What Are the Most Touristic Villages to Visit in Turkey?

Ömer Faruk Kino
Content Editor
0

Turkey's villages, renowned for their natural beauty, historical fabric and local flavours, offer a unique experience for holidaymakers seeking villages to explore. In this guide, you will discover Turkey's most popular villages and find detailed information on how to get there, what to do, where to stay and which dishes to try. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer village tour, this list will help you create an unforgettable holiday itinerary featuring village tourism and boutique guesthouse experiences. So, what are the best villages in Turkey? Which villages to visit in Turkey? And where are the most touristic villages in Turkey? Let's explore together!

Şirince — İzmir / Selçuk’s stone-built wine village

Şirince is an Aegean village located approximately 8 km from the Selçuk district, famous for its restored stone and wooden Greek houses. Known for its wines, local jams and narrow stone streets, it is one of the most popular villages among tourists. It is an ideal destination for both photography enthusiasts and cultural tourism lovers.

How to get there:

  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport → Travel to Selçuk by train or bus → Take a minibus or minivan from Selçuk to Şirince.

  • A short drive (~15 minutes) via Selçuk by private vehicle.

Things to do:

  • Wine tasting: Fruit wines and the wine-making process can be seen at the village's boutique wineries.

  • Historical Street Walk: Photography among narrow stone streets, Greek houses and historical fountains.

  • Workshops and Souvenirs: Small boutique workshops for olive oil, jam and handmade products.

  • Village Breakfast: Experience local cheese, olives, jam, and fresh bread at boutique cafes.

Accommodation: Stone house boutique guesthouses and village hotels; early booking is recommended.

Best Time to Visit Şirince: Spring and autumn; spring is preferable to avoid the summer crowds.

Cumalıkızık — Bursa / The jewel of Ottoman village architecture

Cumalıkızık is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stone houses, narrow streets and wooden-roofed houses dating back to the Ottoman period. With its historical texture, village breakfasts and handicrafts, it is an important village for cultural tourism.

How to get there:

  • Approximately 20–30 minutes by car from the Bursa city centre.

  • Day trips organised from Bursa or private transport are common.

Things to do:

  • Historical walk: Explore Ottoman architecture and stone houses in the streets.

  • Local flavours: Taste olives, jams, and village breakfast.

  • Photography and nature: Narrow streets and stone houses are ideal for photography in morning and evening light.

  • Small museum visits: See the historical village museum and old artefacts.

Accommodation: Boutique guesthouses in the village and hotels in central Bursa; establishments offering village breakfasts are prominent.

Best time to visit Cumalıkızık: Spring and early summer; autumn is also beautiful for photography.

Uzungöl — Trabzon / A lake and mountain village in the Black Sea region

Uzungöl is one of Trabzon's most popular lakes, standing out for photography and nature tourism with its lakeside walking paths, mountain views and wooden architecture. It is renowned for its Black Sea cuisine, mountain air and misty morning views.

How to get there:

  • Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or minibus from the Trabzon city centre.

  • Daily trips are possible from Trabzon Airport by car rental or tour companies.

Things to do:

  • Walks around the lake: Ideal for nature and landscape photography.

  • Mountain pasture exploration: Short trekking and relaxation areas in nearby mountain pastures.

  • Black Sea cuisine: Anchovies, kuymak (cheese pancakes) and regional breakfast experience.

  • Photography: Misty morning landscapes, sunsets and lake reflections.

Accommodation: Boutique hotels, guesthouses and wooden house accommodation experiences by the lake.

Best time to visit Uzungöl: Summer and autumn; autumn colour changes and misty mornings are ideal for photographers.

Kayaköy — Fethiye / Abandoned stone village

Kayaköy is known as a ‘ghost village’ due to its abandoned stone houses following the population exchange in the 1920s. Its quiet and historic atmosphere, combined with its proximity to the Fethiye and Ölüdeniz regions, makes it an essential destination for village tourism.

How to get there:

  • Approximately 10–15 minutes by car or minibus from Fethiye town centre.

  • Combined day trips with Ölüdeniz and Kabak Bay routes are possible.

What to do:

  • Historical exploration: Explore the interior and exterior architecture of the abandoned stone houses.

  • Nature walks: Short walks and trekking trails around the village.

  • Photography and sunset: Kayaköy streets and views are ideal for photography.

  • Nearby bay activities: Swimming and relaxing in village cafes after a walk.

Accommodation: Boutique hotels in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz; small guesthouses around the village.

Best time to visit Kayaköy: Spring and autumn; summer months can be hot and crowded.

Kaleköy / Simena — Antalya / Kaş's ancient village

Kaleköy is a small village on the coast of the Kekova region, featuring an ancient castle and a sunken city. Boat tours explore Kekova's underwater ruins and rock tombs. It is a unique destination combining history and maritime tourism.

How to get there:

  • Accessible by boat tour from Kaş or by chartering a private boat.

  • You can reach Kaş by road and take a short boat trip.

What to do:

  • Kekova boat tour: See the sunken city and rock tombs.

  • Visit Simena Castle: Panoramic views of the village and its surroundings.

  • Swimming and snorkelling: Swimming in the coves and exploring the sea.

  • Village café and restaurant: Seafood and regional Mediterranean cuisine.

Accommodation: Boutique hotels and guesthouses in the cove; a wide range of accommodation options in Kaş.

Best time to visit Kaleköy: Summer and early autumn; the most suitable period for sea and boat tours.

Akyaka — Muğla / Gökova’s tranquil and windy paradise

Akyaka is one of the natural wonders of Gökova Bay. Stretching along the banks of the Azmak River, the village stands out for its peaceful atmosphere and bohemian vibe. Famous for windsurfing and water sports, it also offers nature walks, cycling trails and unique landscapes for photographers. Akyaka is an ideal village tourism destination for both weekend getaways and longer holiday itineraries.

How to get there:

  • It is accessible by car from Muğla city centre or via the Bodrum-Marmaris route.

  • You can reach the village by rental car or transfer from Bodrum Airport or Dalaman Airport.

  • Bicycles and walking are preferred for getting around the village; the walking paths along the Azmak River are quite pleasant.

Things to do:

  • Azmak River boat tour: Small boats can be rented to explore the tranquil scenery along the river.

  • Windsurfing and kite surfing: The wind in Gökova Bay is perfect for surfing enthusiasts.

  • Nature walks and bicycle tours: The trails around the village offer both mountain and sea views.

  • Local delicacies: You can sample local breakfasts, olive oil dishes and fresh seafood at cafes along the river.

Accommodation: Boutique hotels, riverside guesthouses and bungalows in the countryside are available.

Best time to visit Akyaka: Summer months and spring, when the wind is strong.

Gölyazı — Bursa / The tranquil island of Lake Uluabat

Gölyazı is a charming peninsula village located on the shores of Lake Uluabat. It is an ideal destination for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers. Gölyazı's old stone houses and narrow streets are well worth exploring for village tourism.

How to get there:

  • It is approximately 1 hour by car from the Bursa city centre.

  • Public transport options are limited; visiting by private car or tour is recommended.

What to do:

  • Boat tour: Take short boat tours on Lake Uluabat to observe the lake scenery and bird life.

  • Bird watching: Migratory birds, especially storks and flamingos, can be seen in spring and autumn.

  • Sunset: Sunset photos on the lake shore are unique for Instagram and nature lovers.

  • Local cuisine: Experience local flavours at fish restaurants, village cafes, and lakeside eateries.

Accommodation: Small guesthouses within the village; boutique hotel options are available in nearby towns.

Best time to visit Gölyazı: Spring bird migration periods and summer months.

Birgi — İzmir / Ödemiş’s historic village

Birgi is renowned for its stone houses dating back to the Ottoman period, plane trees and traditional marketplaces. It is one of İzmir’s most valuable villages for history and culture enthusiasts. It offers a small but impressive Ottoman town experience.

How to get there:

  • It can be reached via a short journey from Izmir city centre via Ödemiş.

  • Public transport options are limited; travelling by private vehicle is more practical.

What to do:

  • Historical walk: Take a journey through time between the Grand Mosque, the Bedesten and the stone streets.

  • Handicrafts and market: The local bazaar and handmade products are ideal for souvenirs and photographs.

  • Village coffee house: Take a break with local coffee and sweets.

  • Nature and photography: Plane trees and cobbled streets provide perfect light in the morning and evening hours.

Accommodation: Boutique guesthouses and small hotels are available in Ödemiş and the surrounding area.

Best time to visit Birgi: Spring and autumn; summer months are also possible, but it may be hotter and more crowded.

Adatepe — Çanakkale / The stone village at the foot of Mount Kazdağı

Adatepe is a village at the foot of Mount Kazdağı, renowned for its stone houses, natural walking trails and olive oil. It is an ideal destination for both nature walkers and those seeking a village culture experience.

How to get there:

  • Easy access by road from Çanakkale-Ayvacık.

  • Can be combined with the Assos and Ayvacık routes; private transport is recommended.

What to do:

  • Olive oil and product tasting: Products made from olives and grapes can be sampled in the village.

  • Kazdağı walks: Offers nature walks, photography and picnicking opportunities.

  • Exploring the village streets: Stone houses and historical architecture are important for cultural tourism.

  • Workshops: Local handicrafts and souvenirs can be purchased from workshops.

Accommodation: Stone house guesthouses and boutique hotels are available, offering a natural accommodation experience.

Best time to visit Adatepe: Spring flowering season and autumn; village tourism is also possible during the summer months.

Hamsiköy — Trabzon's mountain pasture and rice pudding village

Hamsiköy is a village renowned for the coolness of the Black Sea mountain pastures, its natural beauty, and its rice pudding. It is ideal for a small, quiet weekend getaway immersed in nature.

How to get there:

  • Transportation is available from the Trabzon city centre by car or mountain pasture tours.

  • Driving requires caution as the roads can be narrow and winding.

Things to do:

  • Rice pudding tasting: You can sample Hamsiköy's famous rice pudding at the village cafés.

  • Mountain walks: Short and long walking trails are available in the cool mountain air.

  • Nature and photography: The green mountain pastures, forest and stream views are ideal for photography and relaxation.

  • Village coffee break: Enjoy local tea and coffee with traditional conversation.

Accommodation: Stay in guesthouses or mountain huts in nearby towns; small boutique establishments are recommended.

Best time to visit Hamsiköy: Summer months are ideal for the cool mountain air; autumn offers rich colours and photo opportunities.

Source: FGI Travel

READ MORE