Cittaslow Cities in Turkey

The stress caused by modern life, the chaos of metropolitan cities led people from all around the world to seek for different types of lifestyles. Traffic, the crowd, never ending sounds and lights make life almost unbearable while the always increasing population of cars and factories pollute the air. The constant decrease in green areas and increase in new buildings have started to cause stress and panic among people alongside physical illnesses. That’s why places that can provide a slower and more peaceful lifestyle, where it’s easier to raise children and have more green areas became valuable and now they are called cittaslow cities.

In cittaslow cities people know their neighbors, help each other, instead of supermarkets there are local shops and these cities are ideal to lead a calm and peaceful life. Then, what are those towns in Turkey chosen as cittaslow cities? Let us say that there are quite a few. Here’s the list.

1- Akyaka

Akyaka will please everyone with its natural beauties. The sceneries include mountains, forests and gulf views. Gökova beach is especially liked by the visitors. You can try local food in small restaurants. Akyaka is a must-see location.

2- Eğirdir

Eğirdir is located in Isparta. It’s famous with its Eğirdir Lake, apples and Apollon butterflies you could only see there. It also hosts Prostanna ancient site. If you ever visit this cittaslow city you must see Yeşil Island.

3- Gökçeada

Turkey’s biggest island, Gökçeada is a favorite among people with its authentic architecture, urban texture and history. Also known with its ornganic produce and wines Gökçeada is a safe haven for all nature lovers.

4- Gerze

The pearl of Karadeniz Gerze is a village located near the sea, has a few bays with wonderful views and forests. You can find organic and delicious food at the markets. Gerze will be great for those who are bored with the metropolitan life.

5- Göynük

Located in Bolu, famous for its forests and green areas Göynük was founded in a valley with swater streaming right in the middle of it. With its fresh air, history and authentic culture Göynük is a must see destination.

6- Halfeti

Another one of Turkey’s cittaslow cities Halfeti is the choice of the ones looking for peace and originality with its cuisine and boat tours on Fırat.

7- Mudurnu

This cittaslow city is on top of the list for history buffs. Mudurnu’s history goes back as old as Phyrigians so you can witness a layered culture there.

8- Perşembe

Ordu’nun yanında bulunan, Karadeniz’ kıyısı olan bu ilçe orman, dağ ve deniz manzaralarına doymanızı sağlayacak. Tertemiz havasıyla bu sakin şehir hayatın akışını yavaşlatacak.

Located near Ordu and Black Sea this town will quench your thirst for forest, sea and mountain scenery. This city will slow down your tempo with its fresh air.

9- Şavşat

One of Trkey’s cittaslow cities, Şavşat receives admiration with its natural wonders and with its authentic architecture and history .

10- Seferihisar

One of the most loves regions in İzmir Seferihisar is what comes to mind in Turkey when one thinks of cittaslow life. Great for sea vacation this region is also famous for its history.

11- Taraklı

Located in Sakarya Taraklı gets in the cittaslow cities list with its green areas and wonderful climate asides from the peaceful and quiet mood.

12- Uzundere

One of the newer cittaslow cities in Turkey Uzundere is located in Erzurum. An ideal place to live for those who like cold weather it is also great for water sports, trekking and learning about history.

13- Vize

Peaceful, full of natural wonders and culturally interesting with its history, Vize is a cittaslow city located in Edirne. With its good humored locals Vize is a great place to rest.