Salda Lake Tour From Belek

Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas of Salda Lake. However, visitors must stay within marked zones, as the lakebed drops sharply in some places and the clay bottom can be slippery. Sunscreen and swimming shoes are recommended because of the intense sunlight and mineral-rich mud.

Absolutely — Salda Lake is one of the most scenic and unique natural landmarks in Türkiye. Often called the “Turkish Maldives,” it combines surreal white beaches with deep blue water surrounded by pine-covered hills. Apart from its beauty, the area offers peace, fresh mountain air, and rare geological formations studied by NASA.

The distance between Belek and Salda Lake is approximately 212 km, and the drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours one way. Our Tours from Belek include a comfortable bus transfer with scenic stops and meals along the route.

Salda Lake is located in the Yeşilova district of Burdur Province, in southwestern Türkiye. It lies within a protected natural park at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. The nearest major cities are Burdur (76 km), Denizli (84 km), and Antalya (153 km).

Visitors can reach Salda Lake by car, tour bus, or organized day trip.

From Antalya/Belek: take the D685 highway toward Burdur, then follow signs for Yeşilova.

From Denizli or Pamukkale: follow the route toward Tefenni or Burdur. Public transport: limited minibus connections run between Burdur, Denizli, and Yeşilova. Most travelers prefer guided tours for convenience, meals, and guaranteed entry to the best viewpoints and beaches

As of 2025, the entrance fee to the Salda Lake National Park area is around 100–200 ₺ per person, depending on the vehicle type and season. Parking fees for cars and minibuses are charged separately (about 150–250 ₺). Guided tours usually include these costs in the total excursion price.

Salda Lake is often compared to Mars because its white shoreline contains hydromagnesite and magnesium-rich clay, similar to minerals found in the Jezero Crater on Mars, where NASA’s Perseverance Rover landed. These formations support rare microbial life that helps scientists study how early Martian environments may have looked. This makes Salda not only beautiful but scientifically significant.

Yes, the lake’s clean, mineral-rich water is generally safe and even beneficial for the skin. The magnesium and hydromagnesite give the water a silky texture, and many visitors apply the white clay as a natural mud mask. However, swimming should only be done in permitted zones avoid deep or restricted areas to protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem.

The best time to visit Salda Lake is between May and October, when the weather is warm, the water pleasant for swimming, and the sky clear enough for vivid photos. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while May, June, September, and early October offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. In winter, the lake remains beautiful but too cold for swimming.

Salda Lake National Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset (approximately 08:00–19:00).
Entrance: ~100–200 ₺ per person
Parking: ~150–250 ₺ depending on vehicle size
Facilities: toilets, picnic areas, cafés, and dressing cabins are available near the main beach area at Yeşilova Public Beach.

For a comfortable visit, bring: Swimwear and towel. Sunscreen and hat (the white surface reflects strong sunlight). Flip-flops or water shoes (the lakebed can be slippery). Sunglasses, Drinking water and snacks. A light jacket for the evening (the area is 1,200 m above sea level)

No — collecting sand, clay, or stones is strictly prohibited. The white magnesium-rich sand is part of a protected ecosystem. Removing it harms the delicate balance of the lake and is subject to fines. Visitors are allowed to apply a small amount of clay from the shore to their skin but should wash it off at the lake, not take it home.

Salda Lake is one of the world’s rare hydromagnesite lakes. The white beaches are formed by magnesium-rich clay and stromatolites — layered structures created by microorganisms similar to early life on Earth. These features not only give the lake its striking white color but also make it a valuable scientific site studied by geologists and astrobiologists.

Salda Lake is one of the deepest lakes in Türkiye, reaching up to 184 meters (604 feet) in its central basin. The water depth increases sharply close to shore, which is why swimming zones are limited and marked for safety.

The lake’s water is exceptionally clean and alkaline, with high levels of magnesium and soda. The purity is due to its closed-basin structure and lack of industrial pollution. These natural minerals give the water its turquoise hue and silky feel, making it safe for swimming and beneficial for the skin.

Yes, the lake is safe to visit year-round, but conditions vary:
Summer (May–October): warm, suitable for swimming and picnics.
Autumn/Winter: cold and sometimes snowy; ideal for photography, not swimming.
Rainy season: the water level can rise, and access roads may be muddy.
It’s best to check weather updates before travel and wear suitable footwear in cooler months.