Once upon a time, the Orient Express traveled all the way to Constantinople. Nowadays, you can reach Istanbul in just a few hours. Baklava, bazaars, the Bosphorus. Between them: world history. Turkey is a country that can’t be summed up in a single snapshot. There are too many influences, landscapes, and stories here to be captured in a single sentence. We promise you: There’s more here than just sun loungers and Erdogan! In our Green Travel Guide to Turkey, we’ll show you how to travel more sustainably and what the country has to offer “off the beaten path.”

Why Turkey fascinates so many travelers

Turkey has been one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for years, and for good reason. For one, it brings together many different landscapes, cultural influences, and travel experiences within a small area. The country’s diversity is evident from its 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 48 national parks alone.

The region, located between Europe and Asia, has long been a hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Remnants of this history are still evident today in the region’s cities, architecture, cuisine, and everyday life.

At the same time, Turkey is a country of contrasts:

One morning, you’re in a bustling metropolis like Istanbul, surrounded by mosques, markets, and modern cafés. In the afternoon, you’re swimming in the Mediterranean Sea or hiking through ancient ruins. A few days later, you’re exploring rugged mountain landscapes and vast plateaus.

This diversity makes Turkey appealing not only for classic beach vacations but also for other types of travel.

• Cultural tours with a historical focus
• Tours through different regions
• Active vacations, such as hiking, sailing, or cycling
• Deliberately slower trips, with more time spent in one place
• Culinary tours that showcase the diversity of Turkish cuisine

Opening question: Is it even politically “correct” to take a vacation in Turkey?

In Germany, Turkey’s political leadership, namely Erdogan, is very unpopular. You often hear people say that they won’t travel to Turkey so as not to support the “regime.”

In the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Prof. Dr. Harald Zeiss (who specializes in sustainability and international tourism) refutes these claims, arguing that, particularly in Turkey, the money does not flow into the coffers of those in power but rather into the pockets of people whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

Zeiss does not believe tourists should engage in know-it-all politicking or punish people for their governments. Instead, he emphasizes that travel is an exchange. In other words, it is more beneficial for tourists to bring their personal ideas about democracy and seek dialogue with local people..

Experience Diversity: Regions, Landscapes, and Types of Travel

As you travel through Turkey, you’ll quickly realize that there’s no such thing as “Turkey” in the strict sense. Each region has its own unique landscape, culture, and cuisine.

The Turkish Riviera: More than just a beach vacation

For many, a trip to Turkey starts on the Mediterranean coast. Unfortunately, most visitors don’t venture beyond the beach. However, the Turkish Riviera, particularly the areas around Antalya and Belek, has much more to offer than a typical beach vacation.

Oguz Mazlum from the Megasaray Club Belek, a Green Pearls® partner near Antalya, has shared some tips about the area with us. Thanks to its mild climate, the region is worth visiting almost all year round, especially for active travelers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Even beyond that, there are plenty of ways to explore the area away from the beaches.

Active adventures between the coast and the mountains

• Many flat coastal stretches that are perfect for leisurely bike rides
• Long walks on the beach with breaks for swimming
• Trips to the nearby Taurus Mountains for hiking, mountain biking, or rock climbing
• Natural and cultural attractions, such as waterfalls and historic structures (e.g., Roman aqueducts).

Culture, Markets, and Crafts

It’s also worth exploring the towns and villages around Antalya, even those beyond the coast. Markets and small workshops offer a glimpse into traditional crafts:

• Handcrafted knives, metalwork, and blacksmithing
• Textiles and woven goods with regional patterns
• Everyday items, many of which are still produced locally

By buying directly from producers, you support local livelihoods and help preserve traditional craftsmanship.

A hotel recommendation for the Turkish Riviera: Megasaray Club Belek.

With the addition of the Megasaray Club Belek, the Green PearlsⓇ network now includes a Turkish all-inclusive resort for the first time. The GSTC-certified resort strives to make your stay more sustainable through a wide range of initiatives.

Located right on the beach, it combines classic all-inclusive amenities with initiatives designed to minimize resource consumption. These include:

• Solar energy from their own solar farm
• More mindful use of water and energy through monitoring and conservation measures
• Regional supply chains and producers
• Use of regional food products
• Promoting vegan alternatives
• Hiring and supporting local employees

The resort considers it important to introduce guests to Turkish culture, offering language courses, for example.

Istanbul: A metropolis spanning two continents

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and let’s be honest, it’s probably worth an entire trip. It’s easy to explore the city on foot, by ferry, or using public transportation.

Our editorial team’s favorite picks in Istanbul

With over 15 million residents, this city has just about everything. In addition to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, here are a few of our top picks for places you can explore:

#1 Turkey’s two most famous train stations are located in Istanbul: Sirkeci Station was the terminus of the Orient Express and features impressive Ottoman-style architecture. The Haydarpaşa Station, located on the Asian side, sits right on the waterfront and has long served as the gateway to Anatolia (it was built by a German architect)

#2 Rami Library: A former barracks, now a public library (opening in 2023). A place for students, locals, and anyone who wants to experience a quieter side of Istanbul.

#3 Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi: A traditional coffee roastery located near the Grand Bazaar. It’s the perfect place to buy authentic Turkish coffee to go (it also makes a great souvenir)

#4 Vegan Dükkan Restaurant: A small, modern restaurant and part of Istanbul’s growing vegan scene.

Ancient History and Natural Wonders in Turkey: Where World History Meets Extraordinary Landscapes

Turkey is rich not only in landscapes but also in history. Often, the two are surprisingly close together.

Ancient sites that bring history to life

Places like Ephesus (an ancient city on the Turkish Aegean coast, dating back to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, now open as an open-air museum), Troy (the legendary city of antiquity, famous from *The Odyssey* and for Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles), Pergamon (an ancient Greek city) or Göbekli Tepe (one of the earliest places of worship in human history) are among the most significant archaeological sites in the world.

These sites demonstrate the impact of various cultures from the Neolithic Age to antiquity. Depending on which part of Turkey you’re visiting, you should definitely include one of these historical sites in your itinerary.

Natural wonders and protected landscapes

In addition to its history and culture, the country is best defined by its natural beauty. If we were to list all the highlights, this blog would turn into a book! Here’s a brief overview of our favorites and highlights:

• Pamukkale: White travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal water — an enchanting place in shades of white and turquoise (a great backdrop for photos) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cappadocia: Tuff landscapes, cave dwellings, and underground cities (have you seen those influencer photos with hot air balloons? They were taken there. Which doesn’t mean you should only go there for a photo…)
• National parks and protected areas: Turkey has numerous nature reserves with diverse ecosystems.

Our Green Picks:

• Adventure: Saklıkent National Park is famous for one of the deepest canyons in the world.
• Forest: Yedigöller National Park, featuring lakes, forests, and brown bears
• Mountains: Aladağlar National Park—a high-mountain region in the Taurus Mountains with glaciers and rugged peaks—ideal for (experienced!) mountaineers
• Birdwatching: Wetlands such as the Göksu Delta or the Kızılırmak Delta are considered important stopover sites for migratory birds. Depending on the season, you can observe flamingos, pelicans, or various birds of prey here

Important to note: Many of these areas are sensitive habitats for endangered species. To help preserve these habitats, stay on marked trails and keep your distance from animals.

• Read more about this topic in our blog posts: Animal Welfare While Traveling and Observing Wildlife on Vacation
  

Winter Sports in Turkey: An underrated destination

What many people don’t know: You can go skiing in Turkey. Regions like Erciyes near Kayseri have modern ski resorts with good infrastructure and relatively long seasons. On the volcanic Mount Erciyes, for instance, you’ll find wide slopes and sweeping views, as well as far fewer crowds than in the Alps.

Hotel Recommendation: Megasaray Mount Erciyes

The hotel is located right at the foot of the mountain and offers access to approximately 100 kilometers of ski slopes. In addition to classic winter sports, the hotel focuses on comfort and relaxation.

Like the Megasaray Club Belek on the Riviera, the hotel combines tourist offerings with a more conscious use of resources. For example, its location within the ski resort reduces the need for additional transfers, and its operational processes are more efficient.

Cuisine: Between Tradition and Modern Diversity

Turkish cuisine relies heavily on seasonal vegetables, legumes, and fresh herbs. Jenni, a blogger from Mehr als Grünzeug, describes her 2017 trip, noting that she initially noticed “meat, meat, meat,” but was pleasantly surprised to find that she could easily navigate the diverse selection of fruits and vegetables, even as a vegan. Markets play a central role in this. “In that climate, almost anything seems to grow,” she writes. Even bananas are grown locally.

Nearly ten years later, the culinary scene has evolved. In cities like Istanbul, for example, an increasing number of restaurants offer plant-based dishes or reinterpret traditional foods like lahmacun. Even baklava, which is traditionally made with butter and honey, is sometimes available in a vegan version and labeled as such.

What does Turkey taste like?

Many dishes are based on vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, or bell peppers, combined with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like parsley, mint, or dill. Turkish dishes are often flavorful but not necessarily spicy. Typical are small appetizers, known as meze, which are often shared, accompanied by flatbread and yogurt as a refreshing side. Well-known dishes like Mante (handmade noodles with yogurt sauce), Dolma (stuffed vegetables), or Gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) are prepared very differently depending on the region—which is exactly what makes exploring the country’s cuisine so exciting.

Traveling to Turkey with a Conscious Mindset: Tips for arrival and mobility

Traveling to Turkey by train – the journey itself is part of the experience

Although it is possible to travel by train and bus, it takes a long time. From Central Europe, expect the trip to take around 40 hours or more—depending on the connections.

Examples of options include:

• Connections via Budapest or Sofia
• The Optima Express from Villach, which even lets you bring your car along.

Diese Art der Anreise ist weniger eine schnelle Option, sondern eher ein eigenes Reiseerlebnis.

Save the date: Travel from Paris to Istanbul on the Orient Express

Have you ever dreamed of riding the legendary Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul? This iconic route has been revived as a luxurious, nostalgic journey featuring original Art Deco train cars. The next departure dates have already been set.

• September 2026
• May 2027

You can book the train trip at Ameropa. At over 21,000 euros per person, this 6-day luxury trip isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s certainly an unforgettable experience 😉

By plane – making more informed choices

For many of us, flying to Antalya or Istanbul is the most realistic option. There are a few things you can do here, too, to make the trip a bit more eco-friendly:

• Take direct flights to avoid additional takeoffs and landings, as well as short-haul flights (especially within Europe). Instead, use rail-to-fly options!
• Short transfers (e.g., 30–35 minutes to Belek) reduce emissions further.
• Share shuttles instead of taking individual transfers.
• Stay longer instead of taking several short trips.
• Offset emissions through reputable providers (as a final step)

Traveling more consciously in Turkey: General tips for your stay

• Choose to stay longer in one place rather than taking multiple vacations in Turkey each year.
• Support regional providers and producers.
• Choose accommodations based on specific measures, such as renewable energy, water-saving measures, and transparent supply chains.
• Avoid peak season and travel during off-peak season whenever possible.
• Visit natural and cultural sites respectfully, and be mindful of animals and plants.
• Discover local cuisine rather than favoring imported products and global chains.

Conclusion: (Re)discover Turkey in a new and more sustainable way

Turkey is close by, diverse, and full of contrasts. From coastlines and major cities to ancient sites and mountainous landscapes, there is an enormous range of travel experiences to be had.

If you take your time, look closely, and make thoughtful choices, you can experience the country beyond the familiar clichés and support the local people and regions.

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