One of the main advantages of the country is its thermal resorts. Turkey ranks seventh in the world and first in Europe in the number of thermal springs — there are over 1,500 here. The healing traditions have deep roots that go back to antiquity. For thousands of years, Anatolia has developed around healing waters, and historical centers such as Hierapolis and Pergamon attracted those seeking health and healing.
The European route of historical thermal cities includes places like Afyonkarahisar, Bursa, and Pamukkale, located in Denizli province. Afyonkarahisar is famous for its mineral waters and therapeutic mud treatments, known for their relaxing and rejuvenating effects. In Bursa, thermal culture has firmly entered everyday life and is actively used in medicine, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts tourists with its snow-white terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Here lies the famous ancient pool, which, according to legend, was visited by Cleopatra. In addition to these places, other thermal cities in the country, such as Balıkesir, Yalova, Aydın, and Bolu, are actively developing, where water temperature remains stable year-round.
An integral part of wellness tourism in Turkey is the culture of hammams. Historical Turkish baths offer a whole range of cleansing and restorative rituals, including steam treatments, scrubs, and traditional soap massages. Today, the hammam is perceived not only as an element of cultural heritage but also as a modern way to relax.
A striking example is the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam in Istanbul, which was included in the Time's World's Greatest Places ranking and received recognition from National Geographic as one of the best wellness spots in the world. Experts link the high interest in such places to the growing demand for authentic and culturally significant forms of travel.
In major cities and popular resorts, modern spa infrastructure is also developing. Many centers successfully combine traditional practices with new technologies, offering a wide range of services — from massages and thalassotherapy to personalized fitness programs and recovery courses.
Another notable trend is tourists' desire for relaxation in harmony with nature. In coastal cities like Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya, yoga retreats, detox programs, and stays on organic farms are becoming popular. These formats focus on stress reduction and restoring inner balance, including physical practices, breathing exercises, and balanced nutrition.
Small towns in the Cittaslow network and villages awarded the status of Best Tourism Villages offer an alternative to large resorts. Here, travelers can enjoy a peaceful pace of life, closeness to nature, and familiarity with local traditions.
Particular attention is drawn to the Black Sea region, which was included by National Geographic in the list of the best travel destinations for 2026. This region is known for its mountain plateaus, dense forests, and traditional wooden houses. Hiking tours and cycling routes are becoming an important part of wellness programs, combining physical activity with nature tourism.
According to experts' forecasts, interest in wellness trips continues to grow. Turkey aims to take advantage of this trend by expanding its infrastructure and offering new tourism products. The country hopes that the combination of natural resources, historical heritage, and modern approaches will change the perception of winter — not only as a season for rest but also as a time for health restoration and inner balance.
