Salda Lake Travel Guide: Discover the Most Stunning Shades of Blue in Turkey
Salda Lake is a natural wonder located in the Yeşilova district of Burdur, surrounded by forested hills and memorable at first sight. With its turquoise to dark blue waters and stunning white sandy beaches, it has been called 'Turkey's Maldives', but its unique identity and the experience it offers are beyond this comparison. This guide is designed to help you plan your journey to Salda Lake. From its location to its geology, from its similarities with Mars to its transportation, accommodation, food and beverage and activity possibilities, and most importantly, to the current conservation rules, it aims to help you feel the spirit of Salda and make a respectful visit to this natural heritage.
So, what is special about Salda Lake? How to visit Salda Lake? And what to see while visiting Salda Lake? Let's explore together 👇
Why Salda Lake? 5 Reasons to Visit
The main reasons that make Salda Lake special and one of the must-see places are as follows:
Visual Feast: The incredible colour palette of the lake (from turquoise to dark blue), the clarity of the water and the white beaches reminiscent of the Maldives offer a unique view. This appearance is due to the magnesium-rich hydromagnesite mineral and rock structures called stromatolite (microbialite) on the lake floor.
Photo Paradise: It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts with its unique landscapes, especially the riot of colours at sunrise and sunset. Wooden viewing terraces offer different angles.
Peace and Meeting with Nature: It is an ideal escape point to get away from the chaos of the city, to calm down and refresh with its virgin nature, pine forests and fresh air.
Scientifically Curious Lake: The geological structure of the lake (magnesium-rich carbonates, stromatolites) bears great similarities with the Jezero Crater on Mars. For this reason, it has been an important research area for NASA's Mars studies, giving the lake international scientific importance.
Health and Well-being: The mineral (magnesium, soda, clay) rich water is thought to be good for some skin conditions (However, mud baths are strictly forbidden as they damage the ecosystem). The fresh air and natural environment provide a general sense of well-being.
Let's Get to Know Salda Lake Closer: Location, Geology and Conservation
Where is Salda Lake? It is located in southwestern Turkey, in the Lakes Region of the Mediterranean Region, 4 km from the Yeşilova district centre of Burdur. It is located in the middle of the triangle of Burdur, Denizli and Antalya provinces. Its altitude is approximately 1140-1193 meters.
A Geological Wonder: It is a crater lake formed about 2 million years ago, showing tectonic and karstic features. With a depth of 184 meters, it is one of the deepest lakes in Turkey. It has a closed basin structure, its water is slightly salty, highly alkaline and rich in minerals (magnesium, soda, clay). Its turquoise colour and white sands originate from hydromagnesite and stromatolites (microbialite) formed by biological mineralisation; these structures are the basis of the similarity with Mars. It is also notable for the white islets that appear from time to time.
Under Protection Shield: It is under special protection due to its unique structure and sensitive ecosystem. It was declared a Grade I Natural Protected Area in 1989, and on March 14, 2019, Salda Lake and its surroundings (approximately 295 km²) were declared a Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA) by Presidential Decree. This provides stronger protection, complementing the existing protected area status. Also to the south is the Salda Lake Nature Park. Protection is coordinated by various ministries and local authorities.
Transportation to Salda Lake: Route Planning
Transportation by Private Car: The most flexible option. It can be reached by road from surrounding provinces such as Burdur (via Hacılar), Denizli, Antalya and big cities such as Istanbul (~640km), Ankara (~480km), and Izmir (~300km). It is approximately 1-1.5 hours to Burdur, 1.5-2 hours to Denizli and 2.5-3 hours to Antalya.
Public Transportation: After reaching Burdur, Denizli or Antalya bus stations by bus, minibuses to Yesilova can be used. You can take a taxi from Yesilova to the lake or minibuses passing by the lake. Services may decrease in the evening hours.
Transportation by Aeroplane: The nearest airport is Denizli Çardak Airport (DNZ, ~50 km, ~1 hour). Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport (ISE, ~110 km, ~1.5 hours) and Antalya Airport (AYT, ~160 km, ~2.5-3 hours) are other options. The most practical transportation from the airports is to rent a car. Alternatively, you can reach the bus stations and take the Yesilova minibuses.
The Best Time for Salda Lake: Seasons and Weather
The best time depends on personal preferences:
Salda by Seasons: Spring (April-May) is a calm period when nature comes alive. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming, the hottest but most crowded period (nights are cool due to the high altitude!). Autumn (September-October) is a peaceful time when the crowds thin out and the colours are beautiful. Winter (November-March) is the most tranquil, cold, snowy period, offering a different kind of beauty (there is a ski resort nearby).
Climate and Weather: The climate is transitional between Mediterranean and continental, with a high altitude. The average annual temperature is around 15°C. The weather can be changeable, with a significant day-night temperature difference. Be prepared for cool evenings even in summer. Check the weather forecast before visiting.
Crowd Situation: Those seeking tranquillity should avoid the summer months, weekends and holidays. Spring, fall and weekdays are quieter.
Things to do in Salda Lake: Activities and Facilities
Activities should be carried out within the framework of conservation rules:
Swimming: Only allowed at designated beaches (Yesilova Municipality Public Beach, Doganbaba Public Beach, Nature Park Beach). Swimming is strictly forbidden in the White Islands. It should be remembered that the water may suddenly deepen.
Sunbathing and Resting: It is possible on authorized beaches. It is forbidden to bring sunbeds etc. into the protected shorelines (White Islands, Public Beach behind the barrier).
Picnic: Only in designated areas (prohibited on the White Islands). Lighting a fire is only allowed in special barbecue units (if any), it is strictly forbidden elsewhere.
Hiking and Exploring: There are trails and forest paths around the lake. Wooden viewing terraces and connecting walkways have been built to take in the scenery.
Photography: The lake is ideal for photographers with its changing colors, sandy beaches and sunset/sunrise views. White Islands, Public Beach, Nature Park and viewing terraces are popular without entering prohibited areas (Drone is subject to permission).
Bird Watching: It is possible to observe species such as dikkuyruk and flamingo, especially in fall and winter.
Strictly Forbidden: Entering/walking/swimming in the White Islands; setting up tents by the lake (Public Beach etc.); taking sand/clay/mud, taking mud baths; lighting fires outside designated areas; smoking in designated areas; using chemical products in the lake/showers; using boats/canoes/inflatable beds; flying drones without permission; bringing food/drinks into the White Islands.
Accommodation in Salda Lake: Where to Stay?
Accommodation options are concentrated in Yesilova centre and villages around the lake (Salda, Doganbaba, etc.):
Hotels, Hostels, Apartments: There are boutique hotels, hostels (Hotel Lago Di Salda, Salda Lake Hotel, Koca Kapı Konaklama etc.) and apartments for different budgets. There are options with lake view or within the village. Booking platforms or direct contact with the facilities is recommended.
Campsites (Current Status!): Camping is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN right on the shore of the lake (Public Beach, White Islands etc.). The former municipal campground and bungalows have been removed. Private campsites can be found a little further away from the lake, but their current status and permits should be checked. Camping is also not allowed in the Salda Forestry Ministry Nature Park.
Important Warning: Those who plan to camp should confirm the current information and permitted places from official sources (Ministry, Governorship, District Governorship, Municipality) before setting off.
Salda Lake Flavour Stops: What to Eat and Where to Eat?
Although food and beverage opportunities are not very diverse, they are available:
Eating and Drinking Options: Generally located in Yesilova center, permitted beaches and villages. It is mostly cafe, buffet, simple restaurant style.
Local Flavors: Famous minced meat toast, Burdur shish, walnut paste can be tried in Yesilova. Trout, pancakes, pita bread are available in some places. Local products such as poppy seed/lavender ice cream can be tasted.
Restaurant/Cafe Examples: There are places such as Salda Cafe, Saray Restaurant, Pideci Sami, and Kumsalda Kafe. The status of the facilities on the beaches should be checked up to date.
Picnic Alternative: Picnicking with your own food in the permitted areas is a good alternative.
Visitor's Handbook: Salda Lake Rules and Tips
Things to consider when planning your visit and sightseeing:
Entrance Procedures: Entrance to some areas (Natural Park) may be subject to a fee. It is forbidden to enter the White Islands area by private car; transportation is provided by shuttle (electric train, etc.) from the parking lot. There may be gendarmerie checkpoints.
Rules Specific to the White Islands: It is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to go down to the beach, walk on the sand and enter the water in this area. The area is surrounded by wooden barriers and can only be viewed from viewing points. The number of visitors may be limited.
General Prohibitions (Recap): Unauthorised camping, fires, sand/mud removal, mud bathing, smoking, chemical use, watercraft, and unauthorised drones are prohibited.
Respect for the Environment: Dispose of garbage or take it with you, do not harm plants and animals, avoid making noise, and stay on the trails.
Practical Tips: It is advisable to bring layers of clothing (the evenings are cool!), sun protection (cream, hat, goggles), comfortable shoes, swimming gear (for authorised places), water and snacks, a camera and cash.
Official Information Sources: Visit official websites such as www.saldagolu.gov.tr, MoEU Burdur Provincial Directorate (burdur.csb.gov.tr), Yesilova District Governorship (yesilova.gov.tr), Burdur Governorship (burdur.gov.tr) for up-to-date rules and information. The lake and its surroundings are monitored by cameras 24/7.
Discover Salda by Protecting it
In addition to its touristic beauty, Salda Lake is a valuable natural and scientific heritage that carries clues about the Earth's past and Mars and needs to be protected. While visiting this uniqueness, it is our responsibility to follow the rules, respect the environment and not harm nature. While enjoying the peace Salda offers, let's both discover and protect it by taking the care it deserves.
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