Lake Beysehir National Park

Lake Beyşehir National Park is a stunning national park situated in Konya Province, central Turkey. It encompasses an impressive area of 88,750 hectares, making it the largest national park in Turkey. The park boasts a rich biodiversity with 85 plant families, 305 genera, and 545 species, including 88 endemic species. You can enjoy trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and boat rides on the lake here. The park has designated picnic areas, off-road parks, and campgrounds for tents and campers too. The best time to visit the park is between May and October when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

Notable flora includes Turkish cedar (Cedrus libani), common juniper (Juniperus communis), fir (Abies), pine (Pinus), and various wildflowers like the snowdrop (Galanthus) and cyclamen. The fauna is equally diverse, with 16 freshwater fish species, such as zander, carp, and zarte, and 153 bird species, including coots, pelicans, herons, and tufted ducks. The park also supports several amphibian, reptile, and mammal species.

Lake Beyşehir is Turkey's third-largest lake and the largest freshwater lake in the country. It is surrounded by the Erenler Mountains to the east and the Sultan Mountains to the north, forming a picturesque landscape with its snowy peaks. The lake is a crucial wetland, designated as a Class A Ramsar Site, and it hosts numerous small islands that serve as vital breeding grounds for birds.