Things To Do
in Beyşehir
Beyşehir is a small lakeside town in Konya Province, central-south Turkey, known for the vast blue expanse of Lake Beyşehir and well-preserved Seljuk architecture. The town mixes rural Anatolian life with seasonal tourism — fishermen, shepherds and summer visitors share markets, cafes and a relaxed waterfront promenade. Historical highlights include the timber-columned Eşrefoğlu Mosque and the ruins of the Kubadabad Palace on the lake shore.
Beyşehir is a good base for quiet nature activities: birdwatching, boating and hikes into the nearby Sultan Mountains and national park areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by strolling through Beyşehir's historic center, where ancient architecture tells stories of bygone eras. Visit the iconic Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a stunning example of wooden architecture, and learn about its rich history from local guides. The morning sun casts a beautiful glow over the town, making it the perfect time for photography.
After a leisurely lunch at a local café, continue your exploration by visiting the Beyşehir Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Turkey. You can rent a paddleboat or simply relax by the shores, enjoying the serene views and fresh air. The afternoon light is perfect for a picnic, surrounded by nature's beauty.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional Turkish restaurant to savor local dishes like 'beyşehir kebabı' and fresh fish from the lake. The ambiance is lively, filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of spices wafting through the air. After dinner, take a serene walk along the lakefront, watching the moonlight shimmer on the water.
Start your day at the Beyşehir Archaeological Museum, where you can marvel at artifacts from the region's rich history, including ancient pottery and coins. The knowledgeable staff will provide insights into the significance of each piece, deepening your appreciation for Beyşehir's past. Spend some time in the museum's garden, where local art installations are displayed amidst lush greenery.
In the afternoon, join a local art workshop to learn about traditional Turkish craftsmanship, such as tile-making or carpet weaving. This hands-on experience allows you to create your own piece of art to take home as a unique souvenir. Enjoy conversations with local artisans who share their stories and techniques, enriching your understanding of Beyşehir's cultural heritage.
Wrap up your cultural day with a visit to a local theater for a performance that showcases Turkish folk music and dance. The energy in the room is infectious, as performers don colorful costumes and share their heritage through storytelling. After the show, mingle with locals at a nearby café, discussing the performance over a cup of Turkish coffee.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Cup of Turkish tea or coffee | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / pensions (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $1.5-5 |
| 🎟Museum/entry fees | $1-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic Lake Beyşehir with peaceful waterfront and good photo opportunities
- Well-preserved Seljuk architecture (Eşrefoğlu Mosque, Kubadabad Palace ruins)
- Quiet, low-cost destination with authentic rural Anatolian culture
- Good for outdoor activities: boating, birdwatching, hiking
- Limited nightlife and few upscale amenities
- Public transport is limited—having a car is helpful
- Some seasonal closures in winter and fewer dining options off-season
- Fewer English speakers outside tourist spots
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Yardım edin" - Help
- "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
Places to Visit in Beyşehir
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive water, reed beds and island views—excellent at sunrise and sunset for reflections and birdlife shots.
Seljuk-era palace ruins on the lake with stonework and views across the water—good for historical-architecture compositions and wide-angle landscape photos.
Interior wooden columns, carved details and atmospheric light—photograph both exterior Seljuk architecture and interior craftsmanship (respect rules about flash and prayer times).
Street-level scenes of daily life: nets, boats, fishermen and cafes—great for candid portrait and cultural documentary-style photos.
High vantage points overlooking the lake and surrounding steppe—ideal for panoramic landscape photos, especially in spring and autumn.
Food in Beyşehir
Beyşehir Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught local fish, often grilled or fried; try it at lakeside restaurants or from small fish vendors near the pier.
Must-Try!
Long, thin flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat—Konya-region specialty widely available in local bakeries and eateries.
Thin hand-rolled flatbread filled with spinach, cheese, potato or minced meat; common at markets and village tea gardens.
Rich clotted cream (kaymak) often served with honey for breakfast or dessert; sourced from nearby villages.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning market selling fresh produce, cheeses, olives and bakery items—excellent for sampling gözleme, seasonal fruits and local honey.
Stalls near the pier offering fresh fried fish sandwiches and tea; ideal for quick, scenic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings like 'Merhaba' (hello) and 'Teşekkür ederim' (thank you). Show respect to elders and use a soft, polite tone in public spaces.
Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering mosques; women may be asked to cover their heads. Observe prayer times and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.
Beyşehir is relatively conservative—dress modestly, especially in villages and religious sites. In touristy lakeside areas casual wear is widely accepted.
Always ask before photographing people, especially women and older residents; many will appreciate that courtesy.
Safety
Tipping in Beyşehir
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants leave around 5–10% if service is good; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in cafés. Give a few TL to hotel porters for luggage and a small tip to cleaning staff. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest lira or leaving 5–10% is fine.
Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels, but smaller shops, markets, and remote vendors prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry inland conditions with daytime temperatures often warm to hot; ideal for boating, swimming and evening promenades. Expect more weekend visitors and local holidaymakers; lakeside spots can be busy. Bring sun protection and light clothing for daytime, but a light jacket for cooler nights by the water.
Mild days and cool nights with pleasant hiking conditions and clear air—great for photography and birdwatching during migration. Fewer tourists than summer; some services may reduce hours.
Cold and potentially snowy—temperatures can drop below freezing and roads may be icy. Town life is quieter; if you plan outdoor activities prepare for winter driving and pack warm layers. Many seasonal businesses close or operate reduced hours.
Temperatures moderate and landscapes bloom—excellent for hiking, cycling and birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Early spring can be wet; carry waterproof layers and expect muddy trails in some areas.
Beyşehir at Night
Hiking in Beyşehir
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of trails around the lake and wetlands with routes suitable for easy walks and birdwatching close to town.
More challenging hikes into the nearby mountain range with panoramic views over the lake and steppe; best in spring and autumn.
Short coastal hikes around the Kubadabad ruins and nearby coves—good for combining history and landscape photography.
Rural paths connecting small lakeside villages provide cultural insights, quiet scenery and opportunities to sample local food along the way.
Airports
How to reach Beyşehir by plane.
The closest major airport, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road depending on route; offers regional flights and is well connected by bus or private transfer to Beyşehir.
Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours away by car (distance varies by route); useful for travelers coming from the southwest of the region.
Larger international airport approximately 2.5–4 hours away by road; useful for international travelers who want to combine a coastal trip with a Beyşehir visit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are ethnic Turks, with strong local ties to agriculture, fishing and small commerce.
Many inhabitants come from nearby villages and practice traditional trades—agriculture, animal husbandry, artisanal food production.
During summer months, visitors and holiday home owners from Konya and other Turkish cities increase the population and tourism activity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region with local amateur teams and school competitions; community matches are common on weekends.
Both recreational and small-scale commercial fishing on Lake Beyşehir; anglers often fish from boats or from the shore.
Boating, kayaking and occasional windsurfing on the lake—more common in summer months.
Popular among locals and visitors for exploring the national park and surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beyşehir.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available: gözleme with spinach or cheese, mezze plates, lentil soup and vegetable stews. Inform staff that you don't eat meat ("Et yemiyorum") and ask for dishes without meat stock.
More limited but possible—look for lentil soup, salads, olive oil–based vegetable dishes and bread. Carry snacks in remote areas and ask cooks about butter/egg in breads.
Challenging due to heavy use of wheat (bread, gözleme, etli ekmek). Opt for grilled fish, meat dishes without breading, and salads; cross-contamination is common.
Most meat sold and served in Beyşehir is halal; restaurants and butchers generally follow local Muslim practices.