Some places make you stop and simply look before you reach for the camera. Lake Salda in Turkey’s Burdur province is one of them. The white and black shoreline meets blue water, and the sun is so bright you can hardly keep your eyes open. We call it Turkey’s Maldives.
How did we start the day at Lake Salda?
We began with a casual, spread-out Turkish breakfast right by the water: coffee, breakfast and the lake in front of us. Nothing more was needed. Sitting by the shore also lets you watch the light change from hour to hour.
Where is Lake Salda and why is it so special?
Lake Salda lies within the Yeşilova district of Burdur, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, in Turkey’s Lakes District. The white sediment along the shore comes from the mineral character of the water. The area is protected, so it is a fragile natural place rather than an ordinary beach. Its shoreline rocks and deposits have also been compared to Jezero Crater on Mars, which has drawn the interest of space researchers.
What should you bring and remember?
The white shore reflects the sun, so sunglasses, a hat and plenty of water make a big difference. As a motorcycle instructor, Doruk adds that fluid loss in the heat quickly reduces concentration, so breaks and shade matter on the road and on the trip alike. Leave the shore as you found it: take your waste with you and respect any local signs.
For a road-trip bag in hot weather, Rider Healthcare offers an electrolyte sachet with magnesium and potassium. If you would rather explore routes like this with a group, Educated Moto Riders runs trips and motorcycle tours.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Salda Gölü Gezi Rehberi.