The Mediterranean Lakes District of Turkey has been chosen as a must-visit destination in 2023

Turkey

Set in Turkey's Mediterranean Basin, the Lakes District attracts attention with its impressive landscapes, abundant oxygenated nature and countless natural beauties – so much so that the area is among the 'Top 50 Places to Travel in 2023'.

Located within the borders of the Afyonkarahisar, Antalya, Burdur, Isparta and Konya provinces in southern Turkey, the Lakes District, especially in recent years, is on the itineraries of visitors to Turkey. Set in the Mediterranean basin, the district takes its name from its numerous lakes, including the Acıgöl, Akşehir, Akgöl, Burdur, Beyşehir, Gavur, Işıklı, Ilgın, Eğirdir, Eber, Kovada, Salda, Karamık, Suğla, Yarışlı and Karataş lakes.

In addition to hosting a series of earthquake-created tectonic lakes at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, the Lake District entices visitors with its many ancient Greek and Roman cities as well as comfortable, friendly and warm accommodation facilities.

Isparta: Turkey's Rose Garden is also the heart of the Lake District

Fragrant Isparta, the rose and lavender production centre of Turkey, is the shining star of the region. Isparta, hosting countless natural wonders, is one of the most popular provinces of Turkey and the Lake District with its culture, economy, historical riches and natural beauties.

The province of Isparta stands out with its extraordinary nature, winter and summer sports activities, Cittaslow towns and rich cuisine, providing the opportunity to experience peace and excitement at the same time. Described as Turkey's "Rose Garden", lavender is a recent arrival to the area's natural beauty. Isparta welcomes thousands of visitors who come to photograph this purple beauty and fields with great hospitality.

Citta Slow Towns, Tectonic Lakes

Also located in the Isparta province are Yalvaç and Eğirdir, among Turkey's eighteen Cittaslow 'slow cities.' The Eğirdir district, rich in nature and history is home to Kovada Lake as well as a large part of Eğirdir Lake, the largest lake in the Lake District.

Lake Eğirdir is a magnificent natural wonder, famous for its beaches and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by apple and peach orchards and exhibiting a wide variety of colours throughout the day. There are two small islands in the lake, like an extension of the peninsula. The Yeşil Ada is located 1.5 km from the Eğirdir city centre and on an area of nine hectares, it preserves its authenticity with its stone-based wooden houses, narrow streets and a small fisherman's shelter. Formerly known as Nis among the locals, this island also draws attention with the prevalence of hostels and fish restaurants, as well as the Hagia Stefanos Church, considered sacred by Christians.

Can Ada, on the other hand, is a colourful islet of seven thousand square meters between Eğirdir and Yeşil Ada. There is no construction on the island. The island was granted to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as a gift by the people during his visit to Eğirdir.

Lake Kovada, an exceptionally shallow lake, offers a unique richness of flora and diversity of wildlife and has great potential for outdoor recreation and entertainment. Activities such as nature research, camping, hiking, bird-watching and climbing are carried out in the national park around Kovada Lake. Lake Gölcük, which hosts a wide variety of animal and plant species, is a natural wonder that offers area residents relaxation, entertainment and sports.

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Image Credit: Go Türkiye