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5 places to visit in the Acıpayam district of Denizli: Acıpayam Plain, Acıpayam Castle and Kelekçi Plateau. Plan your trip to Acıpayam with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Acıpayam is a district of Denizli province, with a population of 55,141. At 1,772 km², it is the largest district in Denizli. The word “payam” in the name is said to come from almond production.

History

The settlement is recorded under the earlier names Garbi Karaağaç and Karaağaç. In 1929, the district of Garbi Karaağaç, attached to Denizli, was renamed Acıpayam.

Geographical Location

The average elevation of the district above sea level is 935 metres. Located at the transition point from the Aegean Region to the Mediterranean Region, the district has Burdur districts to the east and Tavas and Beyağaç to the west. The district has 56 neighbourhoods (mahalle).

Climate and Agriculture

Because the district lies at the transition point between the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions, it has a variable climate. Acıpayam is famous for its melon, and gourd-type fruits grow easily. The plain generally produces melon, watermelon, cabbage, spinach, tomato, pepper, apple and many other products.

History and Culture

The settlement was recorded under the earlier names Garbi Karaağaç and Karaağaç; in 1929 the name of Garbi Karaağaç was changed to Acıpayam. It is said that the word “payam” in Acıpayam was taken from almond production in the district. The first harvest of the 2026 season of Acıpayam melon, one of Denizli’s products with a geographical indication, has been gathered.

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Places to Visit in Acıpayam

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Acıpayam Plain

One of the largest plains in Denizli, the Acıpayam Plain is surrounded by fertile farmland. In spring, its flowering orchards and green fields offer beautiful views.

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Historic

Acıpayam Castle

The castle ruins on the hill overlooking the district centre date from the Byzantine and Seljuk periods. From the castle there is a panoramic view of the Acıpayam plain and the surrounding mountains.

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Nature

Kelekçi Plateau

A plateau in the high part of Acıpayam which, in summer, is favoured for picnics and nature walks thanks to its cool climate and pine forests.

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Religious

Acıpayam Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque, built in the Ottoman period, is the oldest place of worship in the district. Its stonework and wooden decoration reflect classic Ottoman mosque architecture.

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Nature

Acıpayam Canyon

Also known as Olukbaşı or Benlik Canyon, the canyon is surrounded by forests and famous for its turquoise waters. It has around 10 kilometres of walking trails and decorative pools.

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Places to Visit Around Denizli Province

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While you are in Acıpayam, you can also see the highlights of Denizli province. These places are in other districts; Acıpayam is about 58 km from the provincial centre.

  • Pamukkale Travertines — Brilliant white travertine terraces about 2,700 metres long and 160 metres high, built up over thousands of years by thermal waters rich in calcium bicarbonate; together with Hierapolis they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. They lie about 20 km from the city centre.
  • Hierapolis Ancient City — The 'sacred city' built on top of the travertines, and the centre of the cult of Cybele in the Phrygian period.
  • Hierapolis Necropolis — One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, north of the city, made up of sarcophagi, tumuli and house-shaped tombs.
  • Antique Pool — A thermal pool in Hierapolis where columns brought down by an earthquake lie under the water; you swim among fragments of ancient columns in water at about 35 °C.
  • Hierapolis Archaeology Museum — A museum that has occupied the Roman bath of Hierapolis since 1984; it displays finds from Hierapolis, Laodicea, Colossae, Tripolis and Beycesultan.
  • Laodicea — A city 6 km north of Denizli, founded in the 3rd century BC by Antiochus II, who named it after his wife Laodice; it is one of the seven churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation.

Practical Information for Visiting Acıpayam

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Acıpayam

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  • Denizli Kebabı

    Lamb marinated in special spices and cooked over a wood fire. Also widely eaten in Acıpayam, Denizli kebabı is the best-known dish of the region.

  • Tandır Çorbası (lamb bone soup)

    Made by simmering lamb together with its bones for a long time, tandır çorbası is an essential winter dish in Acıpayam.

  • Gözleme

    Thin rolled dough filled with cheese, spinach or potato and cooked on a griddle. Fresh gözleme can be found at Acıpayam's markets.

  • Acıpayam Melon

    A melon famous from Acıpayam's high-altitude plain. It grows in the sandy soil of the fertile plain, and the district is known for its melons.

  • Goku

    A dish of the Acıpayam area, known locally by the district's name. Details are not given in the source.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Acıpayam

  • Yörük Culture

    Acıpayam is a district where Yörük culture is strong. The nomadic way of life, plateau pastoralism and tent weaving from goat hair are still practised.

  • Traditional Handicrafts

    Kilim and carpet weaving is traditionally practised in Acıpayam. Kilims woven with local motifs are important examples of Aegean handicrafts.

Local Products

  • Acıpayam Melon (Acıpayam Kavunu) — Acıpayam Kavunu was registered as a protected geographical indication on 29 September 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1780). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and mushrooms. Registered by: Acıpayam District Governorship.
  • Cherries — Acıpayam is one of Denizli's important cherry-producing centres. Local cherries are known for their large fruit and sweet aroma.
  • Apples — Apples are grown in the high parts of the district. Acıpayam apples are preferred for their firm texture and aroma.

Economy

Acıpayam's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Cherries, apples, grapes and grain are the main crops. Raising small livestock and producing dairy products are also important sources of livelihood. Marble quarries contribute to the district's economy.

How to Get to Acıpayam

Acıpayam is 58 km from Denizli city centre. Regular minibus and bus services run from Denizli. It lies on the Burdur–Denizli highway.

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Acıpayam: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Acıpayam?

The 5 standout places in Acıpayam are Acıpayam Plain, Acıpayam Castle, Kelekçi Plateau, Acıpayam Grand Mosque and Acıpayam Canyon.

What is there to eat in Acıpayam?

Denizli Kebabı, Tandır Çorbası, Gözleme and Acıpayam Melon are the standout dishes on Acıpayam's tables.

What is Acıpayam famous for?

Acıpayam is known for Acıpayam Melon and Yörük Culture. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Acıpayam?

Acıpayam is 58 km from Denizli city centre. Regular minibus and bus services run from Denizli. It lies on the Burdur–Denizli highway.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Acıpayam?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer.

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