Known as the “flower garden” of Türkiye, the city of Isparta will celebrate its annual lavender harvest season from the end of July to mid August. Visitors can immerse themselves in purple splendour and floral aroma, as well as witness the harvesting process and learn about the production of lavender products.

They can also visit Kuyucak where they can enjoy lavender themed culinary delights and guided tours. The village in Isparta’s Keçiborlu district produces 90% of Türkiye’s lavender which is transformed into creams, soaps, oils, colognes, and other products.

The Land of Roses

More than just a lavender wonderland, the eco-tourism destination is also well known for its vibrant rose gardens. As the rose centre of Türkiye, it has the capacity to produce 65% of the world’s rose oil. In Türkiye, the area’s roses are processed in delicious edible products, such as rose delight and rose jam, as well as various cosmetic products like rose water, rose oil, and rose perfumes and creams. The annual rose harvest in late May and June is celebrated by residents and visitors alike.

Türkiye’s own Lake District

Isparta also encompasses part of Türkiye’s famous Lakes Region in the Mediterranean Basin which ranked among the “50 Best Places to Travel to in 2023”. The region’s largest lake, Eğirdir is a splendid natural wonder surrounded by the district’s famous apple orchards. Visitors can walk or bicycle around the lake, enjoy boat tours and dine on fresh fish at a lakefront eatery. On the lake, the relatively deserted Can Island is often used for camping and picnicking. With a village of wooden houses and narrow streets, the lake’s Yeşil Island is known for the Aya Stefanos Church, a prominent Christian site. The district is also home to CittaSlow city of Eğirdir, Eğirdir Castle which dates to the Eastern Roman period, and the 800-year-old Hızırbey Mosque. The lake of Kovada is a favourite destination for nature photography, wildlife observation, and camping enthusiasts.

Trekking Adventures amid History and Nature    

The Lakes Region features several ancient cities on its hiking trails. The Saint Paul and Pisidia trails traverse archaeological sites in the Isparta province, with Saint Paul’s Trail, one of the longest hiking routes in Türkiye, passing through Yazılı Canyon in Isparta’s Çandır village and the ancient city of Adada and Pisidia Antiocheia, and the Eğirdir and Yalvaç districts. The Yazılı Canyon is historically significant due to its temples and rock inscriptions. Rock climbing in the canyon and rafting on the Göksu River are popular experiences.

The ancient city of Adada encompasses the Temple of Trajan and the Emperors and the temple of Zeus Megistos-Serapis in Adada. Meanwhile, Pisidia Antiocheia offers the majestic structures of the Temple of Augustus, the Roman Baths, and the Monumental Fountain. Antiocheia, where Saint Paul presented his first sermon of record, is also notable for the church dedicated to the saint. Findings from the ancient city are exhibited in the Yalvaç Museum.

Pisidia, another noteworthy hiking trail in the region, offers an opportunity to visit the ancient Adada and Antiocheia in Isparta and the surrounding cities. Some of the most striking sites on the route include Sagalassos Ancient City in the Ağlasun district of Burdur. It contains the 1,800-year-old Antonine Fountain.