Four villages from Türkiye have made it to the United Nations’ “Best Tourism Villages 2025” list: Akyaka, Barbaros, Anıtlı, and Kale Üçağız.

At a time when global tourism policies are being reshaped around sustainability, these four Turkish villages have earned their place among the world’s best. In the evaluation conducted by UN Tourism, key criteria included the preservation of natural heritage, strengthening of local economies, and protection of cultural identity.

Lives Inspired by Nature

Akyaka in Muğla stands out with its tranquil coves, bougainvillea-lined houses along the Azmak River, and a lifestyle rooted in the Cittaslow philosophy.

Barbaros Village in İzmir has become a symbol of cultural tourism thanks to its lavender fields and the “Oyuk Festival,” which flourishes through the craftsmanship of local women.

Anıtlı Village in Mardin keeps alive the ancient stone architecture of Mesopotamia and the Syriac heritage, while

Kale Üçağız in Antalya represents the timeless meeting point of sea and history along the Lycian coast.

From Villages to the Global Stage

What unites these four villages is not only their beauty, but also their ability to place local production and community life at the heart of tourism. Local products, handicrafts, gastronomy, and hospitality—all come together as authentic experiences shaping the sustainable future of travel.

UN Tourism’s “Best Villages” initiative defines rural destinations not merely as travel routes, but as living cultural ecosystems. The villages from Türkiye that made the list this year inspire similar initiatives to take root across the country.