The Most Beautiful Villages You Need To Visit In Turkey

Removed from the bustle of urban life, Turkey’s villages are idyllic havens where life is still simple and good. Here are our favorite villages where you can really wind down and enjoy life’s slow tempo entirely in tune with nature.

1. Mustafapaşa Köyü

This village outside of Cappadocia is just starting to be discovered by visitors and is a true gem. Once inhabited by Turks and Greeks, the village not only has the famous cavernous structures of Cappadocia, but also beautiful historic stone houses built right into this fascinating landscape.

Mustafapaşa Köyüm, 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir, Turkey

Mustafapaşa | © Ji-Elle/WikiCommons

2. Yanıklar Köyü

Resort

Around 15km from the summer hotspot of Fethiye, the Yanıklar village is definitely more quiet and calm compared to the resort town. Here you’ll find the famous Anatolian sweetgum tree as well as beautiful streams, citrus tree gardens, and many species of birds.
Yanıklar Mahallesi, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla Province, Turkey

3. Kuyucak

Responsible for around 90% of Turkey’s lavender production, Kuyucak is a village surrounded by the blossoming purple bushes of the fragrant flower. Make sure to visit Kuyucak in July when the flowers are in full bloom.

Kuyucak, Aydın Province, Turkey

Kuyucak | © Yonca Evren/Flickr

4. Eski Datça (old Datça)

Datça is known as a place where major tourist constructions are very much prohibited. As such, the coastal town has managed to stay very close to its natural surroundings and the old Aegean village is full of bougainvillea bushes and pretty little stone houses.

Datça, İskele Mahallesi, 48900 Datça/Muğla Province, Turkey

Eski Datça | © Semih Ekinci/WikiCommons

Lübbey Köyü

With only around 10 inhabitants, the Lübbey village is a place to be alone with your thoughts. A true Aegean village, the few remaining houses are still beautiful, while others have given way to nature’s cycles.

5. Kayaköy

With a history that stretches back to around 3,000 BC, Kayaköy is believed to have been built in the 18th century upon the remnants of an ancient city. Once a flourishing Greek village with beautiful stone structures, the abandoned site is now literally an open-air museum.
Kayaköy Mahallesi, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla Province, Turkey

Kayaköy | © Wmck/WikiCommons

6. Birgi

Almost hidden away within the evergreen pine and sycamore trees, the lovely stone houses of Birgi are both fascinating and beautiful. The village’s historic homes as well as the mosques and old medrese (Islamic schools) are definitely worth a look.
Birgi Mahallesi, 35750 Ödemiş/İzmir, Turkey

7. Yörük Köyü

Close to the UNESCO World Heritage site member Safranbolu, the village of Yörük is still largely undiscovered by visitors. Its narrow streets, renovated historic homes, and lush gardens all make up a serene idyllic atmosphere.

Yörük, 78600 Yörük Köyü/Safranbolu/Karabük, Turkey

Yörük Köyü | © Adnan/Flickr

Çamlıbel Köyü

With the Kaz mountain looming right behind in all its glory, the Çamlıbel village is a real nature-lover’s delight with its amazing views and its many olive trees. Breathe in some of the freshest air available in Turkey and unwind in this fantastic natural haven.
Tahtakuşlar Mahallesi, 10300 Edremit/Balıkesir Province, Turkey

8. Savaşan

Partially submerged due to a dam project, the Savaşan village was abandoned but continues to be a spectacular sight, especially the iconic minaret that peers out of the water.
Savaşan Mahallesi, 63950 Halfeti/Şanlıurfa Province, Turkey

Savaşan | © Nightstallion03/WikiCommons

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