<p>Over the past decade, the concept of forest bathing—originating in Japan in the early 1980s—has spread worldwide both as a wellbeing practice and as a topic of scientific interest. Many studies have examinate its physiological and psychological benefits, while the socio-economic dimension remains comparatively underexplored. This study investigates the stakeholders’ perceptions of key characteristics of forest bathing—including psycho-physical health effects, site and forest characteristics, and socio-economic impacts—through a comparative analysis between Italy and Türkiye. In each country, the stakeholders from two regions characterized by a different development stage of forest bathing activities were involved (Trentino-Alto Adige and Tuscany regions in Italy, Marmara and Black Sea regions in Türkiye). The data collected were processed using Q-methodology. Results showed that, although stakeholders in both countries recognize the psycho-physical benefits of forest bathing and share preferences for certain forest features, notable differences emerge in their acceptance of the practice and in their perceptions of its medical relevance. Italian stakeholders tend to view forest bathing as culturally integrated and medically meaningful, whereas Turkish stakeholders adopt a more cautious and skeptical stance. Q-methodology approach proved effective in capturing these nuanced and evolving perspectives, offering valuable insights into how forest bathing is interpreted across socio-cultural contexts and highlighting the conditions that support its recognition as an added‑value practice.</p>