This is the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes to visit in Turkey. Lake Van, which is located in the far east of the country at an elevation of 5,380 feet, is fed by various rivers but has no outlet. It is one of the country's saline lakes, which means that the water does not freeze despite the altitude and cold winters. Ferries and private boats traverse the wide lake, allowing you to observe it from every angle and admire the reflections of the surrounding trees and the extinct, snow-covered volcanoes, Mount Suphan and the famed Mount Nemrut. The volcanoes tower above the northern and western coasts. A dramatic combination of snowy mountains, green trees, and deep blue water.

Akdamar Island is the lake's major island, and the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross is a must-see. The best way is to take the ferry from Gevaş. According to legend, a princess named Tamara once lived on the island, imprisoned by her father, who disapproved of her poor and humble lover. He used to swim across, guided by the light of a candle she had placed in her window. The candle went out one stormy night, and he drowned, shouting out "ach, Tamara," from which the island gained its name.

The following mythology is about Van Gölü Canavari, a carnivorous lake monster. Nobody has seen it yet, but there is a statue of it in Van, just in case.

There are no stories or monsters, but Lake Uzun (or Uzungöl) is a haven of serenity and tranquillity. Lake Uzun is a sweetwater lake located around 44 miles inland from Rize on the Black Sea coast. It is bordered by rugged hills and forests.

With several chalets dotting the hillsides and cattle grazing in the meadows, it appears to be a piece of Switzerland. When you see the mosque with two slender minarets in the village of the same name reflected in the river, you know you're in Turkey.

You may stroll around the lake for approximately an hour, go up into the mountains on well-marked trails, rent a pedal boat and cruise on the lake, or sit in a really beautiful tea house on the shore, enjoy the serenity, and be astonished by the turquoise waters.

Lake Bafa, located in southwest Turkey, was formerly a part of the Aegean Sea before being cut off by sediments transported by the Meander River. As a result, the water in this rather shallow lake is salty. The northern side is bounded by high mountain slopes densely forested with wild olive trees. The southern side features a few beaches and the beautiful village of Kapkr, from which you may charter a boat to reach the lake's twin islands or go fishing.

The entire lake and surrounding area is a national park that is popular with bird watchers and others. The ruins of a fortress and monastery may be seen on one island, while the Monastery of the Seven Brothers can be found in the highlands to the north, which also has a cave with prehistoric drawings. You can stroll from Kapkr to the ancient location of Herakleia, where you will find the stone tombs of monks. Lake Bafa not only provides breathtaking scenery, but it also transports visitors through thousands of years of history, from ancient Greece to Byzantine times.

The Karia Restaurant on the water's edge in Kapkr is the greatest option. They offer a particular fish that can only be caught in Lake Bafa, and you can obtain boats to carry you to the islands from here. There is also a legend. The moon goddess Selene, according to legend, fell in love with the shepherd Endymion here, and it's easy to see how Lake Bafa inspires passion.

Lake Tuz, Turkey's second-largest lake and one of the most beautiful lakes to visit, is located in Central Anatolia. It is 65 kilometers from Konya, best known as the birthplace of Sufism. The lake has a lot of salt. Two streams feed the lake, but there is no outflow. The lake is shallow and dries out during the summer months, producing a thick salt crust that serves as the foundation for three salt mines that produce a major portion of Turkey's salt consumption.

Lake Tuz is popular because of its salinity, not so much for the salt as for the bird species it attracts, and the water is a brilliant pink! Several bird species, notably the exquisite pink flamingos, can be seen by visitors. The magnificent lake also has a mountainous backdrop, providing a stunning vista for Instagrammers, some of whom travel to capture the moment and cross it off their bucket list.

Lake Tuz is a rough scenery and an out-of-the-way location with little tourism, which makes it all the more appealing to visit. If you happen to be there at sunset, the pink tint of the sea becomes surreal.

The lake's blueish-green waters are flanked by white dunes, and it looks like you've landed in the Maldives at first glance. Lake Salda, a crater lake in Turkey's southwest Burdur Province, is unique in that its hydromagnesite waters to aid in the cure of numerous dermatological ailments. Furthermore, as Turkey's third deepest lake, the blue color of Lake Salda is only part of what draws visitors here. The other half of this gorgeous lake's appeal is its remoteness; it is completely unspoiled by human life.

There are no restaurants or cafes, and the area is littered with picnic tables. This makes the lake one of Turkey's best sites for disconnecting, with people bringing their belongings and basking in the magnificent beauty of this region.

There are no stories or monsters around Lake Salda, but there is a strong link to outer space. NASA believes the lake has the same composition as Mars' Jezero Crater, which was discovered by the Mars surface rover Perseverance. That's fascinating! Lake Salda is one of the most beautiful lakes to visit in Turkey!

Last but not least, there's Lake Abant, which has some really incredible attractions. This peaceful freshwater lake in Bolu province will immerse you in nature. Visitors to Abant can participate in a variety of activities, which is one of its most appealing features.

First and foremost, a lengthy stroll by the expansive lake is a must-do experience if you want to truly escape the stress of city life and appreciate the beauty of the lake, its surroundings, and the fresh air. A rich forest of hazels, oaks, pine, European black pine and hornbeams surrounds it. The lake provides guests with a truly natural experience when trekking, from enjoying the tranquil aura imposed by these trees to getting glimpses of adorable animals such as deer, rabbits, red foxes, and brown bears.

For the more athletic, trekking paths that go to altitudes of 1,400 to 1,700 meters are ideal for getting a fantastic exercise in the middle of nature. When you grow tired, you can take a rest by sitting in the shade of a tree and admiring the view.

Horses are also available for a quick ride along the lakeshore, with or without a guide. As a result, you can visit this flora and animal paradise on horseback. The lake is home to several different types of trout, making it an ideal fishing destination. During the winter, the lake freezes over, making it ideal for ice skating.