7 Best Destinations in Turkey for Women-Only Getaways
For women seeking a break beyond the typical, a trip to Turkey has far more than hustling bazaars and famous mosques. This stunning country, stretching across two continents, is brimming with lesser-known treasures perfect for those looking to experience something different. Whether you’re travelling solo or in a women-only group, these offbeat places in Turkey promise stories worth sharing for female travellers.
The best destinations in Turkey for women-only travel offer unique, authentic experiences away from the usual tourist spots. Here are seven handpicked destinations that genuinely make a Turkish getaway for women unforgettable.
Best Destinations in Turkey for Women-Only: Tranquil Towns and Islands
1. Alaçatı – A Windy Retreat with Vintage Charm
Tucked away on the Aegean coast, Alaçatı is one of the best-kept secrets in the country. Its cobblestone alleys, pastel shutters, and bougainvillaea-draped stone houses create a dreamy setting, perfect for women who want to relax or indulge in slow travel. Known for its boutique stays, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisan shops, it’s an ideal base for those on a women-only trip to Turkey.
Visit in spring or early autumn when the town is quieter, and enjoy a wine-tasting tour, Turkish hammam sessions, or a leisurely bicycle ride through the vineyards.
2. Safranbolu – A Time Capsule of Ottoman Elegance
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Safranbolu is a delightful detour for those who crave culture and history. This northern town has beautifully preserved Ottoman mansions and aromatic spice bazaars. It’s one of those hidden gems in Turkey that travellers usually overlook but shouldn’t.
Wander the cobbled streets, sip saffron tea, or join a local cooking workshop. The town offers a safe, slow-paced environment that’s particularly welcoming to female travellers seeking immersive experiences.
3. Ayvalık – Olive Groves and Seaside Serenity
Far from the crowds of Bodrum and Antalya, Ayvalık offers a more authentic coastal experience. Its Greek-influenced architecture, sun-bleached alleyways, and proximity to Cunda Island make it a soulful escape.
The calm beaches, quaint harbourside cafés, and women-run homestays lend Ayvalık a gentle charm. This town ticks all the right boxes for women planning a Turkey getaway, including wellness, nature, and good food.
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes, it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you.” — Anthony Bourdain.
Ayvalık offers a soulful, transformative travel experience that stays with you long after you return.
4. Lake Bafa – Where Myth Meets Mindfulness
This place in southwestern Turkey is steeped in mythology and serenity. Surrounded by olive trees and ancient ruins, this destination encourages introspection. Legend has it that the area once inspired muses and poets; to be fair, it’s easy to see why.
Yoga retreats and eco-lodges around the lake cater specifically to women, providing spaces for reflection and community. If you’re searching for the best unconventional destinations in Turkey for women-only retreats that allow you to reconnect with yourself, this is it.
5. Şirince – Wine and History
Perched on a hillside near Ephesus, Şirince is a tiny village with a rich Greek-Turkish heritage. Known for its fruit wines and lace-making traditions, it’s one of the most charming places in Turkey to visit.
Staying in family-run guesthouses here often means getting to know the village’s women, many of whom have turned their homes into welcoming sanctuaries. It’s also a safe and quiet spot for solo female travellers or groups looking for culture, conversation, and countryside beauty.
6. Bozcaada – A Windy Island of Art and Freedom
This Aegean island off the coast of Çanakkale is still relatively under the radar. Bozcaada is known for its slow living, creative spirit, and commitment to preserving local traditions. Whether sampling homemade jams at a Sunday market or cycling to a deserted beach, there’s a sense of freedom here that resonates with women-only travellers.
The island also boasts a small but spirited network of women artisans and entrepreneurs, from weavers to winemakers. This is a perfect example of how a trip to Turkey can support sustainable, women-led tourism.
7. Gökçeada – Turkey’s First Cittaslow Island
Often overshadowed by its sibling Bozcaada, Gökçeada (Imbros) is Turkey’s largest island and a hidden wonderland for the slow traveller. With its Greek villages, pine forests, and crystal-clear coves, it offers something rare in mainstream destinations: peace.
It’s also one of the few places in Turkey where women can enjoy an entirely unhurried pace: hiking, journaling by the sea, or simply enjoying herbal tea at a local women’s cooperative café.
Why These Hidden Gems Are the Best Destinations in Turkey for Women-Only Travel
Travelling as a woman involves safety, community, and purpose. Each destination delivers beauty, culture, and a sense of ease and welcome that is essential for female travellers. These factors become significant when researching the best destinations in Turkey for women-only trips.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo explorer or planning your first women-only trip to Turkey, these quirky places promise inspiration and comfort.
For those looking to explore Turkey in a like-minded group, Meraki Diaries’ Quest to Turkey 2025 tour curates meaningful experiences across both popular and hidden locales, designed exclusively for women, by women.
Planning Your Women-Only Trip to Turkey
Before setting off to explore these best destinations in Turkey for women-only experiences, consider:
- Travel season: Spring and autumn offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
- Transport: Internal travel is easy with buses and regional flights, but some untouristed places require a little extra planning, something that women-led travel platforms like Meraki Diaries can help with.
- Cultural sensitivity: While Turkey is a mix of modern and traditional, dressing modestly in smaller towns is respectful and encouraged.
Whether you’re weaving through vineyards in Alaçatı, soaking in mythology at Lake Bafa, or sipping wine in Şirince, Turkey is a canvas of endless stories waiting to be discovered, especially by women seeking something different.
So pack light, keep an open heart, and allow these secret corners of Turkey to show you the country beyond the guidebook pages.
For more information, contact us at diva@merakidiaries.com or +91 90083 23606 or visit our website.