With its rich culture and beautiful natural landscapes, Turkey has a lot to offer to tourists interested in responsible travel: its national parks invite you to immerse yourself in untouched nature, and its villages to slow down and live just like a local. Are we ready to go?
Useful tips for your sustainable journey in Türkiye
Before leaving, it is important to organize your trip well and take into consideration some aspects for an eco-friendly holiday:
- Choose public transport to get around. Turkey’s landscapes are incredibly beautiful and it would be a real shame to miss the opportunity to enjoy them even through the window of buses and trains. In recent years, the country has been expanding and improving the railway system and it is therefore increasingly comfortable and convenient to choose this means of transport.
- Always avoid plastic bottles. If it is not possible to fill your bottle, always choose glass bottles.
- Support the local economy. Choosing to buy local produce and eat in community-run restaurants can help preserve the culture of the region and support the local economy.
- Choose sustainable activities. As seen, there are many sustainable activities to do in Turkey, such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
Don’t forget that American citizens need a visa to travel to Turkey from the US. The visa can be obtained in person or, much better, online. Here you find all the information about Turkey visa for US citizens.
What to see and what to do in Turkey: natural parks and places you can’t miss
Perhaps the secret of Turkey’s beauty lies in its position: on the border between East and West, it holds within its territory infinite historical testimonies of Ancient Greece, Persia, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Or maybe it’s the perfect blend of cosmopolitan cities, rural villages, and breathtaking nature. What is certain is that there is so much to do and see here in Turkey.
Those who, like us, want to explore the country on tiptoe, preferring sustainable and responsible tourism, cannot miss the wonderful Istanbul, which can be visited on foot and with efficient public transport. From Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque, from the bazaars to the typical Meyhane taverns of the Beyoğlu district: discovering the many souls of the city you will surely end up falling in love with it!
There is Ephesus, the most famous of Turkish archaeological sites and one of the best preserved in the whole Mediterranean. It’s like walking through history. Its ruins take you from classical Greece to the Roman Empire, up to the spread of Christianity.
The Lycian Way is also a must. Considered one of the most beautiful trails in the world, it follows a well-marked 500km route between Fethiye and Antalya. Among pine and cedar forests, the path passes through villages, stunning coastal landscapes, and the remains of ancient cities such as Pınara, Xanthos, Letoön, and Olympos. It is possible to walk even just a few sections of it. It’s certainly one of the most evocative ways to discover the magic of Turkey.
The national parks
There is no shortage of natural parks in the country. One of the most famous is certainly the Göreme National Park, located in Cappadocia. Its unique rock formations and underground cities truly represent a unique landscape in the world. For those who love the sea, we recommend the Olympos National Park, on the Mediterranean coast, which offers white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and incredible fauna and flora.
Crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountains await you in Yedigöller National Park, perfect for hiking, cycling, or horse riding.
Where to sleep eco-friendly in Türkiye
Whether in bustling Istanbul or rural villages where life moves slowly – Turkey has no shortage of eco–conscious accommodations that will help you reduce the impact of your trip. You can find them all here, you just have to choose!
We have left you with some hints and ideas. Turkey is waiting for you with many more amazing places!
