There's a map guide to all these locations at the end of the blog. Enjoy!
Isparta, Türkiye's city famous for its roses, is a popular destination not only in Türkiye but also worldwide. Its location, endowed with fertile lands, has hosted numerous civilizations throughout the centuries.
Isparta is an ideal destination for enjoyable tourist travel. Although it's popular throughout the year, it hosts particularly large tourist groups in spring and summer. You can reach the city by air, road, or rail. Direct buses operate from every city, or you can use your own vehicle. Alternatively, you can use the Lakes Express by rail or Süleyman Demirel Airport by air.
1.KEÇİBORLU SENİR ROSE GARDENS
The rose gardens in the Keçiborlu town of Senir, Isparta, captivate visitors with their magnificent beauty. During the harvest months of May and June, the rose bushes turn pink, transforming the gardens into a veritable riot of color. Strolling here, inhaling the unique fragrance of the roses and taking in the stunning views is a true delight. You can enjoy the stunning rose gardens and pick them yourself.
Senir's rose gardens not only offer a visual feast, but also provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the importance of roses and how rose oil is produced. Rose growers demonstrate the rose harvesting process and explain how the roses are processed. This experience gives visitors a deeper understanding of the value of roses and an appreciation for Isparta's contribution to the rose oil industry.
The rose gardens in the town of Senir attract not only local tourists but also international tourists. The beauty of the roses and the pastoral landscapes that preserve Isparta's natural beauty attract thousands of tourists each year. Visitors can picnic in the rose gardens, enjoy nature, and purchase 100% natural rose products made from Isparta's famous roses.
When is Isparta Rose Harvested?
In Isparta, the rose harvest generally takes place after May 15th and in July. During this period, the rose flowers are in full bloom and emit their most intense fragrance. The rose harvest begins early in the morning and continues until noon. Early morning is preferred to ensure the roses are picked at their freshest and most fragrant. During harvest, the rose petals are individually hand-picked and prepared for processing. Rose harvesting in Isparta is carried out both in small, family-run farms using traditional methods and in modern production facilities.
2. KUYUCAK VILLAGE LAVENDER FIELDS
Kuyucak Village Lavender Fields, which is flooded by millions of visitors every year, is located 47 km from the city center.
The Lavender Fields of Kuyucak Village, which accounts for approximately 93 percent of Türkiye's lavender production, offer trails for taking photos and walking. The fields also include camping areas and bike paths.
This way, you can extend your trip and enjoy a delightful trip surrounded by natural beauty. Lavender season begins in mid-June and continues until the end of July.
3. Egirdir Lake
Lake Eğirdir is one of the lakes with the richest biodiversity in Türkiye and the world. This is why it has achieved international popularity. Home to 225 different bird species, Lake Eğirdir also contains a natural drinking water basin. Highly popular with nature lovers, adventurers, birdwatchers, and photographers, Lake Eğirdir is an ideal place to enjoy nature and enjoy a tranquil ambiance.
Ideal for day trips, this location also offers camping areas. It also boasts a variety of facilities offering food, beverages, and accommodation.
4. Egirdir Castle
Eğirdir Castle, situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Eğirdir, is one of Isparta's iconic structures. The city walls, extending north-south along the peninsula, are lined with residences.
Eğirdir Castle consists of an inner and outer castle. While research continues on its construction date, there is no definitive information. However, studies conducted at the castle indicate that the current ruins date back to the Byzantine period.
Used by the nations that have ruled Isparta and undergoing various restorations, Eğirdir Castle is an important structure for cultural tourism. Located in the Eğirdir region, the castle can be reached by public transportation from the city center or by your own vehicle.
5. Eğirdir Can Ada
Can Ada, gifted to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk by a decision of the municipal council during his visit to Eğirdir in 1933, is today one of Isparta's most important tourist attractions. After Atatürk's death, Can Ada was transferred to the Eğirdir Municipality and is a favorite among camping and caravan enthusiasts.
Can Ada, a popular spot for picnickers and those looking for both day trips and camping, also offers cafeterias where you can enjoy your meals and drinks. Maintaining a cool evening even on hot summer days, Can Ada is one of Isparta's most visited tourist attractions.
6. AHYA STEFANOS (GREEN ISLAND CHURCH)
Located on Yeşilada (Green Island) in the Eğirdir district, the Hagia Stefanos (Yeşilada) Church is a structure that extends east-west. It is known as the Hagia Stefanos or Yeşilada Church due to its location. Studies indicate that the church's construction was dated to the second half of the 19th century.
With its side walls built of rubble stone and striking architecturally, the Hagia Stefanos (Yeşilada) Church is an essential destination for cultural and religious trips to the city. The church, which stands out for its robustness, has undergone various restorations, yet its original structure remains intact.
7. YAZILI CANYON NATURE PARK
Yazılı Canyon Nature Park is one of Türkiye's hidden gems. Declared a national park in 1989, Yazılı Canyon offers clean air, hiking trails, and unparalleled views, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day in Isparta.
While spending time at Yazılı Canyon Nature Park, you can enjoy a picnic with loved ones, a wonderful day surrounded by nature, or a trek or hike. With its remarkable plant diversity, Yazılı Canyon Nature Park is a magnet for botanical enthusiasts.
8. DAVRAZ SKI CENTER
Davraz Ski Resort, nestled at the foot of Mount Davraz, at an altitude of 2,635 meters, is one of Isparta's most important winter attractions. Surrounded by Lakes Eğirdir and Kovada, and open to tourism since 1995, Davraz Ski Resort offers a wide range of outdoor sports, including skiing.
Davraz Ski Resort is just 25 km from the city center. Easily accessible by public transportation or your own vehicle, Davraz Ski Resort offers a variety of ski hotels where you can extend your stay, businesses where you can rent ski equipment or take lessons, and dining options.
9. GÖLCÜK NATURE PARK
Located on the shores of Lake Gölcük, Gölcük Nature Park is open to visitors every day of the week. It contains a wide variety of plants, including oak, acacia, cedar, red pine, and black pine. It's also home to species such as turtles, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels.
A natural wonder, Gölcük Nature Park is one of Isparta's most visited natural sites. The volcanic ash hills surrounding Gölcük Nature Park, which range from 150 to 300 meters high, are also noteworthy. Around Gölcük Crater Lake, formed by volcanic events, you can enjoy a picnic, go on nature walks, or enjoy a meal or drink at the restaurant.
10. KOVADA LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Lake Kovada National Park is one of the city's most visited destinations throughout all four seasons. Surrounded by forests of diverse trees, Lake Kovada is home to a rich flora and wildlife diversity, making it a national park. Especially vibrant in the autumn, Lake Kovada National Park is shallower than other lakes in the city.
An ideal spot for activities like camping, trekking, photography, and birdwatching, Kovada Lake National Park boasts well-maintained walking paths. Visit Kovada Lake National Park to enjoy nature and enjoy its vibrant population year-round.
11. AKSU DUNGARY CAVE
Aksu Dungeon Cave is a cave that contains remains from Roman civilizations and is therefore considered sacred. Isparta is a city that impresses visitors with its many structures. Among the structures that attract considerable attention, attracting not only local but also international tourists, is Aksu Dungeon Cave.
Aksu Dungeon Cave is a unique structure. The interior design and lighting have made it a popular tourist destination. Supported by suspension bridges, Aksu Dungeon Cave is a convenient and enjoyable cave to explore.
Zindan Cave, located in the Aksu district of Isparta, is a unique spot for nature lovers and cave explorers. Located 1,300 meters above sea level, this natural formation is 765 meters long and 15-20 meters wide. It maintains a constant temperature of approximately 14 degrees Celsius throughout the summer and winter, and is notable for its rich stalactites and stalagmites. Believed to have served as a shelter and temple in ancient times, Zindan Cave was opened to tourism in 1996. The cave entrance is about 21 meters wide, a walkable area, but it narrows as you go deeper. The Melikşah Gate and its 2-meter-deep bridge just outside the cave are also interesting features.
12. YAKA CANYON
Yaka Canyon takes its name from the village it's located in. Estimated to be between 30 and 100 meters deep and 2.5 meters wide, Yaka Canyon is home to a rich flora, birdlife, and colorful butterflies.
When visiting Yaka Canyon, you should wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. You can drive to a certain point, but reaching the canyon requires a longer journey. Yaka Canyon, with its breathtaking beauty, is one of the city's natural wonders, and we recommend visiting it during your trip to Isparta.
13. MADA ISLAND (KAZAKH ISLAND)
Mada, or Kazakh Island, is one of the most important islands in Isparta. Mada Island (Kazak Island), an 8,220-hectare island located on Lake Beyşehir. The largest of the 32 islands on the lake, Mada Island (Kazak Island) was named the Kumluca Neighborhood in 2022. In 2022, the island was estimated to have 180 inhabitants.
The first settlement on Mada Island (Kazakh Island) dates back to 1507. Today, Mada Island, an important tourist destination, also hosts establishments where you can enjoy Isparta's famous cuisine and spend time.
To reach the island, you can choose to take a tour departing from the city or travel on your own. Mada Island, the largest island in the region and therefore a notable tourist attraction, hosts large groups of tourists, especially during the summer months.
14. PISIDIA ANTIOCHEIA ANCIENT CITY
Built on sloping and partially rocky terrain, the ancient city of Pisidian Antioch was a settlement used in past years. The Hisarardı Road passes to the north and west of the ancient city, and the Hisarardı Stream passes to the southeast.
The ancient city of Antioch in Pisidia is a trapezoidal settlement. Excavations at the site have uncovered remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods. While the exact civilization that founded it remains unknown, it is known to have been used by many civilizations. You can reach the ancient city by personal vehicle.
15. SÜLEYMAN DEMİREL DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT MUSEUM
The museum is located in İslamköy, a district close to Antalya Airport, Isparta Airport, and Isparta city center. The complex, which includes the museum, is located on the site. The complex consists of a mosque, the main museum building, a library building, housing, and storage buildings. Various halls display examples from the life and experiences of Süleyman Demirel, who also served as prime minister and president during Türkiye's 50-year struggle for civilization; gifts presented to him during his domestic and international travels; memorials, plaques of gratitude, and photographs; caricatures from various periods by Turkish humorists; and photographs of groundbreakings and openings of projects of great significance to Türkiye's development. Thousands of items in the museum's library and archive sections are also available for research.
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