith — while staying firmly rooted in sustainable and community-driven values. As Türkiye continues to champion authentic travel experiences, its growing list of UN-recognized Best Tourism Villages is a testament to the nation’s commitment to preserving tradition, protecting nature, and welcoming the world with open arms.
