Macahel (Camili)

Macahel — officially Camili — is a valley enclosed by mountains within the district of Borçka. It is Türkiye's first biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO, which means the forest and the wildlife here have come this far largely undisturbed.

The valley is best known for beekeeping. The Caucasian bee is kept here as a pure strain, and bringing in any other breed is prohibited. Macahel honey is distinctive for that reason, and it is the region's best-known product.

Why it is different

Calling a place "untouched" is usually a marketing line. In Macahel it is a legal status: as a biosphere reserve, construction and forestry activity in the valley are restricted. As a result it is one of the closest things to what the Eastern Black Sea looked like a few centuries ago.

Wooden village houses, arched stone bridges and small settlements built into steep slopes give the valley its character.

Getting there

Pera Boutique Hotel sits on the road to Macahel, which makes it a natural base for anyone heading into the valley.