Established among the streams feeding the Manavgat River, Ormana is an old Y\u00f6r\u00fck (old nomadic) village in \u0130brad\u0131 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.<\/h5>\n

350-Year-Old Architectural Marvel: Button Houses<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Ormana combines centuries-old history, culture, and nature. The town\u2019s button houses, built without masonry mortar and using only stones and cedar wood, are among the most sustainable examples of local architecture in T\u00fcrkiye. 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 \u201cbutton houses \u201cas the visible parts of the wooden frame look like buttons.<\/h5>\n

While the houses\u2019 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\u2019s spirit and experience the unique local lifestyle.<\/h5>\n

Sustainable Adventures<\/strong><\/h5>\n

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 T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s 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\u00a0conversations of the villagers at the\u00a0local coffee houses or savour the peace and calmness by wandering the narrow streets.<\/h5>\n

Among the must-see locales in and around Ormana are\u00a0Alt\u0131nbe\u015fik Cave<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Eynif Plain<\/em>. Discover the wonders of\u00a0Alt\u0131nbe\u015fik Cave<\/em>, home to T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s largest underground lake and the third largest in Europe. Marvel at the stunning travertine, stalactite, and stalagmite formations that create a breathtaking subterranean landscape.<\/h5>\n

Adjacent to the Alt\u0131nbe\u015fik Cave National Park, the first and only cave national park in T\u00fcrkiye, is the 90,000-decare Eynif Plain. Located on the historical Silk Road route, it is now home to hundreds of wild y\u0131lk\u0131 horses, which offer a breathtaking sight. On the Plain, the Seljuk-era Tol Inn (Tol Han) and\u00a0Erymna Ancient City<\/em>, dating to the Roman era, await visitors.<\/h5>\n

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\u2019s \u201c\u00e7avu\u015f\u201d grapes. Those visiting Ormana in September can attend the festival, taste its renowned grapes, and learn about grape growing in the region.<\/h5>\n

www.goturkiye.com<\/strong><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ormana\u00a0village, set at the foot of the Taurus Mountains in\u00a0Antalya, the heart of the Turkish Riviera, has been named among the \u201c2024 World\u2019s Best Tourism Villages\u201d list by The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). With this recognition, the village\u2019s historical texture, unique natural beauty, and contribution to sustainable tourism and rural development have now been …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2102,1249],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13434","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2102","category-1249"],"yoast_head":"\n