Plizio Visual Lab
Aydın Fig Orchards
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
The fig orchards of Aydın are the global center of fig production, with Turkey being the world's leading exporter of dried figs. The region's unique microclimate and the calcareous soils of the Great Meander (Büyük Menderes) Valley provide handy conditions for the 'Sarılop' variety, also known internationally as Calimyrna. This specific variety is renowned for its high sugar content, thin skin, and soft texture. Fig cultivation in Aydın dates back thousands of years and remains a cornerstone of the local economy and cultural heritage. In 2016, the 'Aydın İnciri' became the first Turkish product to receive the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union. Harvesting typically occurs in August and September, with the fruits traditionally dried under the intense Mediterranean sun to preserve their natural flavor and nutrients. Covering over 37,000 hectares, these orchards produce a significant portion of the world's premium figs, making Aydın an essential hub for global agriculture.
- Location: Turkey
- Top sights: Aydın Arkeoloji Müzesi · Tralleis · Dedekuyusu Höyüğü
- Nearby: Kuşadası (50 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 24 | 28 | 28 | 23 | 17 | 11 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 129 | 95 | 64 | 51 | 42 | 21 | 6 | 6 | 19 | 53 | 84 | 115 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Aydın fig orchards are world‑famous for cultivating the best figs, which are dried here in large quantities. These plantations are the economic backbone of the region, supplying high‑quality dried figs to the international market.
Visiting
The fig orchards stretch over vast areas and are easily visible from country roads. Some plantations offer guided tours during harvest season, where visitors can experience the drying process and processing up close.
Where to view it
From the viewing platform on the road between Aydın and Germencik, there is a spectacular view of the terraced fig orchards. Mount Gölcük also gives hiking trails with panoramic views over the entire fruit‑growing region.
Local products
The main product is dried figs, but fresh figs, fig jam, and fig paste are also produced and sold locally. On Aydın's markets, visitors also find olive oil, chestnuts, and cotton from regional production.
Active season
The fig harvest starts in August and lasts until October, with the peak in September. During this season, the orchards are full of workers, and the traditional drying racks are covered with golden figs.
Nearby
Combine the visit to the fig orchards with a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus or the nearby thermal baths of Germencik. The city of Aydın itself with its lively bazaar and Ulu Mosque is also worth a stop.
Geography
Facts
- Turkey is the world's largest fig producer, accounting for about 25% of global output.
- Aydın province produces over 60% of all figs grown in Turkey.
- The 'Sarılop' variety is the most important commercial fig cultivar in the region.
- In 2016, it became the first Turkish fruit to earn EU Protected Designation of Origin status.
- Over 37,000 hectares of land in Aydın are dedicated solely to fig orchards.
- The annual harvest in the region typically yields between 180,000 and 200,000 tons.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Aydın Fig Orchards (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the fig harvest in Aydın?
Harvesting typically occurs from August to September.
Why are Aydın figs so special?
They are globally renowned for their high quality and sweetness.
Can one visit the orchards?
Many orchards are private, but there are great local fig markets.
Are Aydın figs healthy?
Yes, they are rich in fiber and vitamins.
What is the best souvenir from Aydın?
Dried figs are the most popular culinary souvenir.
Aydın Fig Orchards: where is it located?
Aydın Fig Orchards is located in Turkey.
Aydın Fig Orchards: what is there to see?
Highlights include Aydın Arkeoloji Müzesi, Tralleis, Dedekuyusu Höyüğü.
Aydın Fig Orchards: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Aydın Fig Orchards: why is it worth visiting?
The fig orchards of Aydın are the global center of fig production, with Turkey being the world's leading exporter of dried figs.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Turkey →
Nearby cities
Kuşadası
A bustling cruise port and the main gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
Zeytinköy
Zeytinköy is a peaceful coastal village on the Aegean Sea, famous for its olive groves and natural beauty.
Güzelçamlı
Güzelçamlı is a charming coastal town in Turkey's Aydın Province, known for its proximity to the Dilek Peninsula National Park.
Özdere Cumhuriyet
Özdere Cumhuriyet is a vibrant resort town on the Aegean coast of Turkey, celebrated for its sun-drenched beaches and azure waters.
Çukuraltı
Çukuraltı is a charming coastal resort on the Turkish Aegean, known for its relaxed atmosphere and golden sandy beach.
Didim
A popular coastal resort known for the ancient Temple of Apollo and the expansive golden sands of Altınkum Beach.
Mavişehir
A vibrant coastal neighborhood in Turkey's Aegean region, renowned for stunning sunsets and traditional night markets.
Paleokastro
Paleokastro is a charming Greek coastal settlement offering traditional architecture and crystal-clear Aegean waters.
Samos Town (Vathy)
The capital of Samos island, built around a large, amphitheatrical bay.
Vathy
Vathy is the capital and main port of the island of Samos.
🗺️
Gümüldür Cumhuriyet
A popular Aegean resort known for its extensive sandy beaches and world-famous Satsuma mandarins.
Nature
More places
Dilek Peninsula National Park
A biodiverse national park on the Aegean coast with pristine beaches, dense forests, and free-roaming wild boars.
Aphrodisias
Aphrodisias was a small ancient Greek city in the historic region of Caria, famous for its cult of Aphrodite.
Ephesus
Ephesus was one of the most important and oldest Greek cities in Asia Minor and later a major Roman metropolis.
Qal'at al-Muazzam
An important Ottoman fort along the historical Hajj pilgrimage route.