Lakes offer alternative vacation opportunities

Turkey has a special geographic area called ‘Lakeland,' which contains many small lakes extending between five cities that offer alternative tourism activities

A number of large and small lakes in Turkey's Göller Yöresi (Lakeland), which extends from Antalya to Isparta, Konya, Burdur and Afyonkarahisar, offer alternative tourism opportunities. Among them, the lakes in Burdur stand out for their natural beauty, vegetation and wide-range of bird species. According to the information obtained by Anadolu Agency (AA) from officials from the Burdur Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and the Regional Directorate of Natural Protection and National Parks, Lake Salda, which is 9.86-meters-long and 6,800-meters-wide, is situated in a closed basin formed on a tectonic hollow in Burdur's Yeşilova district. It is 185-meters-deep and features clean sand. With its 301 aquatic and terrestrial plants from 61 different families, Lake Salda also offers clear, turquoise water. Bicycle tours, diving and bird watching are the most popular activities to do while enjoying the lake's tranquilizing atmosphere. Lake Salda is also a must-see stop for professional photographers.

Lake Burdur draws scores of tourists to witness its notable sunset. The lake is home to around 75 percent of the world's population of white-headed ducks, which are endangered. The bird population based in the lake's northern and eastern parts provides good opportunities for bird watchers as well. Situated between Söğüt Mountain and the northwestern and southeastern Suludere-Yayladağ basin, Lake Burdur was formed by the movement of tectonic plates. The lake draws scores of tourists to witness its notable sunset. Lake Burdur is home to around 75 percent of the world's population of white-headed ducks, which are endangered. The bird population based in the lake's northern and eastern parts provides good opportunities for bird watchers as well. The lake's Burdur Aquatic Birds Wildlife Protection Field also draws visitors because of the 85 bird species found there such as flamingos, swans, Eurasian coots, Ruddy shelducks and tufted ducks.

Lake Gölhisar Named after Burdur's Gölhisar district, Lake Gölhisar is a natural habitat for fish, butterflies, birds, mammals and reptiles. Lake Gölhisar is one of Turkey's most important habitats for different birds. So far, 53 species of bird have been identified. There are agricultural fields as well as forest, wetland and steppe ecosystems around the lake. There are different forest types featuring coniferous or deciduous trees along with reed beds, streams, mires and water meadows.

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