Cittaslow is an international movement of over 120 towns across the world that have adopted a common set of goals and principles to ensure the highest possible quality of life for local residents and visitors alike. Put simply, Cittaslow towns aspire to be good places to live, work and visit.

Cittaslow grew out of the Slow Food movement and derives its name from the Italian for "Slow Cities".

Cittaslow aims to encourage everyone in the community to live life to the full by -

• Taking time to enjoy good food and healthy eating.
• Providing excellent hospitality and service to friends, visitors and customers.
• Protecting the natural and built environment.
• Encouraging and supporting local traditions and local culture.
• Buying from local producers and other local businesses.
• Actively participating in the life of their community.

Cittaslow is not anti-progress. It aims to intelligently use technology and cutting edge solutions in communications, transport, hospitality, consumption, commerce and administration to find new ways of improving people's lives in a sustainable manner.

There are currently 129 Cittaslow towns in 16 countries stretching from Spain to South Korea and from Austria to Australia.

At the moment, there is only one Cittaslow town in Turkey. Seferihisar was recognised as Turkey's first Cittaslow town in October 2009. Akyaka would like to be the second Cittaslow of Turkey.