The country offers unique opportunities for wellness tourism at natural thermal springs
Considering changes in travel preferences, travelers are increasingly choosing not just new routes, but deep and meaningful experiences. Wellness tourism is currently being redefined through the lens of personal transformation, drawing on ancient medical practices, nature-based rituals, and recovery programs. According to the Matador Network Travel Awards, Turkey was named the best destination for wellness tourism in 2025, highlighting its diverse restorative practices.
Whether you are planning a getaway alone, with family, or across multiple generations, Türkiye offers a high level of wellness tourism this winter. Let’s explore the main opportunities that make winter an ideal time for recovery and health.
Winter traditions of Türkiye: wellness tourism at thermal springs
Turkey, with its rich healing traditions dating back to antiquity, is considered one of the oldest centers of wellness tourism in the world. Anatolia, home to famous healing centers such as Hierapolis and Pergamon, has been shaped over the centuries by its healing thermal waters. Currently, Türkiye ranks seventh in the world and first in Europe for the number of thermal resources, boasting over 1,500 springs. Destinations such as Afyonkarahisar, Bursa, and Pamukkale in Denizli are part of the European Route of Historic Thermal Cities, emphasizing the country’s rich thermal heritage.
Afyonkarahisar is famous for its mineral waters and healing mud treatments, known for their restorative and rejuvenating properties. In Bursa, the thermal culture is closely intertwined with daily life and medical practices, including physiotherapy. Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient city of Hierapolis have attracted tourists for centuries with their mineral terraces and healing pools, including the famous ancient pool where, according to legend, Cleopatra bathed. In addition to these iconic sites, Türkiye offers numerous thermal towns—from Balıkesir to Yalova and from Aydın to Bolu—with a consistent water temperature throughout the year.
SPAs and hammams: recovery in wellness tourism
The culture of hammams, existing for centuries, is an important aspect of wellness tourism in Turkey. In the country’s historic baths, travelers can rejuvenate through steam treatments, cleansing scrubs, and relaxing soap massages.
The Turkish hammam is not just a relic of the past, but a living cultural tradition that remains relevant today. This authenticity and historical richness have brought Istanbul's Zeyrek Çinili Hamam to an international level, allowing it to secure a spot on the Time – World’s Greatest Places 2024 list, as well as in the National Geographic “Best of the World Wellness Experiences 2026” ranking.
For more modern formats of relaxation, large cities and resorts in Turkey have opened SPAs and wellness centers where traditional hammams are combined with saunas and jacuzzis. A wide range of services is available here—from massages and thalassotherapy to personal training.
Wellness tourism and nature
In recent years, travelers are increasingly choosing vacations that help them disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. In coastal areas such as Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya, Turkey offers yoga retreats, organic farms, and detox centers, creating ideal conditions for recovery by the sea. Programs typically include yoga, pilates, breathing practices, and balanced nutrition.
In addition to organized retreats, Cittaslow network cities and villages marked as Best Tourism Villages offer more tranquil wellness tourism options based on the natural environment and local traditions. The Black Sea region, highlighted in the National Geographic ranking as one of the best travel destinations in 2026, is famous for its mountain plateaus and wooden houses. Hiking and biking trails complement these wellness programs beautifully.
