About Burdur
Burdur, nestled in Turkey's Lake District, offers travelers a captivating blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and authentic Turkish culture. The province is defined by its stunning lakes, most notably Lake Burdur—a vital habitat for migratory birds, including the endangered white-headed duck. History enthusiasts will be drawn to the ancient city of Sagalassos, one of Turkey's best-preserved archaeological sites, perched dramatically on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains. The charming town of İnsuyu Cave, with its mystical underground lakes and formations, provides a cool escape. Burdur's traditional Ottoman-era houses in its city center and the renowned Burdur Museum, housing artifacts from Hittite to Roman periods, offer deep cultural immersion. The region's serene atmosphere, thermal springs, and local specialties like Burdur şiş (skewered meat) and tarhana soup make it a perfect destination for those seeking to explore beyond Turkey's well-trodden tourist paths.
Things to do in Burdur
Borobudur: Village Tour with Pottery and Tofu Making
Borobudur, Central Java
Cycling Tour in Yogyakarta with Lunch 3-Hour
Yogyakarta, Central Java
Rent car with speaking English driver in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, Central Java
From GHS 674
5.0 (17)
Borobudur Temple Combined Ticket Admissions
Borobudur, Central Java
From GHS 755
5.0 (7)
Borobudur climb UP, Prambanan & 1 Other Destination on Request
Yogyakarta, Central Java
Borobudur Sunrise Merapi Volcano Tour
Yogyakarta, Central Java
From GHS 3,211
5.0 (3)
Private Half-Day Tea Village Discovery with lunch in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, Central Java
From GHS 921
5.0 (3)
Private Borobudur Village Trip By Volkswagen Safari
Borobudur, Central Java
Temples and Village Tour
Borobudur, Central Java
From GHS 888
5.0 (2)
Java Village and Temple Tour from Borobudur
Borobudur, Central Java
From GHS 730
5.0 (2)
Borobudur Cultural and Adventure Trip
Borobudur, Central Java
Borobudur Sunrise and Dieng Plateau Tour
Yogyakarta, Central Java
From GHS 2,854
5.0 (2)
Prambanan Sunset UNESCO, Sukuh, And Cetho temple Hindu Journey
Yogyakarta, Central Java
Rent a Car Private Day tour with Driver
Yogyakarta, Central Java
From GHS 223
5.0 (2)
Cycling Tour : Borobudur & Candirejo Village Experiences
Borobudur, Central Java
From GHS 1,606
5.0 (1)Travel Tips for Burdur
Getting Around
The most flexible way to explore Burdur Province is by renting a car, as public transport to remote attractions like Sagalassos is limited. Inter-city buses (coaches) connect Burdur city to major centers like Antalya, Isparta, and Denizli. Within Burdur city, local minibuses (dolmuş) serve key routes. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive; agree on a fare for longer trips beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi are not widely used here. For lake visits, consider hiring a local guide with a vehicle.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny, perfect for exploring archaeological sites and lakes without the intense summer heat or winter chill. July and August can be very hot. Visiting in April offers the chance to see wildflowers and migrating birds at the lakes.
Local Customs
Burdur is a conservative region; modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting villages, mosques, or rural areas. Hospitality is central to local culture; accepting offers of tea (çay) is a sign of respect. Tipping is customary in restaurants (5-10%) and for taxi drivers (rounding up the fare). When visiting someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift like pastries. During the Islamic month of Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours.
Safety Information
Burdur is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas or markets are sufficient. The main safety concerns are related to road travel—rural roads can be narrow and winding, especially around the Taurus Mountains. Exercise caution when driving, particularly at night. There are no specific areas to avoid, but as always, be respectful of local customs in conservative villages. Scams are rare, but be aware of unofficial guides at archaeological sites like Sagalassos.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Burdur city are adequate for routine care, with the Burdur State Hospital as the main public facility. For serious emergencies, travelers may need to go to larger cities like Antalya (approx. 2 hours by car). Private clinics are available. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid). Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water. In rural areas, tick-borne diseases can be a concern; use insect repellent and wear protective clothing when hiking. Travel health insurance is strongly advised.
Languages Spoken
Turkish
Quick Facts
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
₺
₺
Timezone
Europe/Istanbul +03:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+90
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
273,000
Area
6887 km²
Government
Provincial Government under a Governor (Vali)
ISO Code
15