Top Eco-Tourism Destinations in Turkey for Sustainable Travel

Today, the concept of travel has evolved beyond simply seeing new places to an experience that is sensitive to the environment, supports local cultures and is based on the principles of sustainability. Eco-tourism is at the centre of this new understanding of travel, and Turkey offers unique opportunities for eco-tourism with its rich natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

All around Turkey, it is possible to have sustainable travel experiences in touch with nature, respecting the environment and interacting with local people. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the best eco-tourism destinations in Turkey and the sustainable travel experiences they offer. So, what are the eco-tourism spots in Turkey? What are the sustainable travel options in Turkey? Where to explore nature in Turkey? Let's explore together👇

1. Mount Ida (Çanakkale) Görseli — Mount Ida is one of the regions with the highest oxygen levels in Turkey and is known as “Turkey's oxygen depot”. There are more than 800 plant species in the region with rich vegetation; nearly 70 of them are endemic. In addition, wild animals such as bears, wolves and roe deer live in the region. In Mount Ida, which has great potential for eco-tourism, nature walks, mountain bike tours, and bird and plant watching can be done. In villages such as Yenice, Bayramiç and Adatepe, examples of sustainable agricultural practices and ecological living can be seen. Traditional life can be experienced by interacting with local people in village pensions offering accommodation in stone houses.

2. Küre Mountains National Park (Kastamonu) Görseli — Nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, Küre Mountains National Park is home to one of the richest forests in Turkey in terms of biodiversity. The park area is full of lush forests, deep valleys, caves, canyons and waterfalls. Yenice Forest, Valla Canyon and Horma Canyon are indispensable for nature lovers. Known for its traditional wooden houses, the villages offer cultural experiences such as local weaving and handicrafts. In addition, the region supports lifestyles in harmony with nature through sustainable rural development projects.

3. Butterfly Valley (Fethiye, Mugla)

Surrounded by steep cliffs, Butterfly Valley is a special natural wonder that can only be reached by sea. The valley is home to more than 100 species of butterflies, especially the tiger butterfly. The valley has campsites, yoga workshops, hiking trails and routes to waterfalls. This area, where the use of electricity is limited and construction is prohibited, is one of the best examples of a holiday in harmony with nature. Boat transportation to the valley is provided from Ölüdeniz.

4. Kaçkar Mountains and Ayder Plateau (Rize)

The Kaçkar Mountains are one of the highest points of the Black Sea and are surrounded by numerous glacial lakes, waterfalls and high-altitude plateaus. Ayder Plateau is the most well-known and easily accessible point of the region, where activities such as trekking, mountaineering, rafting and bird watching can be done. It is possible to experience the plateau culture by staying in the plateau houses. In addition, local delicacies such as honey, cornbread, and mıhlama, which are produced naturally in the region, enrich the eco-tourism experience.

5. Köyceğiz and Çandır (Muğla)

Located around Lake Koycegiz, this region attracts attention with its thermal springs, wetlands and rich ecosystems. In Köyceğiz and Çandır, there are small farms where organic agriculture is practised and settlements that adopt an ecological lifestyle. Visitors can go on a canoe tour in Köyceğiz Lake, see the rock tombs on a boat tour on the Dalyan River, and observe the natural life of sea turtles at Iztuzu Beach. Sultaniye Hot Springs is also an important point in the region in terms of eco-health tourism.

6. Kekova (Kaş, Antalya)

The area around Kekova Island is ideal for those looking for a vacation in touch with nature, with its sunken city ruins, pristine bays and calm atmosphere. The area is protected as both a natural and archaeological site, and you can enjoy nature-friendly activities such as kayaking among the historical ruins, observing loggerhead turtles, diving and snorkelling in the bays. Villages such as Üçağız and Kaleköy offer sustainable accommodation options in touch with the locals.

7. Cappadocia (Nevşehir)

Cappadocia stands out not only for its fairy chimneys and balloon tours, but also for its organic agriculture in volcanic soils, sustainable accommodation in cave hotels and a tourism approach sensitive to cultural heritage. Hiking trails such as Güvercinlik Valley, Ihlara Valley and Zelve Open Air Museum await nature and history lovers. Local wine producers, stonemasonry and ceramic workshops are important elements that support eco-cultural tourism.

8. Kızılırmak Delta (Samsun)

The Kızılırmak Delta, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is an important wetland area that is home to more than 350 bird species. The delta has a unique ecosystem with reeds, lakes and coastal lagoons. Activities such as birdwatching towers, hiking and cycling trails, and nature photography are prominent. Traditional fishing, buffalo farming and agriculture are still practised in the villages in the region, and these ways of life are important parts of eco-tourism.

9. Yanıklar Village - Pastoral Valley (Fethiye, Mugla)

Pastoral Valley is an ecological life farm founded with the philosophy of sustainable living. The farm organises activities such as agriculture, permaculture, natural construction techniques and nature-based trainings. You can stay in stone and adobe houses that are fully in harmony with nature, volunteer in organic gardens or participate in personal development activities such as yoga and meditation. Nature camp programs for children are also offered.

Source: TatilVillam

10. Küçükköy (Ayvalık, Balıkesir)

Küçükköy, where Bosnian immigrants settled in the past, has turned into a green tourism centre where art and nature meet. The stone houses in the region have been restored and converted into art galleries, workshops and eco-lodges.SENTRUM Green Destination Model supports sustainable development and local production. Visitors can closely observe local handicrafts, olive oil production and sustainable agricultural practices.

Source: Eski Şeyler