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Lake Beyşehir

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Beyşehir is the largest freshwater lake in Turkey, covering a surface area of approximately 650 square kilometers in the southwestern part of Konya Province. Situated at an elevation of 1,123 meters above sea level, it is a prominent feature of the Turkish Lakes Region in the western foothills of the Taurus Mountains. The lake is famous for its more than 33 islands, with Mada Island being the largest and the only one that remains permanently inhabited. Recognizing its ecological importance, the area was designated as a National Park in 1993 to protect its diverse fish populations and migratory bird species. On its southeastern shore lies the town of Beyşehir, home to the 13th-century Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture. The lake also serves as a critical reservoir for the irrigation of the Konya Plain, with water channeled through the artificial Beyşehir Canal.

Location: Turkey
Nearby: Beyşehir (24 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	5	9	14	18	22	22	18	12	6	1
Rain mm	77	50	44	47	50	31	11	10	23	42	44	71

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Lake Beyşehir is accessible via well-maintained roads from Konya or Isparta. The town of Beyşehir on the southeastern shore serves as the primary gateway, from which visitors have easy access to boat tours and lakeside promenades.

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Best season

Summer months are convenient for water sports and boat tours, while spring is the best time for birdwatching. In autumn, the landscape is particularly easy on the eye, whereas winter can often bring cold winds and snowfall to the area.

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Terrain & paths

The shoreline area is largely flat and accessible, featuring reed beds and sandy beaches in some sections. The surroundings are defined by the striking Taurus mountain ranges, providing an impressive contrast to the vast water surface.

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What to bring

Light clothing and sun protection are essential in summer, while a windproof jacket should be planned for spring and autumn. For nature enthusiasts, binoculars are a must to observe the diverse birdlife in the protected areas.

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Parking

In the town of Beyşehir, there are numerous public parking lots and spaces along the lakeside promenade. Near the main beaches and picnic areas, visitors will also generally find designated zones for leaving their vehicles.

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Safety

When swimming or boating, pay attention to local weather warnings, as sudden winds can increase wave activity. In reed-covered areas, caution is advised to avoid disturbing the sensitive habitats of the resident birds.

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Time needed

For a relaxed walk and a boat trip, visitors should plan for about 4 to 6 hours. Those wishing to visit historical sites in the area or the many islands can easily spend a full day enjoying the lake's diverse offerings.

Geography

Coordinates

37.78330, 31.53330

Facts

The lake is situated at an elevation of 1,123 meters.
The maximum depth of the lake is approximately 10 meters.
Mada Island is the largest of the 33 islands.
The Lake Beyşehir National Park was established in 1993.
The lake water is used for the irrigation of the Konya Plain.
The Eşrefoğlu Mosque on the shore dates back to 1299.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Beyşehir24 km · NWExplore →

Köprülü Canyon National Park69 km · SWExplore →

Eğirdir76 km · SExplore →

Lake Eğirdir78 km · SExplore →

Aspendos Theater90 km · SWExplore →

Çolaklı93 km · WExplore →

Ilıca93 km · WExplore →

Kısalar95 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Beyşehir Lake?

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for hiking and birdwatching.

Can you swim in Beyşehir Lake?

Yes, there are designated beach areas, but the water can be cool even in summer.

Are there camping sites nearby?

Yes, there are several public and private camping options around the lake.

Do I have to pay to enter the nature area?

Access to public shoreline areas is usually free, but national park zones may have fees.

Are there restaurants right by the lake?

Yes, there are many restaurants in Beyşehir and surrounding villages offering fish dishes.

Lake Beyşehir: where is it located?

Lake Beyşehir is located in Turkey.

Lake Beyşehir: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Lake Beyşehir: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Beyşehir is the largest freshwater lake in Turkey, covering a surface area of approximately 650 square kilometers in the southwestern part of Konya Province.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →