Ormana village, set at the foot of the Taurus Mountains in Antalya, the heart of the Turkish Riviera, has been named among the “2024 World’s Best Tourism Villages” list by The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). With this recognition, the village’s historical texture, unique natural beauty, and contribution to sustainable tourism and rural development have now been internationally acknowledged. Ormana became Türkiye’s 5th village on the list following Mustafapaşa and Taraklı (2021), Birgi (2022) and Şirince (2023).
Established among the streams feeding the Manavgat River, Ormana is an old Yörük (old nomadic) village in İbradı district, just 2,5 hours drive from Antalya city centre. The picturesque town has long been a hidden gem, promising peaceful holidays in the heart of nature. As it has been a settlement since the Hellenistic era, the village also stands out with its cultural and historical wonders. Nowadays, Ormana, with a population of 600, attracts travellers seeking authentic experiences, especially with its well-preserved vernacular architecture and a grape festival celebrated for 57 years.
350-Year-Old Architectural Marvel: Button Houses
Ormana combines centuries-old history, culture, and nature. The town’s button houses, built without masonry mortar and using only stones and cedar wood, are among the most sustainable examples of local architecture in Türkiye. In these houses, timbers from the cedar and tar trees in the region form a wooden frame, and the stones are held in place by such timbers. The structures are called “button houses “as the visible parts of the wooden frame look like buttons.
While the houses’ building method is so unique, what is more interesting about them is their resilience. Their stones can move flexibly during any fluctuation in the soil, and their thick walls ensure the interior stays warm in winter and cool in summer. In recent years, Ormana has gained attention as a sustainable travel route in the Taurus Mountains by restoring these unique houses. Some restored button houses have even been turned into boutique hotels, offering visitors authentic stays to absorb the region’s spirit and experience the unique local lifestyle.
Sustainable Adventures
In addition to its unique architecture, Ormana has many historical and natural riches and offers many activities, from wildlife observation and photo safaris to caving and trekking. These experiences make the village a top destination for those interested in exploring Türkiye’s rural landscapes and traditional way of life. As visitors arrive, they are greeted by the stunning landscape of the village, showcasing a beautiful palette of blue and green from the observation terraces. After booking a button house hotel, they can listen to the daily conversations of the villagers at the local coffee houses or savour the peace and calmness by wandering the narrow streets.
Among the must-see locales in and around Ormana are Altınbeşik Cave and Eynif Plain. Discover the wonders of Altınbeşik Cave, home to Türkiye’s largest underground lake and the third largest in Europe. Marvel at the stunning travertine, stalactite, and stalagmite formations that create a breathtaking subterranean landscape.
Adjacent to the Altınbeşik Cave National Park, the first and only cave national park in Türkiye, is the 90,000-decare Eynif Plain. Located on the historical Silk Road route, it is now home to hundreds of wild yılkı horses, which offer a breathtaking sight. On the Plain, the Seljuk-era Tol Inn (Tol Han) and Erymna Ancient City, dating to the Roman era, await visitors.
Moreover, Ormana is also the most famous for its vineyards. Travellers can visit the vineyards and discover the incredible combination of local goat cheese and grapes. In September, the village also hosts an annual grape festival to celebrate the village’s “çavuş” grapes. Those visiting Ormana in September can attend the festival, taste its renowned grapes, and learn about grape growing in the region.
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