From the Aegean coast to the Black Sea mountains, Turkey is home to picturesque villages rich in history, nature, and authentic local cuisine. Below is a curated list of 11 must-visit beautiful Turkish villages, with details on why they attract tourists, how to get there, what to eat, and where to explore.
Şirince, İzmir
Why Visit: Known for its stone houses, narrow streets, and famous fruit wines, Şirince is a romantic hillside village near Ephesus.
How to Get There: Located about 8 km from Selçuk and 85 km from İzmir. Easily accessible by car or minibus from Selçuk.
What to Eat: Gözleme (Turkish pancake), homemade wines, olive-based dishes.
Where to Visit: Historic Greek houses, local wine cellars, St. John Church.
A view from Şirince
Doğanbey, Aydın
Why Visit: A peaceful village with restored stone houses and panoramic views of the Büyük Menderes Delta.
How to Get There: About 30 km from Söke, Aydın. Access via private car recommended.
What to Eat: Fresh fish from nearby rivers, Aegean herbs with olive oil.
Where to Visit: Doğanbey Village Museum, Priene Ancient City.
Archaeological Site of Priene
Kaleköy (Simena), Antalya
Why Visit: An untouched coastal village accessible only by boat, famous for its Lycian ruins and castle.
How to Get There: Boat tours from Kaş or Üçağız village.
What to Eat: Fresh seafood, meze platters, local ice-cream sold from boats.
Where to Visit: Simena Castle, sunken Lycian tombs, turquoise bays.
The coast of Kalekoy village at Kekova bay is occupied with cozy rustic cafes and beautiful restaurants, decorated with flowers and plants in pots, Turkey.
Birgi Köyü, İzmir
Why Visit: A UNESCO-listed village offering Ottoman-era architecture and a serene atmosphere.
How to Get There: Located 10 km from Ödemiş and about 120 km from İzmir.
What to Eat: Ödemiş köfte, local tahini bread, organic jams.
Where to Visit: Çakırağa Mansion, Birgi Great Mosque, old Ottoman houses.
Birgi village
Küçükköy, Balıkesir (Ayvalık)
Why Visit: Once a Bosnian immigrant village, now a vibrant art hub known as “New Nes” (New Generation Village).
How to Get There: Only 4 km from Ayvalık, reachable by car or taxi.
What to Eat: Ayvalık toast, olive oil dishes, Aegean mezes.
Where to Visit: Art galleries, boutique cafes, Sarımsaklı Beach nearby.
Sunset view from Devil_s Table ( Seytan Sofrasi ), Ayvalik, Balikesir, Turkey
Yeşilyurt, Çanakkale
Why Visit: Located on the foothills of Mount Ida, this tranquil village is known for stone architecture and proximity to nature.
How to Get There: 3 km from Küçükkuyu, accessible via car from Çanakkale (90 km).
What to Eat: Village breakfast, olives, honey, local herbs.
Where to Visit: Zeus Altar, olive oil museums, Ida Mountain trails.
Adatepe, Çanakkale
Why Visit: A charming village blending Turkish and Greek heritage with cobblestone streets and artisanal products.
How to Get There: Near Küçükkuyu, easy access by car.
What to Eat: Homemade jams, natural olive oil, fresh herbs.
Where to Visit: Adatepe Olive Oil Museum, traditional coffee houses.
Yavuzköy, Şavşat, Artvin
Why Visit: A remote Black Sea village offering untouched landscapes and traditional wooden houses.
How to Get There: Located in Şavşat district of Artvin, around 50 km from the city center. Best reached by private transport.
What to Eat: Kuymak (cornmeal and cheese), trout, Black Sea pastries.
Where to Visit: Karagöl Lake, Şavşat Castle, nature trails.
Landscape view of Karagol (Black lake) a popular destination for tourists,locals,campers and travelers in Eastern Black Sea, Şavsat, Artvin, Turkey.
Çukurbağ Village, Çamardı, Niğde
Why Visit: A hidden gem for mountain lovers, near the Aladağlar National Park.
How to Get There: Located near Çamardı town in Niğde province, 50 km from Niğde city center.
What to Eat: Goat milk yogurt, mountain herbs, hand-made bread.
Where to Visit: Aladağlar mountains, waterfalls, camping and trekking areas.
Mount Alaca at Aladaglar National Park in Nigde, Turkey. Aladaglar is most important mountain range in Turkey.
Gölyazı, Bursa
Why Visit: A lakeside village famous for its photogenic sunsets, boat rides, and historical ruins.
How to Get There: About 40 km from Bursa, accessible by car or bus.
What to Eat: Freshwater fish, especially pike perch, and Turkish tea by the lake.
Where to Visit: Gölyazı Island, Stork Tower, ancient city walls.
Fisherman working in famous lake in Uluabat at Golyazi, Bursa, Turkey
Faralya, Muğla
Why Visit: Overlooking the Butterfly Valley and turquoise waters, Faralya offers peace and natural beauty.
How to Get There: Located 10 km from Ölüdeniz, accessible via car or local minibuses.
What to Eat: Fresh seafood, gözleme, organic vegetables.
Where to Visit: Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay, hiking routes along the Lycian Way.
The high view of Butterfly valley
Why You Should Visit These Turkish Villages
From coastal retreats to mountain hideaways, these beautiful Turkish villages offer authentic experiences, rich cuisine, and breathtaking nature. Whether you’re a cultural explorer or nature enthusiast, adding these destinations to your Turkey travel list guarantees unforgettable memories.
