Turkish lands are rich of lovely places and different kinds of sights. One of such places is Egirdir – the city, the lake and the castle. Three-in-one: a small and cosy town that keeps some cold in a hot summer; amazingly beautiful blue lake for those who loves swimming and fishing; an old fortress for fans of the history…
GPS coordinates for Garmin/Navitel: N37.875457, E30.852822
Egirdir (or Egridir, Eğirdir, from “eğridir” – “curved”) is located in 139 kilometers from Antalya. Other routes marked on the map are a bit longer, but still interesting and beautiful. So if you are tired of going by the same road try another.
The small town has lots of hotels. And it is not surprising as in summer the town attracts tourists by its cold air, and in winter it is ready to accommodate riders from Davraz Ski Resort located nearby.
The most interesting and beautiful views can be found in hotels located on the peninsula. There are also lots of cosy cafes and restaurants.
The main sight of Egirdir is its fortress.
“How happy is the one who says I am a Turk” – Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s phrase that is engraved on thousands of monuments in Turkey. Here he is.
The fortress was built in 4th century BC, by the king of Lidya – Croesus. The design of castle reflects the characteristics of the Lidian architecture. The walls are built of huge stones and bricks. Internal part of the walls is filled with brick parts and rubble material. The fortress is located on the peninsula and it protects it from attacks from the land. Other parts of peninsula are protected from attacks by surrounding lake waters.
There is a cannon above 🙂
Let’s look around. The lake is extremely beautiful!
On the one side of quay are modern buildings of the town.
On the other side is the peninsula.
On the territory of the peninsula, there are some houses and hotels.
And, of course, cats 🙂
The peninsula has its own church. The Saint Stefano Church, built in 19th century. It was restored in 1998 with rebuilding its roof and wooden internal parts. Currently, the church is out of order.
Let’s ride around the town…
The Sirvi mountain (Sivri Dağ) is hanging above the town. The script says “We are mighty, brave, ready”.
I recommend you to have a ride around the lake. There are lots of nice viewpoints.
You can book hotel in Egirdir here.
Flights to Antalya:
Hotel prices in Antalya:
