Turkey’s lakes hold a special place in the country’s culture. With increasing numbers of Turks living in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, they provide a vital link to earlier times. It means famous lakes in Turkey have plenty of appeal, even though they can be massively different in looks.
Turkey has a significant place for its lakes, which may still maintain their naturalness. When the country’s geographic position is taken into consideration, Turkey gains even more appeal from the fact that the lakes, which have a long history, continue to maintain their naturalness and purity despite the growing population in major towns.
Some are encircled by snow-capped peaks, while others make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Indian Ocean. But one thing’s for certain – the most famous lakes in Turkey are largely untouched by human hands. It makes them popular scenic retreats for everything from family picnics and overnight stays to kayaking sessions.
So why not join Pegasus Airlines as we explore Turkey’s famous lakes?
Lake Van
Aerial view of beautiful white sand beach and unreal blue coastline.
Nestled in the mountains of eastern Anatolia, Lake Van is arguably the most famous lake in Turkey. That’s because it holds the crown as the country’s largest lake. In fact, Lake Van is so big, at 3,755 square kilometres, that’s its size is difficult to get your head around.
Of course, the huge size of Lake Van guarantees there’s plenty to do for anyone who’s jumped on cheap flights to the region. It even has a beach which has received a Blue Flag award for its cleanliness.
Swimming is just one activity Lake Van is known for. Although close to being the size of an inland sea, its high salt content ensures staying afloat is a cinch. The strongest might chance the swim to the lake’s Akdamar Island, although it’s also possible to reach this treasure without needing to get your feet wet.
Particularly stunning during the bloom of spring flowers, the island is famous for the Christian Church of the Holy Cross. Its exterior is decorated with historic carvings depicting scenes from the bible.
Lake Salda
Lake, Lake Salda, Turkey – Middle East, Water, Aerial View
Although ten times smaller than Lake Van, Lake Salda still has plenty to make it one of the most famous lakes in Turkey. Located northwest of Antalya, it is often considered part of the Turkish Lake District.
Interestingly, Lake Salda was formed several thousand years ago from the collapse of a volcanic crater. This may explain why Lake Salda is one of Turkey’s deepest, with a maximum depth of almost 200 m.
Lake Salda attracts visitors for several reasons. Firstly, the lakeshore is edged with beaches so white the lake has been dubbed ‘the Maldives of Turkey’s. Add to this the beautifully-coloured shallows, and you’ll start to understand why Lake Salda is so famous.
However, Lake Salda’s delights don’t stop there. Its waters contain a mineral by the name of hydromagnesite said to be fantastic for the skin.
Bafa Lake
Lake Bafa in Kapikiri Milas Mugla, best drone view with lake reflection. Heraclea ancient city is also here.
Close to Turkey’s Aegean coast, and situated between Izmir to the north and Bodrum to the south, Bafa Lake was once part of the Aegean Sea. But centuries of land changes resulted in it becoming cut off. Not that you’ll hear anyone complaining.
Like many of the famous lakes in Turkey, Lake Bafa is at its busiest on weekends, when Turks depart the nearby cities for a couple of days of relaxation. As a result, breakfasts in restaurants on the lake’s southern edge are particularly good, and likely to keep you energised for much of the day.
Just as well, since in addition to its splendid year-round views, Bafa Lake is home to more than one important historic sight. To begin with, there’s Ikis Monastery, situated on a thin spit of land jutting into the lake’s clear blue waters.
A short distance away, you’ll find a second hidden gem – Yediler Monastery. Also known as the Monastery of the Seven, it dates to the Roman Empire and boasts impressive frescoes on its northeast side.
Lake Tuz
Lake Tuz (Turkish: Tuz Gölü meaning ‘Salt Lake’) was the second largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world.
To find the waters of Tuz Lake in Turkey, head for central Anatolia, where it forms an approximate triangle with the cities of Ankara and Konya. Its location means cheap flights to Turkey’s nearby airports aren’t hard to find. But that’s not the only reason to explore Lake Tuz and the surrounding area.
The second-largest lake in Türkiye (Turkey) (after Lake Van), it is 1,500 square kilometres in area. Despite this, the lake is incredibly shallow, with an average depth of just half a metre. In fact, the lake can evaporate completely during the summer months, leaving a thick crust of photogenic salt.
Photographers aren’t the only ones who love the lake’s high salinity. It’s also adored by mating flamingos to the extent that Lake Tuz has become Türkiye (Turkey)’s main breeding colony of the birds. At the same time, birdwatchers can also enjoy the sight of good numbers of white-fronted geese, and birds of prey including the lesser kestrel.
Lake Eğirdir
Panoramic evening view of Egirdir lake and town in Isparta region. Calm turquoise and scenic coast of national park in Turkey
Eğirdir Gölü (Lake Eğirdir) sits at the heart of the Turkish Lake District. It is Turkey’s fourth largest natural lake overall, and its second-largest freshwater lake. Visitors will find a range of accommodation options in the town of the same name at the southern end of the lake.
Its hotels also make for a great base for those looking to explore the hiking trails which drift into the mountains. Mounts Sivri, Davraz, and Barla are all nearby. Hiking can be swapped for skiing during the winter months.
Other activities include a good range of water sports and an opportunity for fishing. However, what sticks in the memory of most visitors is the pleasant rural atmosphere, alongside the hospitality shown by locals in the region.
To learn a little about the culture of the Turkish Lake District, time your trip to Lake Eğirdir to coincide with either the rose harvest in May and June, or autumn’s apple harvest.
Lake Sapanca
Beautiful landscape of Lake Sapanca. It is a fresh water lake in Turkey, between the Gulf of Izmit and the Adapazari Meadow. Sapanca Lake is located on a tectonic hole.
Close to Istanbul, Lake Sapanca has been one of the most famous lakes in Türkiye (Turkey) for many years. Thankfully, it’s now being discovered by those travelling to Turkey too.
As another of the country’s freshwater lakes, its shoreline restaurants specialise in fish dishes, from street food style sandwiches to stews and baked fish. If you’re keen to experience the calm waters for yourself, water sports to choose between include water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking.
And that’s why Lake Sapanca makes it onto Pegasus Airlines’ pick of lakes worth discovering in Turkey.
