Wellness tourism in the country: relaxation at natural thermal springs
With changing approaches to travel, tourists are increasingly choosing not only new destinations but also experiences that hold deep meaning. Modern wellness tourism is becoming not just a trip, but an opportunity for personal transformation, based on ancient healing methods, natural rituals, and rejuvenation programs. Turkey, recognized as the best destination for wellness tourism in 2025 by Matador Network Travel Awards, offers a variety of restorative practices.
Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or with several generations, winter in Türkiye offers unique opportunities for wellness retreats. Let’s consider the main aspects that turn this season into a time for recovery and health.
Wellness tourism in winter Turkey: thermal springs of nature
With its healing traditions rooted in antiquity, Turkey is one of the oldest destinations for wellness tourism. Anatolia, home to historical centers such as Hierapolis and Pergamon, has been shaped over the centuries by healing thermal waters. Turkey ranks seventh in the world and first in Europe in the number of thermal springs, boasting over 1,500. Places like Afyonkarahisar, Bursa, and Pamukkale in Denizli province are part of the European route of historical thermal cities, highlighting the rich heritage of this country.
Afyonkarahisar is famous for its mineral waters and therapeutic mud baths, valued for their restorative and rejuvenating effects. In Bursa, the thermal culture is closely intertwined with daily life and medicine, 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 well-known places, Türkiye offers many thermal cities—from Balıkesir to Yalova and from Aydın to Bolu—with naturally stable water temperatures year-round.
SPAs and hammams: recovery within wellness tourism
The culture of hammams, with its centuries-old history, is an important part of wellness tourism in Turkey. In historical baths across the country, guests can enjoy steam treatments, cleansing scrubs, and relaxing soap massages.
The Turkish hammam is not only a relic of the past but also a living cultural tradition that remains relevant today. This authenticity and historical value have made the Istanbul Zeyrek Çinili Hamam internationally renowned, securing its place on the Time – World’s Greatest Places 2024 list and in the National Geographic “Best of the World Wellness Experiences 2026” ranking in the wellness tourism category.
For those who prefer more modern formats of relaxation, SPA centers and wellness complexes are available in major cities and coastal resorts in Turkey, where traditional hammams coexist with saunas and jacuzzis. Here, a wide range of services is offered—from various massages to personalized programs in thalassotherapy and fitness.
Wellness tourism in harmony with nature
Within wellness tourism, travelers are increasingly choosing retreats that allow them to escape the daily hustle and reconnect with nature. In coastal areas such as Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya, Turkey offers yoga retreats, organic farms, and detox centers that create 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 awarded the title of Best Tourism Villages offer more tranquil options for wellness retreats, focusing on the natural environment and local lifestyle. The Black Sea region, which National Geographic named one of the best places to travel in 2026, stands out with its picturesque mountain plateaus and wooden houses. Hiking and biking trails harmoniously complement these wellness programs.
