Lakes in Antalya and Their Features

Antalya Lakes: Natural Lakes and Reservoirs to Visit

Antalya is a land of rivers and springs rather than lakes. Because the Taurus Mountains are made of porous limestone, water usually sinks underground instead of collecting in basins. Did you know that most of the large lakes you see around Antalya today are reservoirs created by dams, not natural lakes?

Natural Lakes in Antalya

Avlan Lake

Near Elmalı, on a highland plateau in the west of the province, Avlan Lake is surrounded by mountains and farmland. It is an important stop for birds and a quiet place for a walk away from the coast.

Titreyen Göl

In Sorgun near Side, Titreyen Göl, the trembling lake, is a small lake close to the sea, surrounded by pine trees and hotels. Its name means the trembling lake, and its calm water makes a pleasant contrast to the nearby beach.

Reservoir Lakes

Dams on Antalya's rivers have created long, narrow lakes in deep valleys. The best known is the reservoir of the Oymapınar Dam on the Manavgat River, where boat trips sail through the Green Canyon between steep forested walls. Its green colour comes from minerals and algae in the water.

Large Lakes Near Antalya

A few hours north of the coast lies the Lakes Region, with some of Türkiye's largest freshwater lakes.

  • Eğirdir Lake: a large freshwater lake in Isparta, with a small island town connected by a causeway.
  • Beyşehir Lake: Türkiye's largest freshwater lake, in Konya province, with many small islands.
  • Kovada Lake: a national park south of Eğirdir with forests and birdlife.
  • Salda Lake: in Burdur, famous for white shores and turquoise water.

Why there are few lakes on the coast

Limestone dissolves easily, so water drains into cracks and caves. It travels underground and reappears in powerful springs, which feed rivers such as the Düden and Köprüçay instead of forming lakes.

Visiting Tips

The Green Canyon boat trip is the easiest way to enjoy a lake from the coast. For the Lakes Region, plan a full day or an overnight trip, and bring a jacket, as evenings are cooler at higher altitude.