Türkiye’s best Cittaslow cities for peaceful getaway
Aerial sunset view of Eğirdir Lake in Isparta, Türkiye, showcasing the lake’s serene waters and the surrounding landscape in warm golden hues. (Adobe Stock Photo)
The Cittaslow list in Türkiye has been continually updated in recent years, and cities, where tranquility, slowness, and peace dominate, have become a trend.
The challenges of metropolitan life, such as air pollution, high living costs, traffic, crowds, and noise, are making it increasingly difficult to live in big cities. As a result, more people are seeking places to relax and unwind.
Those exhausted by the fast-paced lifestyle are returning to natural living spaces or choosing the quietest and most peaceful places for vacations. Even die-hard city dwellers are feeling the urge to visit the seaside, lakes, forests, plateaus, and mountains.
In this era where slow living is on the rise, why not take a look at the Cittaslow criteria and the Cittaslow Türkiye 2024 list? Let’s escape the shopping malls and head toward the green spaces. After all, as Czech-born French author Milan Kundera said, “There is a secret relationship between slowness and remembrance, speed and forgetting.”
What is Cittaslow?
The Cittaslow movement was born in Italy in 1999. The word “cittaslow” combines the Italian word “citta” meaning “city” and the English word “slow”, translating to “slow city.”
This movement advocates for improving the quality of life in cities through self-evaluation and promoting an alternative development model. It quickly spread worldwide, with Greve in Chianti’s former mayor, Paolo Saturnini, being one of the key figures in its inception. The movement was later adopted by the mayors of Bra, Positano, and Orvieto.
Today, Cittaslow is applied in 96 cities worldwide.
What is the purpose of Cittaslow movement?
The Cittaslow movement argues that cities have become more consumer-oriented rather than producers due to globalization. Its primary goal is to ensure cities maintain their identity and preserve their uniqueness.
The movement also promotes improving communication between people, protecting local values, raising quality of life, preserving historical and natural heritage, eliminating infrastructure issues, supporting recycling and renewable energy, and increasing awareness of sustainability.
What must cities do to become Cittaslow?
Cities wishing to earn the Cittaslow title must operate in line with the movement’s principles and apply to the Cittaslow Organization, gaining a sufficient score based on criteria outlined by the organization. These criteria can be grouped into several main categories:
- Environmental policies
- Infrastructure policies
- Technologies and facilities for urban quality
- Protecting local production
- Policies for agriculture, tourism, tradespeople, and artisans
- Plans for hospitality, awareness and education
- Supporting Slow Food activities and projects
- Social cohesion
Additionally, to qualify for the Cittaslow title, a city must have a population of less than 50,000.
Cittaslow cities in Türkiye
Türkiye, with its rich history, natural beauties, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, is an ideal geography for the “slow city” concept. As of 2024, 26 cities in Türkiye hold the Cittaslow title. These cities are spread across the country and reflect its diversity, offering peaceful and rejuvenating experiences.
The Cittaslow Türkiye network, founded in 2009, has grown to include 26 members, with cities spread across the country that reflect the essence of slow living and tranquility. These cities are committed to enhancing the quality of life, preserving their unique heritage, and promoting sustainability in various aspects of urban life.
Cittaslow Türkiye member cities (2024)
- Ahlat – Bitlis
- Akyaka – Mugla
- Arapgir – Malatya
- Daday – Kastamonu
- Egirdir – Isparta
- Finike – Antalya
- Foca – Izmir
- Gerze – Sinop
- Gokceada – Cannakale
- Goynuk – Bolu
- Gudul – Ankara
- Halfeti – Sanliurfa
- Ibradi – Antalya
- Iznik – Bursa
- Kemaliye – Erzincan
- Koycegiz – Mugla
- Mudurnu – Bolu
- Persembe – Ordu
- Safranbolu – Karabuk
- Seferihisar – Izmir
- Sarkoy – Tekirdag
- Savsat – Artvin
- Uzundere – Erzurum
- Vize – Kirklareli
- Yalvac – Isparta
- Yenipazar – Aydin
Southeastern Anatolia region Cittaslow city: Ancient lands of Mesopotamia
Southeastern Anatolia, known for its history, culture, geography, and flavors, is home to Halfeti, located near Sanliurfa. Halfeti, a district submerged during the construction of the Birecik Dam, has a unique and mysterious atmosphere.
A boat tour in these waters offers a truly different travel experience.
Aegean region Cittaslow cities: Peaceful havens embracing blue and green
The Aegean, with its deep blue sea and natural beauty, is home to five Cittaslow cities: Seferihisar, Gokceada, Akyaka, Yenipazar, and Koycegiz. Seferihisar, the first Cittaslow city of Türkiye, joined the movement in 2009. Known for its agricultural practices and tourism, Seferihisar offers a perfect retreat from the bustling city life.
Gokceada, located in the western corner of Türkiye, is known for its beautiful sea, lush nature, underwater wonders, and tranquility. It’s the world’s first island to hold the Cittaslow title. You can reach it via Edremit by plane.
Black Sea region Cittaslow cities: Heading toward the heart of nature
The Black Sea Region, known for its greenery, charming landscapes, plateaus, and lakes, includes cities like Gerze, Savsat, Pershembe, Uzundere, Goynuk, and Mudurnu. Gerze, in Sinop, is famous for its clean air and peaceful atmosphere, making it one of Türkiye’s happiest places. Savsat, in Artvin, is another tranquil Cittaslow city, known for its natural beauty, historical structures, and sustainable practices.
Eastern Anatolia region Cittaslow cities: A historical geography
Eastern Anatolia is home to Ahlat, Arapgir, and Kemaliye. Ahlat, located by Lake Van, is an ancient settlement dating back to the 15th century B.C. Known for its historical sites and lakeside beaches, Ahlat also offers water sports activities.
Kemaliye, in Erzincan, is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, known for its natural beauty and adventure tourism, including wingsuit flying and rafting. The Karanlik Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, is a must-see.+
Mediterranean region Cittaslow cities: Calm and peaceful routes
The Mediterranean Region, with its stunning nature and ancient cities, hosts three Cittaslow cities: Egirdir, Yalvac and Finike. Egirdir, in Isparta, is a serene place known for its crystal-clear lake, making it perfect for swimming and camping. The region is also home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
These peaceful cities in Türkiye provide an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Whether by the sea, in the mountains, or nestled among forests and lakes, they offer a slower pace of life and the opportunity to relax and recharge.
