Wellness Tourism in Turkey: A Journey Between Ancestral Heritage and Glow-cations

SadaNews - As global travel trends shift towards deeper and more meaningful experiences, wellness trips are transcending the traditional concept of relaxation to become a pathway for personal transformation, rooted in ancient healing traditions and nature-inspired rituals, leading to what is known as "Glow-cations" that focus on skin rejuvenation and restoring vitality.

In this context, Turkey stands out as one of the leading wellness destinations worldwide, having won the title of Best Wellness Destination for 2025 at the Matador Network Travel Awards, benefiting from a diverse range of experiences that combine history, nature, and modern tourism infrastructure.

An Ancient Healing Heritage

Anatolia is one of the oldest regions in the world known for thermal healing centers, hosting famous therapeutic cities since ancient times, including Hierapolis and Pergamon, where mineral waters formed the basis for healing rituals.

Today, Turkey ranks seventh globally and first in Europe in terms of the abundance of thermal resources, with more than 1,500 springs spread across the country, and cities like Afyonkarahisar, Bursa, and Pamukkale are part of the "European Route of Historic Thermal Towns," reflecting the country’s position on the map of medical tourism.

Afyonkarahisar is famous for its mineral-rich waters and mud baths traditionally associated with various health benefits, while Bursa features a rooted thermal culture that integrates hot springs into daily life and modern natural therapy programs.

As for Pamukkale, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts visitors with its white travertine terraces and therapeutic pools, including the "Ancient Pool" associated with the legend of Queen Cleopatra bathing in its mineral waters.

The Turkish Bath: A Renewed Ritual

No wellness experience in Turkey is complete without visiting a traditional Turkish bath, a custom that has lasted for centuries and remains present in the details of everyday life. In the historical baths spread across major cities, visitors engage in a comprehensive experience that includes steam rooms, traditional exfoliation rituals, and soap massage sessions.

Among the most notable of these landmarks is the Zeyrek Çinisi Bath in Istanbul, which was included in Time magazine's list of the World's Greatest Places for 2024 and then in National Geographic's selections for the Best Wellness Experiences of 2026, thanks to its architectural ambiance and rituals inspired by Ottoman history.

Additionally, coastal cities and modern urban centers offer advanced spa facilities that combine sauna, jacuzzi, sea water therapy, and personal training programs, along with packages dedicated to skin and hair care under what is known as Glow-cations.

Natural Retreats: From Coasts to Mountains

An increasing segment of travelers is drawn towards nature-inspired stays, seeking to detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In destinations like Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya, yoga resorts, organic farms, and detox centers abound, offering programs focused on yoga, pilates, breathing exercises, and healthy nutrition in serene coastal environments.

Turkish "Cittaslow" cities and rural tourism villages offer quieter alternatives, deeply rooted in local life and lush nature, especially in the Black Sea region, which has been chosen as one of the best global travel destinations for 2026 due to its highlands, wooden cottages, and trails for walking and cycling.

Skiing in the Northeastern Highlands

Alongside traditional wellness trails, winter sports enthusiasts find their haven at Mount Ovit in Rize, northeastern Turkey, which rises to about 2,650 meters above sea level and is known for its extreme cold and long-lasting snow, making it a preferred destination for skiing and camping amidst winter nature.

Between hot springs, Ottoman bath rituals, nature retreats, and coastlines, Turkey in winter presents a destination that combines healing and enjoyment, transforming the cold season into an opportunity to restore physical and mental balance at the same time.

Source: German Press Agency