Here's How Eco Tourism Is Gaining Popularity In Turkey

Ecotourism, a new concept of responsible travel that focuses on conserving the environment and local culture, is gaining popularity in Turkey. Whether it’s volunteering at an organic farm or just taking some time off in nature’s midst, here are the country’s top ecotourism destinations.

Narköy

Certainly one of the most modern alternatives to ecotourism in Turkey, Narköy lies in the province of Kocaeli and is an education facility, farm, and hotel. Whether you stay in a lodging unit or a nomad tent, Narköy’s classes and organic farming give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of eco-friendliness and sustainability. Of course, everything on offer at the restaurant is entirely organic and downright delicious. You can take part in workshops about such topics as permaculture or how to make your own jam as you take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Narköy, Kıncıllı Köyü, Yayla Mevki, Kerpe Caddesi No 13/A, 41600 Kocaeli, Turkey, +90 262 561 25 25

Quite aberrant from the summer tourist hot spot of Fethiye, Pastoral Vadi sits in an idyllic valley in the Yanıklar Village. Accommodation comes in the form of stone, wood, or mud-brick houses surrounded by pure natural surroundings, while everything edible comes from the on-site organic farm. A real opportunity to get away from urban life and live on a beautiful farm in the middle of nature, Pastoral Vadi hosts retreats, training programs, seminars, and camps where visitors can learn something about living an organic and sustainable lifestyle. The hotel/farm is also a great place for children who can partake in the special Art and Play Camp between July and August.

Pastoral Vadi, Yanıklar Köyü Dolmuş Caddesi No: 13, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey, +90 252 633 6627

Akdeniz Bahçesi

Set within an orchard filled with organic tangerine, plum, walnut, pecan, grapefruit, pomegranate, apple, and orange trees, Akdeniz Bahçesi is not only a fruit paradise, but it’s also close to the very heavenly Çıralı Beach in Antalya. This ecotourism haven, which offers guests self-catering cottages, is a place to immerse yourself in utter peace and is also ideal for families with children. You can wake up to the smell of jasmine and mimosas, spend a day at the beach, and take a boat tour to the nearby coves.

Akdeniz Bahçesi, Ulupınar Mahallesi, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey, +90 242 825 72 98

Hızır Ecological Camp

For those who are fond of camping in the midst of wild nature, the Hızır Ecological Camp is a perfect destination located in the Kirişlik Valley belonging to Mount Ida. You can stay in a beautiful wooden house composed of 100% natural materials, take a yoga class, go swimming in the lake, or take a long trekking trip through the national park.

Hızır Ecological Camp, Mehmetalanı Mah., 10300 Edremit/Balıkesir Province, Turkey, +90 554 438 98 33

Tatuta Organic Farm Visits

Belonging to the Buğday Association for Supporting Ecological Living, the Tatuta Project (which stands for Eco-Agro Tourism and Voluntary Knowledge and Skills Exchange on Organic Farms in Turkish) allows volunteers to choose from a network of approximately 87 farms from all around Turkey. The various farms not only allow volunteers to get their hands dirty but also host workshops and are the perfect and eco-friendly alternative to a standard vacation.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.