Lifestyle
Finland’s Rovaniemi: Life under northern lights
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finland’s Lapland region, is globally recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus and sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle. With a population of around 66,000, this northern city welcomes nearly 1 million visitors each year, drawn by its fairy-tale-like atmosphere and striking Arctic landscapes. Iconic attractions such as Santa Claus Village, the northern lights and the phenomenon of the midnight sun define its year-round appeal. Winter transforms Rovaniemi into an outdoor playground, offering experiences from snowmobiling and ice fishing to reindeer safaris under snow-covered forests.
Despite its remote location and long, cold winters, the city’s distinctive Lappish culture and enduring sense of magic continue to captivate travelers from across the globe, firmly placing Rovaniemi on the map as one of the Arctic’s most compelling destinations. Discover the Arctic wilderness through an autumn hike in a pristine national park, where fiery foliage meets crisp northern air. Glide across snowy landscapes on a husky sled while chasing the shimmering ribbons of the northern lights. Fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars in a glass-roofed cabin, or gather around a crackling campfire at a remote wilderness hut to experience the surreal magic of the midnight sun, with Arctic fells glowing softly through the endless summer night.
Rovaniemi is also celebrated as the culinary capital of the North. Local cuisine is deeply rooted in nature, featuring delicacies such as flame-grilled whitefish and sauteed reindeer, delicately seasoned with wild herbs and forest mushrooms, and complemented by intensely sweet berries ripened under the midnight sun.
For families, Rovaniemi offers an impressive range of activities. From ski adventures at Ounasvaara Ski Resort to playful moments at Angry Birds Park, there is something for every age. At the Arktikum, visitors are taken on a captivating journey through Arctic history, science and exploration. And of course, no visit to Lapland is complete without fulfilling a childhood dream; meeting the region’s most famous resident, Santa Claus himself.
There are four weekly direct round trip flights from Istanbul to Rovaniemi operated by Turkish Airlines, flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The journey takes approximately four hours on flight TK1749. Rovaniemi is one hour behind Istanbul. Upon arrival, the airport is conveniently located at just a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride from the igloo accommodations, making transfers quick and effortless.
On the drive from the airport to the city center, a cluster of colorful, glowing lights emerges from the endless, snow-white landscape. This magical sight turns out to be Santa Claus Village, open 365 days a year. The following morning, Santa Claus Village naturally becomes the first stop, a place where the spirit of Christmas comes alive regardless of the season.
Santa Claus Village
Enjoyable for both children and adults, Santa Claus Village is filled with excitement even when temperatures plunge to minus 25 degrees Celsius (minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit). Inside, Santa Claus welcomes visitors in his own office, while nearby cafes offer steaming cups of hot chocolate. The village is also home to charming souvenir shops featuring gifts from Rovaniemi and across Finland, as well as the iconic Santa Claus Post Office, where letters are sent to all corners of the world.
Beyond the main square, visitors can explore the reindeer forest, meet and feed huskies, or stroll through the whimsical Gingerbread Village. With so much to see and experience, it is nearly impossible to take in Santa Claus Village in a single day. Planning your visit over several days is highly recommended.
Santa Park
With the aim of bringing Santa Claus closer to visitors of all ages, Santa and his elves envisioned a hidden world beneath the Arctic ground, a magical cavern where guests could meet Santa, join his joyful helpers and explore a glittering underground kingdom. From this enchanting idea emerged SantaPark Arctic World, also known as the Home Cavern of Santa Claus.
From these fairy-tale origins, the SantaPark Arctic World family continued to expand, with each attraction offering its own unique sense of wonder. Together, they form a living mosaic of childhood dreams, cherished family traditions, and the delightful rediscovery of the inner elf within us all.
Opening its doors in November and welcoming visitors until mid-January, SantaPark operates daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While Arctic temperatures plunge above ground, this underground realm offers a warm and festive refuge. Guests can browse charming boutiques, meet Santa’s elves, enjoy live performances and even share a heartfelt conversation with Santa himself, making SantaPark a truly magical winter experience for every generation.
Sieriporo reindeer farm
Owned by Ari Maununniemi and his family for more than 300 years, this historic family farm is set on the shores of the picturesque Sierijarvi Lake, just 15 kilometers from the center of Rovaniemi. It is rare to encounter a family that radiates such genuine happiness, health and harmony, especially while continuing a traditional farming life under Arctic conditions.
Despite the extreme cold, the family still lives close to nature, practicing reindeer herding and farm life as their ancestors did. Today, they warmly open their world to visitors through intimate farm tours lasting approximately 1.5 hours. These experiences offer the chance to sit down with the family, hear their stories firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of life in Lapland.
Guests can meet reindeer up close, warm up inside the family’s cozy home with homemade hot berry tea and purchase authentic products crafted from reindeer, making the visit not just an excursion but a heartfelt cultural exchange rooted in tradition and authenticity.
Top 3 places to stay
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers 60 individually designed, romantic treehouse-style accommodations, including three Arctic Scene Executive Suites and five Arctic GlassHouse Suites, each providing a deeply immersive Arctic escape.
From the comfort of your bed, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, it is possible to witness breathtaking views of snow falling softly through the forest and, on clear nights, the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights.
With impeccable service quality and a dedicated team that pays attention to every detail, this exceptional hotel earns a perfect score in every aspect. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a peaceful family retreat surrounded by nature, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel stands out as one of Lapland’s most rewarding addresses.
Aino Private Island Hotel
Aino Private Island, formerly known as Vartiosaari, has held a strategic place in history since 1712 as a guardian of Rovaniemi. During the Winter War and the Continuation War, the island served as a vital base for Finland’s long-range patrols, a legacy commemorated by a monument erected in 1991.
In the 19th century, the island evolved into a summer retreat and, in the post-war years, became known as Onnellisten Saari, “The Island of Happiness,” welcoming royalty and heads of state over the decades. Acquired in 2024 by SantaPark Ltd., Aino Private Island has now entered a new chapter, preserving its historical soul while offering a serene, refined and timeless retreat.
Comprising just 12 private houses, including one three-bedroom villa, the island feels like a fairy tale come to life. From the moment you step onto the island, nature and art blend seamlessly, creating the sensation of walking inside a living painting.
Glass Resort
Glass Resort apartments are a refined fusion of Nordic craftsmanship, contemporary design and Arctic heritage.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls and ceilings draw Lapland’s ever-changing landscapes indoors, while warm wood textures and carefully considered details create a sense of calm and understated luxury.
Comprising just 24 minimalist accommodations immersed in nature, the resort offers an intimate and serene escape. From your glass igloo-style apartment, time seems to slow as you watch snowflakes drift gently from the sky, or relax in your private outdoor hot spring spa beneath the vast northern heavens. In the quiet of the morning, sipping coffee from the comfort of your bed while reindeer wander gracefully between the trees is an unforgettable moment; one that captures the true magic of the Arctic.
Tourists hoping to get close to the Trevi Fountain have to pay 2 euros ($2.35) starting Monday as the city of Rome inaugurated a new fee structure to help raise money and control crowds at one of the world’s most celebrated waterworks.
The first tourists to pass through the new ticket check seemed unfazed by the tariff, noting it was a small price to pay for quality access to a fountain made famous by Federico Fellini’s movie “La Dolce Vita.”
“Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it’s very easy,” said Ilhan Musbah, a tourist from Morocco. “You can take photos, you feel good, you’re comfortable, and on top of that, 2 euros is not much.”
The tourist fee was rolled out in conjunction with a new 5-euro tourist ticket fee for some city museums. In both cases, Rome residents are exempt from the fees and the extra revenue will actually expand the number of city-run museums that are free for registered Roman residents.
It’s all part of the Eternal City’s efforts to manage tourist flows in a particularly congested part of town, improve the experience and offset the maintenance costs of preserving all of Rome’s cultural heritage. Officials estimate it could net the city 6.5 million euros extra a year.
The city decided to impose the Trevi Fountain fee after seeing positive results already from a yearlong experiment to stagger and limit the number of visitors who can reach the front edge of the basin by imposing lines and pathways for entrance and exit.
“I think tourists were shocked by the fact that the city of Rome is only asking for 2 euros for a site of this level,” Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s assessor of tourism, said Monday. “I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least $100.”
The fee follows a similar ticketing system at Rome’s Pantheon monument and the more complicated tourist day-tripper tax that the lagoon city of Venice imposed last year in a bid to ease overtourism and make the city more livable for residents. The Italian fees still pale in comparison to the 45% price hike that French authorities announced for the Louvre Museum for most non-European visitors, where tickets can now run to 32 euros from 22 euros.
The Trevi fee, which can be paid in advance online, enables tourists to get close to the fountain during prime-time daylight hours. The view for those admiring the late Baroque masterpiece from the piazza above remains free, as it is up close after hours.
The towering fountain features the Titan god Oceanus flanked by falls cascading down the travertine rocks into a shallow turquoise pool, where Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg famously took their nighttime dip in “La Dolce Vita.”
While bathing is prohibited nowadays, legend has it that visitors who toss a coin over their shoulders and make a wish will return to Rome.
The Göreme Open-Air Museum in Nevşehir, one of Türkiye’s most visited museums, welcomed 1,187,016 domestic and international visitors last year.
Known for its rock-cut churches, monasteries, chapels and colorful frescoes, the museum attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. It ranks among the top three most visited museums in Türkiye under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, drawing visitors from around the world.
According to data from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, visitor numbers at the museum were as follows: 55,180 in January, 41,404 in February, 70,516 in March, 129,533 in April, 152,122 in May, 110,234 in June, 93,232 in July, 115,702 in August, 126,265 in September, 148,775 in October, 96,555 in November and 47,498 in December.
For comparison, the museum welcomed 1,133,858 visitors in 2024.
One of the most visited museums
Tour guide Yunus Kervan, who introduces visitors to the site, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the Göreme Open-Air Museum is a central tourism hub in the heart of Cappadocia.
“The museum draws visitors from all over the world due to its historical sites,” Kervan said. “The original frescoes in the country’s first monasteries and churches date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, making this place particularly significant. There are about 12 churches here, but we typically tour six: St. Basil, Barbara, Apple, Snake and Dark Churches. The most important is the Dark Church. Its name comes from the fact that sunlight rarely enters, which has preserved the paintings exceptionally well. Last year, 1,187,000 tourists visited. Most are from China and South Korea, but visitors also come from Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Europe and Latin America. This is one of the most visited museums in Türkiye.”
Tour guide Mustafa Soner Menekşe highlighted the museum’s unique structures, carved into volcanic tuff centuries ago.
“Göreme Open-Air Museum is historically significant. It is located within a national park that features artifacts from the Byzantine, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Visitors can see how people of different faiths – Christian and Muslim – once lived together. We explain this in detail and visitors begin to appreciate and love the site as they explore it,” Menekşe said.
Argentine tourist Dario Adler, visiting Cappadocia for the first time, described the museum as a powerful experience.
“There is a very strong feeling here,” Adler said. “The story is so compelling that it makes you reflect on history. I highly recommend that everyone visit this museum.”
Rising above the Bosporus slopes in Mecidiyeköy, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is one of the city’s most convenient luxury addresses perfectly positioned for both business travelers and weekend escape seekers. With 209 rooms and suites, the hotel combines contemporary architecture with high ceilings and an airy sense of space, creating an atmosphere that feels instantly comfortable and genuinely uplifting from the moment you check in.
The property is entering an exciting new chapter this year with the appointment of its young and dynamic general manager, Cem Akşahin. With a refreshed team spirit and a new communications partnership with Yöntem PR, Fairmont Quasar is clearly set to be one of Istanbul’s most talked-about hotels in the months ahead.
Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s culinary scene is one of its strongest calling cards. Guests can move between different worlds in a single day: from the award-winning Aila, a modern showcase of Turkish cuisine, to Ukiyo, the stylish Far Eastern restaurant located on the terrace floor. For a more relaxed rhythm, Demlique offers a refined setting for afternoon tea, along with all-day coffee, tea and pastries, while the elegant Marble Bar keeps the night going until 1 a.m.
Wellness is equally impressive. The Fairmont Spa, located on the lower level, spans 2,000 square meters, offering a true city sanctuary for those who want to reset between meetings, shopping and Istanbul’s fast-paced energy.
And then there is the name everyone in the culinary scene is watching: Kemal Can Yurttaş, the hotel’s celebrity chef and Executive Chef of Aila. Despite his young age, both he and the restaurant have already collected an extraordinary number of accolades. His passion for the kitchen began at just 15, and after years of training, television experience, and working in some of Türkiye’s leading restaurants, he has created something genuinely special at Aila.
With its striking design, confident menu and flavors that truly stay with you, Aila is the kind of restaurant everyone should experience at least once. A standout detail is the restaurant’s in-house Spice Market, featuring over 100 spices sourced from different regions of Türkiye. These spices don’t just elevate the dishes, they also bring color, character and an irresistible aroma that fills the entire space.
Aila’s success story continues to grow. The restaurant began in 2026 on a high note with recognitions, including a Michelin recommendation, a 4-toque rating and the prestigious Gault&Millau awards, proof that Istanbul’s new generation of culinary talent is not only rising fast, but also redefining the city’s gourmet identity.
Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet
A Timeless Icon in the Heart of Old Istanbul set in the very heart of historic Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet may be housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, but the moment you step inside, the experience feels effortlessly modern. With its refined architecture, warm atmosphere and a team that welcomes you as if you were coming home, it is undoubtedly one of the finest Four Seasons properties in the world.
With only 65 rooms, the hotel delivers a true boutique luxury experience. It offers an intimate spa, the elegant Avlu Restaurant, the all-day dining concept Lingo Lingo and a rooftop terrace bar that becomes especially magical during the summer months. The entire property gives you the feeling of living inside history, yet without ever sacrificing comfort. For the most unforgettable stay, the terraced suites are simply spectacular.
A major part of the hotel’s charm comes from its general manager, Serap Akkuş. Everything she touches seems to become more beautiful, more thoughtful and more refined. From the guest rooms to the public spaces, you can truly feel a graceful attention to detail, almost like a signature feminine elegance shaping the entire hotel.
The Four Seasons Hotel also hosts one of Sultanahmet’s most impressive culinary destinations, Avlu Restaurant, led by the talented young chef Özgür Üstün. Despite his age, he has already turned Avlu into an award-winning dining address with what can only be described as “magic hands.”
Located on the eastern side of Sultanahmet Square, the hotel itself is a landmark. The building once stood as the grand Sultanahmet Prison, built over the ruins of the Byzantine Palace, and today has transformed into one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels. Avlu Restaurant sits in the hotel’s lush green courtyard, surrounded by the property’s striking architecture, its vivid yellow exterior, tower, arched windows and traditional tile details.
Avlu’s menu celebrates classic Anatolian cuisine, reimagined through modern techniques, and the restaurant’s stone oven adds both authenticity and character to the experience. The setting is completed with bronze accents, dome-like transitions, and a spacious garden decorated with seasonal flowers. The stone oven pays nostalgic tribute to traditional cooking methods, while candlelit tables bring a romantic glow to evening dinners.
Many of Avlu’s natural products are sourced from women entrepreneurs across different cities in Türkiye, turning every plate into not only a culinary pleasure but also a story of local craftsmanship and community. From its Michelin recognition to the many awards that followed, Avlu has truly earned every bit of its success.
The Basilica Therma Roman Bath, also known locally as the “King’s Daughter,” welcomed approximately 50,000 visitors in 2025, according to officials. The bath, listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage list, is located in Sarıkaya, a district of Yozgat province in Central Anatolia.
Dating back to the Roman Empire, the bath is believed to have healed the daughter of a king who once ruled in nearby Kayseri. The princess, said to have suffered from a relentless illness, gave the site its enduring nickname, “King’s Daughter.” The bath is renowned for its unique architecture and thermal waters, which have flowed at around 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than 2,000 years.
Following environmental and restoration work that began in 2022 under the supervision of the Yozgat Museum Directorate and was completed in August 2024, the bath has become a popular attraction. Recent cold weather and snowfall created striking visuals of steam rising from the thermal waters, captured by drones.
Yozgat Governor Mehmet Ali Özkan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the province is committed to promoting both Turkish culture and ancient civilizations. “In Anatolia, we continue to highlight our own heritage while uncovering the legacies of ancient civilizations for the benefit of the province, the country and humanity,” he said.
Governor Özkan emphasized the bath’s growing popularity. “A facility like this exists only in England as well. With its hot waters and unique appeal, it drew nearly 50,000 visitors last year. We hope this number will rise to 100,000 or even 200,000 in the coming years,” he said, noting that the site also contributes significantly to the local economy and commerce.
Expressing gratitude to those involved in the bath’s restoration, Özkan added, “At the heart of Anatolia, in our ancient city, we continue to develop our tourism resources for the benefit of our people. We also plan to bring the Kazankaya Valley, long discussed in the region, to tourism next year.”
Efforts are underway to attract more Chinese tourists to Göbeklitepe in southeastern Türkiye, the 12,000-year-old archaeological site described as the “zero point of history” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Officials anticipate an increase in visitors from China in 2026, following the implementation of a visa exemption for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.
Şanlıurfa Culture and Tourism director Aydın Aslan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that tourists from East Asia generally have a strong interest in cultural tourism.
“This gives Şanlıurfa significant potential for Chinese visitors,” Aslan said. “Starting next year, we expect to welcome more Chinese tourists to the region.”
Aslan added that preparations have already begun.
“We believe that government initiatives such as the visa exemption for Chinese citizens will boost tourism in the region by attracting travelers from the Far East. China is the world’s largest target market for cultural tourism and we are focusing our efforts on this market. In particular, for 2026 and 2027, we will increase promotional activities in China under the Şanlıurfa ‘Taş Tepeler’ Project.”
Tourism sector sees boost
Local tourism operator Müslüm Çoban noted that Chinese travelers are among the world’s most frequent tourists.
“Even before the visa exemption, Chinese visitors showed interest in Şanlıurfa,” he said. “With the visa facilitation in 2026, we expect their numbers to rise further. Recently, Chinese officials have also visited Şanlıurfa. China supports the Taş Tepeler Project both financially and through human resources. We anticipate that more Chinese citizens will visit our region in 2026.”
Çoban emphasized the appeal of Şanlıurfa for Chinese tourists, highlighting its archaeological sites, cultural heritage and cuisine. “Chinese visitors enjoy sightseeing, photography, and fine food. Şanlıurfa offers all of these. We look forward to welcoming our Chinese guests to Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, and other excavation sites.”
The districts of Safranbolu in Karabük and Amasra in Bartın, located in northern Türkiye and known for their natural beauty and culinary traditions, closed 2025 with record-breaking tourist numbers. Both districts are popular destinations, with Safranbolu listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amasra, famous for its pristine coves, clean beaches and calm sea, attracted nearly 3 million domestic and international visitors last year. Safranbolu, renowned for its historical sites, welcomed over 3 million tourists, marking an increase of approximately 500,000 visitors in each district compared to the previous year.
Safranbolu
Often referred to as the “fingerprint of the Ottoman Empire” for its reflection of Ottoman architecture, city life and culture, Safranbolu offers visitors a journey back in time. The town, which functions as an “open-air museum,” preserves inns, baths, mosques, fountains and bridges from the Ottoman period, as well as mansions built between the 18th and 20th centuries.
“2025 was a good year for tourism,” said Şebnem Urgancıoğlu, president of the Safranbolu Tourism Operators Association. She noted a nearly 5% increase in foreign tourists staying overnight and more than 3 million day visitors.
“While these are promising figures, we are not content. We will continue working with all our institutions, the government and the municipality to achieve even better results,” she said.
Thanks to markets in East Asia, Safranbolu experiences year-round tourist activity. Visitors from Taiwan, China and Thailand form the largest group of international tourists. Urgancıoğlu added that the district continues to participate in tourism fairs, including EMITT in Istanbul and ITB Berlin in Germany, to promote the region globally.
The municipality also works with multiple institutions on the “Purple Flag Project,” which focuses on quality and sustainable tourism. Urgancıoğlu highlighted plans to improve visitor centers and address traffic and parking challenges in the coming year.
Amasra: Coastal beauty
Amasra, historically founded as “Sesamos” by Phoenicians in the 12th century B.C., boasts relics from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Its historic castle was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2013.
The district is famous for its untouched coves, clean beaches and seafood-centered cuisine. Last year, the completion of the “Amasra Port Passenger Terminal and Marina” project by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure contributed to nearly 3 million visitors, including 500,000 overnight guests and 30,000 cruise ship passengers.
“Amasra is like the showcase of the Black Sea region,” said Melih Saylam, president of the Amasra Culture and Tourism Association. “It’s fortunate not only for its sea, sand, and sun but also for its history and gastronomy.”
Saylam cited a historic anecdote from the conquest of Amasra by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who reportedly called it “the apple of the world.” During the summer months, the district’s population swells from 6,000 to 60,000. Cruise ship arrivals over the past 3.5 years have further boosted tourism, adding around 30,000 visitors annually.
Local restaurateur Mete Ayyıldız said that holiday and summer seasons brought strong business, with visitors admiring Amasra’s nature, seafood and signature salads.
“In winter, guests come to enjoy the historical sites and culinary offerings. The colder sea makes the fish even more delicious. Our Amasra salad has become a brand. Amasra, with its fish and salad, is a point of pride for our region,” he said.
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