- Lake Salda has white shores and turquoise water and is a protected area
- Sagalassos is a spectacular Roman city high in the mountains
- Kibyra has a fine Medusa mosaic
- Easy to add to a Pamukkale or Isparta trip
- Airports
- Antalya (AYT), about two hours by road
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Burdur is a quiet province on the lake-dotted plateau north of Antalya. Most Turks know it for Lake Salda, whose white shores and turquoise water earned it the nickname "Turkey's Maldives". It is part of the Mediterranean region.
For UK travellers it fills a gap between the coast and Pamukkale, and Sagalassos alone makes the detour worthwhile. See our Turkey guide for practical tips.
Things to do
- Lake Salda – a deep crater lake with white mineral beaches. It is a protected area and access to parts of the shore is controlled, so follow the signs.
- Sagalassos – a Roman city at around 1,500 metres, with a restored Antonine fountain, a large theatre and stunning mountain views.
- Burdur Archaeology Museum – finds from Sagalassos and prehistoric Hacılar.
- Lake Burdur – a salty lake where flamingos and other waterbirds gather.
- İnsuyu Cave – a show cave with underground lakes, just outside Burdur town.
- Kibyra – a Roman city near Gölhisar with a well-preserved stadium and a large Medusa mosaic.
- Burdur town – Ottoman mansions and mosques in the old centre.
Where to stay
- Burdur town – a few simple hotels and the main base.
- Ağlasun – the village below Sagalassos has a few small guesthouses.
- Around Lake Salda – some small hotels and pensions in nearby Yeşilova.
- Isparta or Eğirdir – a short drive away, with more choice.
Getting there
Fly from the UK to Antalya, about four and a half hours. Burdur is roughly two hours' drive north, and Sagalassos about an hour and a half. Lake Salda is about an hour from Burdur town towards Denizli. A car is the practical way to get around. The province combines well with Isparta and Pamukkale.
Best time to visit
Late spring and early autumn bring mild weather. Sagalassos is high and can be cool even in summer, and snowy in winter. Lake Salda is busiest at weekends in July and August.
take a jacket to Sagalassos. Its altitude makes it noticeably cooler and windier than the coast.
Top attractions in Burdur
Burdur on the map
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Salda?
Rules have changed in recent years to protect the lake, so check on arrival which areas are open for swimming.
Is Sagalassos worth visiting?
Yes. Its setting is one of the most dramatic of any ancient site in Turkey, and it sees few visitors.
Is Burdur a day trip from Antalya?
Sagalassos or Lake Salda can be done in a long day, but seeing both is easier with an overnight stop.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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