Things To Do
in Yeşilova
Yeşilova is a small district in Burdur Province in southwestern Turkey, best known as the gateway to the striking Salda Lake with its white volcanic sand and turquoise water. The town itself is a quiet, agricultural community surrounded by rolling plains and low hills, where local life centers around markets, tea gardens and seasonal farming. Visitors come mainly for nature: swimming, photography, birdwatching and short hikes around the lake and nearby plateaus.
Infrastructure is modest but friendly, with basic services in town and larger hospitals and transport links in nearby Burdur and Isparta.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the charming streets of Yeşilova, where you can admire the quaint architecture and local shops. Don't miss the early morning market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce and handmade crafts. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café, savoring olives, cheese, and fresh bread with a strong cup of tea.
After lunch, head to the nearby archaeological site of Yeşilova Höyük, where you can explore the remnants of ancient civilizations. Take a guided tour to learn about the site's significance and the artifacts uncovered during excavations. Spend some time at the local museum to further appreciate the rich history and culture of the region.
As the sun sets, stroll along the banks of the nearby lake, where locals gather to unwind. Find a cozy restaurant with a lake view and indulge in a dinner of freshly caught fish and seasonal vegetables. End your day enjoying traditional Turkish music at a local tavern, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture.
Begin your day with a revitalizing hike in the surrounding hills of Yeşilova, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lush landscape. The crisp morning air and chirping birds create a serene atmosphere as you navigate through the trails. Stop at a viewpoint to take photos of the stunning vistas and appreciate the beauty of nature.
After your hike, head to the nearby nature reserve for a picnic lunch surrounded by pine trees. Spend your afternoon birdwatching or simply relaxing by the tranquil streams that flow through the area. Consider joining a guided nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna that call this region home.
As evening approaches, return to Yeşilova for a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine. Savor dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, perhaps trying the famous kebabs or manti. Conclude your day with a peaceful evening walk through the village, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Taxi start + short ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse (per night) | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to the spectacular Salda Lake and pristine natural scenery
- Quiet, authentic rural Turkish atmosphere and friendly locals
- Excellent photography and outdoor activity opportunities
- Affordable prices and simple, fresh local food
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer accommodation options
- Public transport connections are modest—best accessed by car
- Seasonal closures of some services in winter
- Basic medical facilities in town; major care may require travel
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim / Sağol" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Etsiz / Vegansız yapabilir misiniz?" - Can you make it without meat / vegan?
Places to Visit in Yeşilova
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic white mineral shores and clear turquoise water create striking contrasts—best at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light and reflections.
Elevated vantage points around the lake offer panoramic shots of the basin, distant hills and the lake’s layered colors.
Colorful market stalls, narrow streets, tea gardens and daily life scenes ideal for documentary-style urban photography.
In spring, orchards and almond/cherry trees around Yeşilova bloom—excellent for close-up and landscape compositions.
Food in Yeşilova
Yeşilova Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin, stuffed flatbread cooked on a griddle; common fillings include spinach and cheese or minced meat. Found at morning market stalls and local cafés.
Must-Try!
Long flatbread or round pide topped with spiced minced meat, cheese, or vegetables; try at small bakeries or family restaurants in town.
Tangy yogurt drink (ayran) and mild white cheeses produced by nearby farms—perfect with bread and gözleme; available in markets and grocery shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local produce market (usually once a week) selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, fresh cheese, nuts and homemade pastries; ideal for sampling cherries, melons and local honey.
Small vendors near the lake offer cold drinks, gözleme and simple snacks—good for a light lunch or picnic supplies after swimming.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings (Merhaba) and a handshake are customary in town; show respect to elders and be modest in conversation. Using basic Turkish phrases goes a long way.
Yeşilova is relatively conservative—dress modestly when visiting villages, mosques or older residents. Swimwear is fine at the lake but cover up in town.
Remove shoes when invited indoors, bring a small gift if visiting a family, and accept offered tea as a gesture of hospitality.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders; some may decline.
Safety
Tipping in Yeşilova
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 5–10% is appreciated for table service; rounding up small bills or leaving change for café and tea garden staff is common. Taxis are often rounded up to the next lira, and hotel porters/housekeeping can receive small tips (a few TL).
Turkish lira is the local currency; credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but small shops, market stalls and lakeside vendors may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town but carry cash when visiting remote spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming orchards and fewer tourists; ideal for hiking, birdwatching and enjoying markets with fresh produce. Nights can still be chilly—bring layers.
Hot, dry and sunny—Salda Lake is perfect for swimming and sunbathing but midday heat can be intense. Expect more visitors on weekends; use sun protection and carry water.
Cooling temperatures and harvest season bring pleasant weather for walks and photography; some services begin to scale back after summer.
Cold with occasional snow, especially in higher areas; lakeside swimming is off-season but landscapes are quiet and atmospheric—some businesses may be closed.
Yeşilova at Night
Hiking in Yeşilova
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible trails along the lake edge and boardwalks that showcase mineral formations, beaches and viewpoints—suitable for casual hikers and photographers.
Routes across low hills and plateaus surrounding Yeşilova offer panoramic views of the lake basin and agricultural landscape; best in spring and autumn.
While not within Yeşilova proper, the archaeological site near Ağlasun (Sagalassos) is reachable as a day trip and features trails among ancient ruins and mountainous scenery—combine culture and hiking.
Airports
How to reach Yeşilova by plane.
Approximately 90–120 km away depending on route; limited domestic flights connect to Ankara and Istanbul; from the airport you can rent a car or take shared transfers toward Burdur and Yeşilova.
Major international airport roughly 150–200 km to the south; offers many domestic and international connections and car rental options. Transfer by bus or rental car is common for travelers continuing to Yeşilova.
Around 150–180 km to the west; useful for travelers combining trips to Pamukkale and the Burdur region. Ground transport options include buses and car rentals.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, many engaged in agriculture and local trades; community life centers on family, farming cycles and local markets.
Younger residents often move seasonally or permanently to larger cities for education and work; seasonal agricultural labor increases during harvests.
A notable portion of the population is older and preserves traditional customs, contributing to a conservative social atmosphere in village areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region with local amateur teams and enthusiastic community support for matches.
Rural roads and scenic routes attract recreational cyclists and mountain bikers, particularly in spring and autumn.
A popular pastime due to accessible trails around Salda Lake and nearby plateaus.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yeşilova.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available: gözleme with cheese or spinach, vegetable stews, eggplant dishes and mezes. Ask for 'etsiz' (without meat) and point out dairy if you avoid it—many dishes contain yogurt or cheese.
More limited in a small town but achievable with soups, lentil dishes (mercimek çorbası often contains butter—ask), salads, fresh bread and grilled vegetables; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.
Challenging due to ubiquitous bread and bulgur; rice, grilled meats and salads are safer choices. Communicate 'glutensiz' and be cautious with shared surfaces in bakeries.