cittaslow Mediterranean

EĞİRDİR / YALVAÇ / FİNİKE / İBRADI / DEMRE

Eğirdir

Situated in Isparta Province and around, Eğirdir is one of Türkiye’s 18 members of Cittaslow Network. The variety of colors during the day and at sunset, the lake's unique landscape, and the peaceful ambiance make Eğirdir a unique destination.

Lake Eğirdir is the fourth largest lake in Türkiye with a surface area of 517 square meters. It is known for its clear beaches, which take on a different color each season, and is surrounded by apple and peach orchards.

Eğirdir is the capital of the Turkish Lake Region. Visitors can choose from many outdoor activities that are available here such as bird observation, endemic plant observation, photo safaris, hiking and trekking, orienteering, mountaineering, jeep safaris, paragliding, water sports, and camping.

Yalvaç

Yalvaç sits in the western part of Türkiye’s Mediterranean region, in the northern part of the Turkish Lake Region. Situated in the province of Isparta, at a high altitude, it is a quiet, charming, and historical district with about 50,000 inhabitants.

Yalvaç is a historical district that was established about 1 km northeast of the ancient city of Antioch (or Antiochia) in Pisidia, one of the most important centers of antiquity and the capital of the Roman province of Pisidia.

According to legend, it was founded by one of the dynasties of the Hellenistic period, although the history of the region of Pisidia as a whole date back to the Paleolithic age. It later came under Roman rule and during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the city became an important colony and was given the title of “Colonia Caesarea.” One of the three surviving copies of The Deeds of the Divine Augustus was found in Antioch.

Paul the Apostle, who founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe, and Barnabas visited Antioch in Pisidia, and Paul gave his first famous sermon at the city’s synagogue. Today, the ruins of Byzantine church claim to mark the place where the synagogue once stood.

One of the most famous places in Yalvaç is the historic “Çınaraltı,” which means “under the plane tree.” The historic tree, located in the district's center, was planted in the 13th century and since 1992, it is registered as a natural monument by the Ministry of Cultur and Tourism.

Finike

Finike, despite its small size, is a popular destination in the Mediterranean due to its history, natural beauty, and gastronomic culture. In antiquity, the district was known as Phoenicus (Phoinikos) and is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians around 500 BC. For years, Finike was a harbour from which Limyra, Lycia's capital, exported agricultural products. 

Many historical buildings and old cities can be found in the area, home to many civilisations throughout history. For example, the Ancient City of Limyra and the Ancient City of Arykanda are the areas where you can learn more about Finike's history.

Finike is a one-of-a-kind resort because of its natural beauty, scenic bays, and beaches. Finike has everything a nature lover could want: Gökbük Canyon, which offers a variety of activities, particularly trekking, and Suluin Cave, which draws attention with its stalactites, travertines, and pools of varying sizes; and Andrea Doria Bay, which is home to the famous Mediterranean seals. Gökliman Bay is one of Finike's most famous natural beauties, offering options for various activities such as picnics and camping.

Finike's cuisine culture offers its guests exceptional gourmet experiences. This small city has restaurants where you can eat fresh Mediterranean fish made with local recipes and enjoy beautiful views. One of the delicacies that must be consumed during a visit to Finike is the Finike orange, which is famous worldwide for its aroma and flavour.

Finike, the historic district in Antalya, joined the Cittaslow movement for its natural beauty, distinctive cuisine, and leisurely pace of life. With Finike joining the network, Türkiye now has 28 Cittaslow members.

İbradı

Perched atop the Taurus Mountains as one of Antalya’s highest and most deeply rooted destinations, İbradı, a name often associated with “abundant waters,” is a treasure trove of culture and nature. At an altitude of 1,100 meters, refreshed by its unpolluted air and rich water resources, İbradı offers its guests both mental and spiritual serenity. İbradı embodies the Cittaslow spirit through its architectural masterpieces: the Button Houses (Düğmeli Evler), built with a distinctive, mortar-free technique. Here, time seems to hang suspended among the majestic peaks of the Taurus. From the fairytale atmosphere of the Altınbeşik Cave, home to one of the world’s largest underground lakes, to the freedom of the wild Yılkı horses racing the wind on the Eynif Plains, every detail is a gem waiting to be discovered. The highlands, adorned with endemic flowers like the snowdrop and peony, welcome not only nature enthusiasts but also flavor seekers in pursuit of İbradı honey and grapes, shaped by the mountains’ rich plant diversity. Carrying its heritage as a “capital of wisdom” with pride, from historic Ottoman gravestones to modern schools, this quiet and wise town invites you to the noblest form of slow life. You may find yourself lost in the button-house streets, the melody of the Melas River, and the shade of centuries-old chestnut trees.

Demre

Leaning against the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Demre invites its visitors into the heart of the Lycian civilization like a legend emerging from the dusty pages of history. This ancient city whispers the grandeur of the past through the soaring rock tombs of Ancient Myra and its colossal theater. At the same time, it stands as a sanctuary of tolerance, preserving the benevolent legacy of Saint Nicholas, a universal symbol of love. As a proud member of the Cittaslow movement, Demre weaves this philosophy into every detail of its nature, making it the ultimate destination for those who truly value time. While the Sunken City, hidden beneath the calm waters of Kekova, shines like an underwater museum bridging the past to the present, nature breathes in its purest form through its lagoons, bird sanctuaries, and the Caretta caretta sea turtles that leave their tracks upon its shores. Life in these lands is shaped by the fertility of the soil. The freshest produce, grown in one of Türkiye’s most productive agricultural hubs, meets the ancient culinary culture of the Mediterranean and opens the door to a more sustainable way of living. With its warm hearted people, the authenticity of local production, and a slow and good life approach far from the clamor of modern life, Demre is not just a destination. It is a journey of inner discovery.