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.
Standing on the ferry as it waits to dock on the Greek island of Ithaca, Giorgia Ongarato is only too keen to talk about the “Odyssey” – the epic poem that inspired Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film.
The Italian lawyer said it was her dream to come to Ithaca, widely believed to be the same island as the home of Odysseus in the poem.
Dressed in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word “Odyssey” in ancient Greek alongside a line from the poem, she enthused: “I studied Greek when I was a child, and I studied the Odyssey.”
While she stressed that the film was not her entry point into the tale of the hero battling his way back home from the Trojan war, the 50-year-old said she was also a fan of the film, describing it as “wonderful”.
The island’s businesses and officials now expect the film to inspire many more to follow in her footsteps.
Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece is far from the country’s tourist hubs, and despite limpid waters and spectacular bays, it has never been a regular stop for travelers.
Its interior is rugged, carpeted with olive and cypress trees, and strikingly calm even at the height of the tourist season.
Although the movie has undoubtedly piqued the interest of many, it has also been slightly controversial in Greece. Although some Greek locations were used, not a single scene in the blockbuster was actually shot on Ithaca.
Homeric monuments abound
That decision has left some crestfallen on the island of roughly 3,000 inhabitants – where the film has been shown twice in open-air screenings since its July 16 worldwide release.
Xhimi Xoxha, who runs a restaurant in Ithaca’s capital of Vathi, said he was content that the movie was already “generating publicity for the island”. He predicted the positive effects would continue.
While Ithaca mayor Dionysis Stanitsas agreed that the publicity was “tremendous,” he could not hide his disappointment that the island itself did not feature.
“We had reached out to the production team and asked that some scenes be filmed here on the island,” he said. “Unfortunately, that wasn’t feasible.”
He is, however, counting on rising demand next year, and the island was already fully booked for this season by the time the film came out.
“As more people see it, they will begin planning trips to visit the island,” he said.
Visitors will not find a palace of Odysseus or any spectacular archaeological site likely to confirm the existence of the Homeric hero.
But village squares and the town hall are dotted with statues of Odysseus and Homer.
And there are other pointers to the island’s rich literary heritage.
In the small sun-drenched port, boats bob in the green water bearing names like “Telemachus” (the son of Odysseus) and “Calypso” (a goddess and nymph who imprisoned him).
Trinket shops offer busts of Homer and Penelope, Odysseus’s wife.
T-shirts can be found amid the jumble featuring the Cyclops Polyphemus – one of the many monsters vanquished by Odysseus.
And the truly devoted can splash out for a wall plate decorated with a Trojan Horse.
Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras is among those expecting a dramatic upsurge in visitors, saying it was clear that visitors wanted more than just sand and sea – they wanted the history and the mythology.
None of those are in short supply here.
A short distance from the shops and restaurants of the port, holidaymakers stretch out on deck chairs under parasols at Dexia beach, enveloped by the sound of cicadas.
According to legend, this is where Odysseus landed after years of voyaging.
Couvaras said the “driving force” of the renewed interest was undoubtedly the movie.
“But behind Nolan’s film stands Homer,” he said.
Traveling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.
“Traveling with kids is a whole new world,” said Shannon Thompson, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, adding that it’s important to “enjoy your kiddo on your trip” as much as you can.
Here are some tips and tricks for parents to travel safely with young children – and have fun with them, too.
Before you decide where to stay, consider your options for baby-proofing.
Check whether items like portable playpens, cribs and high chairs are offered to guests. If you are staying somewhere with stairs, a balcony or a pool, inquire about baby gates; if they are not provided, see if they are available for rent nearby or consider bringing travel-friendly foldable mesh gates. Pack electrical outlet covers and wipes to clean any dirty surfaces your kiddo might touch.
For babies, safe sleeping is still essential on vacation. Children younger than 1 should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface such as a mattress in a bassinet, crib or playpen with nothing more than a fitted sheet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization also recommends babies sleep in the parents’ room – but not in the parents’ bed – for at least the first six months.
You should also consider how you will get to your lodging: Will you fly in and rent a car or take a taxi, or take public transit from the airport? Will you mostly be driving or walking? For parents, these factors can determine whether you want to bring a stroller and a car seat, both of which you can gate check for free when you fly, or rely on using a sling or baby carrier.
“Flying with kids is one of those big, intimidating things,” said Thompson, the pediatrician. “I think the biggest thing to think about is always safety and then of course their comfort.”
While children under two can fly in their parents’ lap, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends securing them in their own safety seat, such as a car seat certified for use on planes. This requires buying a seat for your child.
For long-haul or international flights, ask the airline if they have bassinets available.
Food and drink for babies and toddlers, including breast milk, formula and puree pouches, are considered medically necessary liquids by the Transportation Security Administration. That means they are not subject to the standard 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) limit for carry-on liquids. The same goes for ice packs used to keep such liquids cool. Let the TSA officer know if you have these in your carry-on when you go through security screening.
In addition to snacks, don’t forget to carry on diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad and sealable plastic bags for disposal. Bring extra clothes to layer or change in case of accidents or messy spills.
Swallowing and chewing can help with ear pressure, so nursing little ones or giving them a bottle or pacifier can ease discomfort during take-off and landing.
Speak with your pediatrician beforehand if your kiddo is prone to ear infections, and before traveling abroad, ask them what vaccines may be recommended.
For flights with young kids, Christy Slavik, owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel, recommends “having little surprises that you can distract them with,” such as sticky mats for travel-sized Play-Doh, suction cup toys and other games that are small and light to pack.
If sightseeing once at your destination, think about ways to make activities more fun and interactive. For art museums, bring notebooks that kids can draw in, or ask them what types of animals they can find in the paintings, Slavik said.
“Kids need a mission. They need games,” she said. “You have to get creative sometimes when you’re traveling.”
Exposing children to other cultures, foods and languages can also be fun. Some may enjoy picking out snacks at markets, for example, or learning foreign words for their favorite dishes and activities.
There are options for places to stay that are family-friendly, with amenities such as pools or games. For those traveling abroad on a budget, many hostels offer private rooms for families so they don’t have to share a dorm-style room with bunk beds. Hotels and hostels provide the opportunity to meet other travelers, including fellow children who can become playmates.
Helping moms actually enjoy their vacation – and relax amid the stress that can come with planning and traveling – is a core goal of Slavik’s travel agency.
One way parents can get a break is by planning trips with grandparents or other family members. This helps with babysitting duties, while also allowing loved ones to have special bonding time with kiddos. Just make sure they also have their own downtime and aren’t wearing themselves out, Slavik said.
“When you bring grandparents to a vacation, you’re giving them the opportunity to experience those moments together,” she said.
Çakıl Island (Pebble Island), located in the Erciş district of Van province, eastern Türkiye, welcomes visitors during the summer months with its cool turquoise waters, a beach covered in white pebbles and natural beauty.
Set along the lake’s northern edge, the island offers an alternative for those looking to cool off in its clear, soda-rich waters. Its shoreline, surrounded by white pebbles and untouched natural scenery, creates views reminiscent of tropical islands.
The beach has become a popular destination, especially on hot summer days, for visitors seeking to spend time surrounded by nature.
Visitors enjoy the unique scenery created by Lake Van’s turquoise waters and the white pebbles, relaxing in the natural surroundings until sunset.
Deniz Özçelik, who traveled to Van from Izmir with her family for a holiday, said she was impressed by Çakıl Island, which she visited for the first time.
Saying they would like to return to the region whenever they have the opportunity, Özçelik said: “I had heard a lot about the beauty of Lake Van before. After coming here, I had the chance to see it firsthand. The lake’s saline, alkaline waters is good for the skin. The natural surroundings are truly beautiful. I thought the beach being covered with white pebbles was created later, but I learned that it is completely natural. Çakıl Island is a place worth seeing. If you are in the area, you should definitely stop by. Our country has many beautiful natural wonders waiting to be discovered, not only in the west but also in the east.”
Yusuf Göktü Koç, who visited the region from Ankara with his family, also said he was impressed by Çakıl Island.
“This place is truly beautiful. The view of Lake Van is breathtaking. I really enjoyed Erciş. The shoreline of Çakıl Island is crystal clear. Its turquoise color is reminiscent of the Maldives. I recommend that everyone come and see it,” Koç said.
The historic Kadıkalesi site in the Aegean district of Kuşadası in western Türkiye has been added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as part of a multinational heritage nomination.
According to a statement from the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Kadıkalesi was added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as part of the serial nomination “Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Routes from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.”
The addition recognizes the site’s archaeological significance, strategic location and rich cultural heritage, strengthening its status as one of Türkiye’s key candidates for future inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Kadıkalesi, also known by its historical name Anaia, served as an important settlement along medieval trade routes connecting the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Archaeological excavations at the site are continuing under the direction of Suna Çağaptay of the Department of Art History at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University’s Faculty of Letters.
Sometimes the most memorable journeys are not defined by the reason that brings you there, but by the places you discover along the way.
One of the first impressions visitors have of Kosovo begins at Pristina International Airport. Operated by the Turkish company Limak, the airport stands as a visible example of the long-standing economic ties between Türkiye and Kosovo. Arriving in a new country and being welcomed by the name of a Turkish company was an unexpected reminder of how infrastructure can quietly strengthen connections between nations. It was a small but meaningful moment that immediately made me feel connected to the destination.
Stepping into Pristina, I was welcomed by a city full of youthful energy. Its cafes were buzzing with students, public squares were alive with conversation, and every street reflected a generation eager to shape the future. Rather than trying to imitate Europe’s larger capitals, Pristina embraces its own identity with confidence. Modern architecture, independent cafes, creative spaces and a growing cultural scene reveal a capital that is evolving while remaining authentic.
During my visit, the city welcomed thousands of international visitors, bringing an extraordinary atmosphere to the streets. Despite the heavy traffic and crowded avenues, there was a sense of excitement everywhere. Restaurants, cafes and public spaces were filled with people from across Europe, transforming Pristina into a lively meeting point where different cultures naturally came together.
As a fashion designer, I found myself paying just as much attention to the people as to the city itself. Walking through Pristina felt like exploring an open-air fashion exhibition. Festival-inspired fashion blended effortlessly with everyday street style. Cowboy boots, crochet dresses, oversized denim jackets, metallic fabrics, sheer layers, lace details and colorful scarves reflected a generation that dresses with confidence rather than conformity.
What impressed me most was that fashion here was not driven by luxury labels but by individuality. Young people mixed vintage finds with contemporary pieces, creating looks that felt authentic rather than curated. In today’s digital world, where every street corner can become the backdrop for a photograph, personal style has become an extension of identity. Pristina captured that spirit beautifully.
After experiencing the vibrant rhythm of the capital, I traveled to Prizren, a city that immediately offers a completely different atmosphere.
Often described as Kosovo’s cultural heart, Prizren is where history quietly accompanies everyday life. Ottoman bridges, elegant mosques, churches, traditional stone houses and cafes lining the Bistrica River create an environment that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the details. Every narrow cobbled street reveals another layer of the city’s multicultural past.
One of the highlights of my visit was climbing to Prizren Fortress, where the panoramic view stretches across terracotta rooftops framed by the surrounding mountains. As the evening light settles over the city, Prizren reveals a timeless beauty that perfectly explains why it is considered one of the Balkans’ most charming destinations.
The city’s rich culinary scene adds another dimension to the experience. Traditional Balkan flavors sit comfortably alongside Ottoman influences, while local cafes invite visitors to spend hours simply watching life unfold beside the river. It is a place where history is not preserved behind museum walls but continues to exist naturally within everyday life.
Leaving Kosovo, I realized that what stayed with me most was not a single destination but the balance between its two most distinctive cities. Pristina represents confidence, creativity and youthful ambition. Prizren offers history, culture and quiet elegance. Together, they present a country that is steadily building its future while honoring its past.
Sometimes the most memorable journeys are not about the event that brings you somewhere – they are about the people you meet, the streets you walk and the stories a place leaves behind. Kosovo did exactly that, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for a destination that deserves to be explored far beyond the headlines.
The widely anticipated transfer of Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah to Türkiye’s Trabzonspor is drawing attention not only to the Süper Lig club but also to the city itself – a green, picturesque gem on the northeastern edge of Black Sea coast.
While rumors were indicating that Salah, a Liverpool icon, could sign for Beşiktaş, one of three Istanbul giants, Trabzonspor confirmed late Tuesday in a public statement it had opened negotiations to bring the veteran scorer to Türkiye.
Salah then flew to Istanbul, where on Wednesday morning he was welcomed by numerous fans while social media was still abuzz about the transfer.
“Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon,” Salah said in a video message posted on the club’s official X channel.
Renowned for its historical and natural richness, Trabzon has over recent years turned into a hot spot, particularly for Arab travelers, offering a harmonious blend of lush green landscapes and mesmerizing azure waters.
It has seen strong inflows of tourists, including those arriving from Gulf countries and the Arab world, and many speculators see a growing interest in the city amid Salah’s transfer.
Salah was a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. There was speculation the 34-year-old Egypt international would end his career in Saudi Arabia, but it emerged this week that Trabzonspor was leading the race to sign him.
He established himself as a Premier League great with Liverpool, where he won two league titles and the Champions League among eight major honors.
Trabzonspor, often regarded as the fourth-top team in Turkish Süper Lig, last clinched the title in the 2021-22 season, securing their first league championship in 38 years.
Its hometown, Trabzon, is renowned for historical sites such as Sümela Monastery and Trabzon Hagia Sophia, as well as famous meatballs named after one of its districts – Akçabaat köftesi.
The natural lake Uzungöl and its surroundings are also one of the primary attractions for travelers seeking greenery and peace, far from urban rush.
Meanwhile, the photos shared in Turkish media and on social media already indicate enthusiasm among locals to welcome its new football star to the city.
Some commentators went further and said that Salah’s transfer is also a “great advert” for Türkiye-Egypt relations.
-
Sports2 days agoFerran Torres joins PSG from Barcelona on contract through 2031
-
Economy2 days agoEurope’s heat waves empty cafes, expose insurance gaps
-
Sports2 days agoEvery Ballon d’Or winner: Football holy grail from 1956-present
-
Sports1 day agoMakhachev defends UFC title with record 17th-straight win
-
Sports2 days agoLukaku trains with Fenerbahçe for 1st time ahead of Süper Lig debut
-
Politics2 days agoTurkish officials highlight Erdoğan’s leadership as AK Party turns 25
-
Politics15 hours agoAlihan Kuriş remanded in custody as Türkiye delves into his criminal gang
-
Economy2 days agoGerman companies’ investment in US falls to 3-year low in H1