The Eğirdir-Beyşehir Lake Road: Türkiye's Lakeside Scenic Drive

Why Drive the Eğirdir–Beyşehir Lake Road

Few corners of Türkiye reward a slow drive as generously as the Lakes Region. Between Lake Eğirdir and Lake Beyşehir the road curls through apple and cherry orchards, climbs pine-scented passes and then opens suddenly onto wide, glassy water ringed by the Taurus Mountains. The distance is modest — roughly 120 to 150 kilometres depending on your chosen detour — so you can finish the drive in a single relaxed day or stretch it over two or three with stops that feel genuinely unhurried.

What makes this route special is the combination: it is neither a pure mountain road nor a pure lake circuit. You get both, stitched together with Seljuk history. Thirteenth-century caravanserais sit beside the road, some still bearing their carved portals, reminders that this corridor once carried silk and spice caravans between Konya and the Mediterranean coast.

And because the lakes are freshwater, ringed with reeds and small fishing villages, the evenings belong to the table. A plate of grilled sazan (carp) or lake trout, a bowl of local yoghurt, a glass of tea as the light fades over the water — this is the rhythm of the route.

Lake Eğirdir: Where the Drive Begins

Eğirdir town spills down to a narrow peninsula that juts into the lake, and the road along that peninsula is one of the prettiest short drives in Anatolia. Small guesthouses occupy restored stone houses, several with terraces looking straight out over the water. The lake itself is a source of drinking water for the region, so it stays remarkably clear — swimmers and walkers share the shore in summer.

Start your morning with breakfast on a lakeside terrace, then take the short loop toward the village of Yeşilada, connected to the peninsula by a causeway. Fishermen still mend nets here, and the shoreline is lined with wooden piers where you can sit with a book for an hour.

Before heading east, stock up on apples — Eğirdir is famous for them — and take a wander through the old bazaar. The town also makes a natural base for exploring the surrounding rose-growing country around Isparta.

The Route: Passes, Orchards and Caravanserais

From Eğirdir the road climbs southeast through Gelendost and its orchard valleys, then bends east toward the high ground that separates the two lakes. This is the scenic heart of the drive: pine forests, terraced apple trees and the occasional shepherd with a flock crossing the road. Traffic is light, the surface is generally good, and the passes are gentle enough for any car.

Watch for the roadside sign pointing to the Ertokuş Han, a Seljuk caravanserai built in the early thirteenth century. Its arcaded courtyard and heavy stone portal are wonderfully atmospheric, and because it sits just off the main road it is usually quiet — you may have the whole place to yourself. Small villages along the way sell honey, dried fruit and cheese from roadside stands, so carry a little cash.

As you approach Lake Beyşehir the landscape opens dramatically: reed beds, water birds and the long, pale line of the lake stretching toward distant mountains. Pull off at any of the informal viewpoints before the final descent into Beyşehir town.

Lake Beyşehir: Reeds, Boats and Sunset

Beyşehir is the larger of the two lakes and feels wilder, its edges fringed with reeds that shelter herons, pelicans and ducks. The town itself is workaday but welcoming, with a scattering of lakeside guesthouses and restaurants where the catch of the day arrives from the water a few hours earlier.

Do not miss the thirteenth-century Eşrefoğlu Mosque in the town centre, celebrated for its wooden columns and carved ceiling — one of the finest timber mosques in Anatolia. Nearby, the lakeshore at the small harbour is the place for an evening stroll, with boats bobbing and the light turning gold across the water.

For those with a little extra time, the road toward the ancient Hittite site of Eflatun Pınar and the lake's western shore offers more quiet driving and birdwatching. In summer, the water is warm enough for a swim; in spring and autumn, the light is best for photography.

Lakeside Guesthouses and Local Fish Dinners

The charm of this drive lies in its evenings. In Eğirdir, guesthouses occupy old stone houses along the peninsula, often run by families who can arrange boat trips or point you toward the best fishing spots. In Beyşehir, the choice is smaller but the hospitality is no less warm, with rooms looking out across the reeds.

Dinner follows the same pattern in both towns: a short menu built on the lake. Grilled carp, fried trout, kömbe (a local pastry), a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, and a plate of fresh fruit to finish. Reservations are rarely needed outside high summer, and prices are kind.

Early risers are rewarded with mist over the water and the sound of birds — the reason many travellers end up extending their stay by an extra night.

Practical Route Notes and Combining with Konya or Isparta

The drive works in either direction. Approaching from Isparta is the easiest option — the city is about an hour from Eğirdir and has bus and flight connections. From Konya, you can drive west to Beyşehir first and finish at Eğirdir, which links naturally with a return via Isparta. Allow two days at a relaxed pace or three if you want time for swimming, birdwatching and the Eflatun Pınar detour.

A car is essential for the rural stretches; fuel up in Eğirdir, Gelendost and Beyşehir. Roads are generally quiet, but drive carefully at dawn and dusk for wildlife and farm vehicles. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild days and few crowds; summer is warm but fine for swimming, and winter can bring snow on the passes.

This route fits neatly into a broader Lakes Region itinerary. Pair it with the rose gardens and Ottoman streets of Isparta, or with the Seljuk monuments of Konya, and you have a week that balances scenery with culture. Use our itineraries for longer regional plans, check the best time to visit guidance before you travel, or build a custom plan with the trip planner.