Turkey has 29 towns in Cittaslow, an international network established in Italy in 1999 to support places that preserve local culture. The network now includes 310 towns worldwide. Turkey’s first member, Seferihisar, is known for its tangerine orchards and organic markets. Farming remains an important source of local income. Nearby, visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Teos.
Another member, Akyaka, has distinctive houses with wooden shutters and balconies. Its architecture draws on Ottoman-era designs from Muğla. The town is near the Azmak River, in an area protected for its natural environment. Boat rides, bird-watching, and countryside walks offer different ways to enjoy the surroundings.
Inland, Eğirdir lies beside Turkey’s fourth-largest lake, where apple orchards and mountains shape the landscape. Visitors can explore the water by boat or try paddleboarding, standing on a board and moving with a paddle. Ahlat stands on the shores of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake. Its historic attractions include ancient caves and the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery. Thousands of carved gravestones remain there, adding another historical destination to the country’s range of slow-travel experiences.
