Photo: Ingo Mehling (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 10 places to visit in the Eğirdir district of Isparta: Lake Eğirdir, Yeşilada (Nis Island) and Eğirdir Castle. Plan your trip to Eğirdir with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Eğirdir is a district of Isparta Province on the shore of Lake Eğirdir. It lies about 34 km from Isparta. The district covers an area of 1,315 km², and the average altitude of the district centre above sea level is 924 metres. Lake Eğirdir is Türkiye’s second-largest freshwater lake and a natural drinking water basin. It is one of Isparta’s most important tourism centres.
Records show that Eğirdir and its surroundings have been inhabited since the period of the Arzawa Kingdom. In the Luwian civilisation period the region was called Askawana, meaning ‘Land of Islands’. After the Arzawa Kingdom, the region came under Phrygian rule around 1200 BC. Between 687 and 547 BC it was occupied by the Lydians. Eğirdir town is believed to have been founded by Croesus, the last Lydian ruler, and its first name is thought to have been ‘Krozos’.
The first Turkish settlement in the area is believed to have taken place a few years after 1071. Anatolian Seljuk ruler III. Kılıçaslan brought Eğirdir under Seljuk rule in 1204, together with the surrounding cities. The Seljuks gave Eğirdir, which they used as a summer resort, the name Cennetâbad because of its natural beauty. In 1280 the Hamitoğulları Principality was founded, and Eğirdir served as its capital for many years. In 1391, Eğirdir and its region came under Ottoman rule. In the time of Sultan II. Murat, in 1423, it was fully incorporated into Ottoman territory.
Eğirdir and its surroundings passed into the hands of the Anatolian Seljuk State in 1204. Eğirdir served as the capital of the Hamitoğulları Principality for many years. The castle was damaged during Timur’s invasion of Eğirdir and was repaired during the Hamidid and Ottoman periods. The name of the district was changed from Eğridir to Eğirdir in 1985. On 22 May 1915, the people of Eğirdir formed an armed force of 700 men under the leadership of Talayzade Salih Bey. Every year in August, the International Eğirdir Triathlon Competitions are held.
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Photo: Nedim Ardoğa (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A castle on the rocky hill by the lake shore, built in the Lydian period and extended in the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The castle walls offer panoramic views of Lake Eğirdir.
View on mapLocated in the most central part of the district, the stone building also known as the stone madrasa was built as a caravanserai in 1237.
View on mapThe caravanserai in the Yeni neighbourhood, on the Konya–Antalya road.
View on mapBuilt in 1327 during the period of the Hamidid Principality, this mosque is the oldest place of worship in Eğirdir. Its stonework, influenced by Seljuk architecture, and its wooden minbar give it historical value.
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Photo: Ingo Mehling (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Türkiye's second-largest freshwater lake and a natural drinking water basin.
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Photo: BilgeKorkmaz (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Kovada Lake National Park, to the south of Eğirdir, is a natural area protected for its rich vegetation and wildlife. Surrounded by cedar, black pine and juniper forests, the lake is ideal for picnics and nature walks.
View on mapThe national park to the south of Eğirdir, an area where camping, hiking, bird watching and climbing are possible.
View on mapAn island 1.5 km from Eğirdir town centre, known for its wooden houses built on stone foundations and its narrow streets.
View on mapA viewpoint from Akpınar Village, 7 km from Eğirdir town centre, from which Lake Eğirdir and its islands can be seen.
View on mapWhile you are in Eğirdir, you can also see the highlights of Isparta province. These places are in other districts; Eğirdir is about 32 km from the provincial centre.
Freshwater crayfish caught in Lake Eğirdir, the district's most famous delicacy. Served boiled or grilled with a lemon and garlic sauce.
Pike-perch and carp from Lake Eğirdir are coated in flour and fried in a pan. Eating fresh fish with its crisp texture by the lake is a pleasure in itself.
Made with slices of Eğirdir's famous apples caramelised with cinnamon and sugar. It is served with ice cream or kaymak.
Apples grown in the orchards by the lake.
Listed on the Isparta Governorship's promotional page as crayfish found in Eğirdir.
Listed on the Isparta Governorship's promotional page as a dish recommended to be ordered by groups of four or more people in Eğirdir.
The people of Eğirdir have made their living from lake fishing for centuries. Traditional wooden boats and fishing nets are still used on the lake shore.
Eğirdir was the capital of the Hamidid Principality in the 13th and 14th centuries. The mosques, madrasas and castle structures from this period form the historical identity of the district.
The economy of Eğirdir is based on apple cultivation, fishing and tourism. In the district, one of the largest apple production centres in Türkiye, lake tourism is also an important source of income. Crayfish exports contribute to the economy.
Eğirdir is 32 km from Isparta city centre. Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport is about 50 km away. It lies on the Antalya–Isparta road. Minibus and dolmuş services run regularly to Isparta.
The 10 main attractions in Eğirdir: Lake Eğirdir, Yeşilada (Nis Island), Eğirdir Castle, Hızırbey Mosque, Kovada Lake National Park, Dündarbey Madrasa, Eğirdir Caravanserai, Yeşilada, Kovada Lake National Park and Akpınar Village Viewing Terrace.
Eğirdir Kereviti, Göl Balığı Tava, Elmalı Tatlı and Eğirdir apples are the standout flavours of Eğirdir's tables.
Eğirdir is known for Eğirdir Apples and Fishing Culture. Eğirdir is one of Türkiye's most important apple production centres. Apples grown in the orchards by the lake are known for their firmness and aroma.
Eğirdir is 32 km from Isparta city centre. Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport is about 50 km away. It lies on the Antalya–Isparta road. Minibus and dolmuş services run regularly to Isparta.
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).