5 places to visit in the Sarayköy district of Denizli: Büyük Menderes River, Sarayköy Hot Springs and Sarayköy Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Sarayköy with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Sarayköy is a district of Denizli province. It is thought to have been founded towards the end of the 14th century by Sarıbey, a Turkmen tribal chief. The district covers 379 km², and the average elevation of the district centre’s population is 162 metres above sea level.
The Büyük Menderes River, flowing between the Aydın Mountains and the Menteşe Mountains, has allowed the district to settle on a fertile plain. The district’s climate is hot and dry in summer, while winters are not very cold but are rainy.
Orchard farming is widespread, with many fruits grown, especially peaches, plums and apricots. Waste hot water from the Kızıldere geothermal power plant is used for central heating, heating around 5,000 homes.
On 15 May 1919, the Sarayköy National Committee (Heyet-i Milliye) mobilised against the Greek occupation. Volunteer forces gathered under the leadership of the mufti and protected the Menderes bridge, preventing the advance of the enemy.
The exact founding date of Sarayköy district is not known, but it is thought to have been founded towards the end of the 14th century by Sarıbey, a Turkmen tribal chief. On 15 May 1919, the Sarayköy National Committee, under the leadership of the mufti Ahmet Şükrü Yavuzyılmaz, protected the Menderes bridge and stopped the Greek army’s advance. Weaving, which spread from Babadağ in Sarayköy and its surroundings, is the most developed industrial branch in recent years. Every year on 24 May, Sarayköy’s participation in the War of Independence is celebrated with festivities as “Sarayköy’s Day of Participation in the War of Independence”. The Kızıldere geothermal power plant, built in Sarayköy, is the first geothermal power plant in Türkiye.
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A river flowing between the Aydın Mountains and the Menteşe Mountains. It runs through the north of the district and forms the fertile Sarayköy plain. It was of strategic importance in historical periods, including during the War of Independence.
View on mapSarayköy is rich in geothermal resources. Cures for rheumatism, skin conditions and respiratory problems are given at the thermal facilities.
View on mapA Grand Mosque built in the Ottoman period, the oldest place of worship in the district. It is noted for its stonework and traditional architectural features. The fountain in its courtyard and the inscriptions on the surrounding walls shed light on the building's history.
View on mapThermal waters in the Sarayköy district. Waste hot water discharged from the Kızıldere geothermal power plant is used for central heating, heating around 5,000 homes in the Sarayköy district centre.
View on mapA spa among the healing waters around Sarayköy. It is located along the Büyük Menderes River together with the Kızıldere and Yenice hot springs.
View on mapWhile you are in Sarayköy, you can also see the highlights of Denizli province. These places are in other districts; Sarayköy is about 22 km from the provincial centre.
Lamb marinated in special spices and cooked over a wood fire. It is served in local restaurants in Sarayköy.
Prepared by simmering lamb with its bones for a long time. It is an essential dish on Sarayköy's winter tables.
Thin rolled dough filled with cheese or herbs and cooked on a griddle. Fresh gözleme can be found at Sarayköy's markets.
Sarayköy's geothermal resources have been known since ancient times. Thermal waters have been used for healing for centuries and have shaped the district's cultural identity.
Farming on the fertile plain watered by the Büyük Menderes River is the main livelihood of the people of Sarayköy and an inseparable part of their cultural identity.
Sarayköy's economy is based on geothermal energy, agriculture and thermal tourism. Electricity generation and greenhouse heating are carried out with geothermal energy. Wheat, cotton and vegetable growing are the main farming activities. The thermal facilities contribute to health tourism.
Sarayköy is 22 km from Denizli city centre. It lies on the Denizli–İzmir road. Regular minibus services run from Denizli.
Sarayköy's top 5 sights: Büyük Menderes River, Sarayköy Hot Springs, Sarayköy Grand Mosque, Kızıldere Hot Springs and Tekke Hot Springs.
Denizli Kebabı, Tandır Çorbası and Gözleme are the standout dishes on Sarayköy's tables.
Sarayköy is known for geothermal energy and thermal culture. Sarayköy has one of Türkiye's most important geothermal energy sources. Geothermal energy is used both for electricity generation and for heating greenhouses.
Sarayköy is 22 km from Denizli city centre. It lies on the Denizli–İzmir road. Regular minibus services run from Denizli.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: year-round (thermal facilities).