Top things to do in Isparta
Isparta’s highlights lie in its fragrant fields, lakes and mountains.
- Rose fields — Visit during the harvest, when oil-bearing roses are picked at dawn and distilled into rose oil and rose water.
- Kuyucak lavender fields — A village famous for its purple lavender fields, especially photogenic in early summer.
- Lake Eğirdir — A large freshwater lake east of the city, with a lakeside town, islands and fresh fish.
- Gölcük Lake — A crater lake in a nature park just outside Isparta, popular for walks and picnics.
- Sagalassos — A spectacular ancient city high in the mountains, with a monumental fountain and theatre, about an hour away.
- Kovada Lake National Park — Forests and a quiet lake south of Eğirdir, ideal for nature lovers.
- Davraz ski centre — Winter skiing with views over Lake Eğirdir.
Best time to visit Isparta
Isparta has a continental climate with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. May to October is the best time to visit, with sunny weather for lakes, hiking and ancient sites. Late May and June is the rose harvest season, when the surrounding fields bloom pink, and lavender usually flowers in late June and July.
Autumn brings apple harvests around Eğirdir and pleasant temperatures for walking. Winter is cold, but snowfall makes Davraz a popular ski destination. Spring can be rainy but green and fresh, with orchards in blossom.
Getting from the airport
Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport lies outside the city, roughly 30 minutes’ drive from central Isparta depending on traffic.
Shuttle buses usually connect with flights and run into the city centre, and taxis are available outside the terminal. Car hire is a good option, as many of the region’s attractions, including Eğirdir, Sagalassos and the lavender villages, are best reached by road. Some hotels can arrange transfers if requested in advance.
Where to stay
Choose between the city and the lakeside for a different experience.
- Isparta city centre — Hotels near shops, restaurants and transport; practical for business and short stays.
- Eğirdir — Guesthouses and small hotels by the lake, some on the island linked by a causeway; ideal for a relaxing stay.
- Near Davraz — Mountain hotels convenient for skiing in winter.
Travel tips
- Money: Cards are widely accepted in the city; carry some lira in cash for village shops and markets.
- Getting around: A hire car makes it easy to explore lakes, villages and ancient sites; intercity buses also link the main towns.
- Souvenirs: Rose oil, rose water, rose jam and rose-scented cosmetics are local specialities.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and rural villages, and ask before photographing people.
- Language: Turkish is the main language and English is limited, so a translation app is very useful.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Isparta?
Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport (ISE), about 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Take an airport shuttle bus, a taxi or a hire car; the drive usually takes around 30 minutes.
What currency is used in Isparta?
The Turkish lira (TRY).
Do I need a visa to visit Türkiye?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Isparta?
May to October, with late May and June ideal for the rose harvest.
Why is Isparta called the city of roses?
The region is one of the world’s leading producers of rose oil, made from the oil-bearing roses grown in its fields.
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