TURKEY’S LAVENDER FIELDS: LAKE DISTRICT MEETS PROVENCE

Pictures of Turkey’s sea of purple lavender fields that border Lake Burdur may have caught your eye on Instagram. If not for the caption, one may think that this scene is in the French region of Provence. It’s an honest error, and contrary to popular belief, it has more to do with the historical context of Turkey’s lavender fields. In recent years, selfie enthusiasts seeking the perfect Instagram moment have made the lavender fields near Isparta their main destination. Us? The ultimate Instagram selfie, or any other selfie for that matter, has never made it onto our list. Nevertheless, we discovered that Kuyucak Köyü—also known as the “lavender-scented village”—was worth seeing for more than one reason.
Continue reading to learn our best recommendations for making the most of your trip to the lavender fields and avoiding the crowds if you enjoy stunning scenery and giving back to the community.

Kuyucak Is The Place To Go To See Beautiful Lavender Fields In Turkey

TURKEY’S LAVENDER FIELDS: THE (HI)STORY BEHIND IT

The Isparta region has a long history of producing rose oil. When did the fields of lavender appear, then? In 1975, Kuyucak planted its first lavender after a rose salesman brought some plants back from his trip to the Provence. A lavender plant was given to about thirty families, and they planted it next to their rose beds. However, the commercial production of lavender did not take off until after 1990.
The explanation is clear: after a meagre beginning with just a few lavender plants, it required perseverance and commitment for the lavender fields of Kuyucak village to be covered in fully grown plants. Lavender is a perennial plant that takes three years to fully grow and yield its maximum amount of flowers. These days, more than 90% of Turkey’s lavender is produced on the 300 hectare lavender fields near Kuyucak. As a result, from the end of June to the end of August, the hills and valleys surrounding Kuyucak are covered in a sea of purple that smells like lavender. And there are more reasons to visit the lavender fields than just the breathtaking exhibition of the natural world’s splendour.

The Setting Sun Makes Every Shot More Attractive

Locals And Tourists Alike Appreciate The Beauty Of The Lavender Fields Near Isparta

HOW TURKEY’S LAVENDER FIELDS ARE EMPOWERING LOCAL WOMEN

The lifestyle of the villagers, especially the women, have significantly changed since Kuyucak emerged as the country’s top lavender-producing region. Why? because the “Lavender Village” (also known as Lavanta Kokulu Köyü) project is managed by a cooperative that is exclusively made up of women from the hamlet. Not only has it grown to be a significant source of revenue, but it also gives these women a sense of empowerment and achievement.

Of Course, There Are The Obligate Souvenir Shops

SPECTACULAR VISTAS AND LOCAL PRODUCE

The lavender fields of Turkey, close to Isparta, are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. These breathtaking purple valleys and hillsides are a visual and sensory feast, with Lake Burdur below and the Taurus Mountains in the background. Lavender is said to provide calming effects. It is well recognised as one of its main advantages. Even before you step out of the car, visiting these lavender fields in Turkey will make you feel at ease. But after you do leave… It smells really bad. Additionally, the scent of lavender is stronger in larger fields.
As usual, we would like to suggest that you take your time and savour the calming properties of the lavender. Don’t just hop out of the car at the first field you see if you want to get the most out of your trip. If you try to go a little farther away—even past the village, where we took these pictures—you’ll see that patience pays off.
Now that you’re here, you might want to bring some locally grown food home with you so you can benefit from lavender at home. The scent of lavender is said to elicit memories, so it seems sense that it would. Additional advantages include:

• relaxing sore muscles
• relieving tension headaches
• supporting a good night’s sleep
• soothing itching and swelling of insect bites
• treating minor burns
• reducing inflammation

All Colors Of Purple When Choosing The Right Lavender Souvenir

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE LAVENDER FIELDS IN TURKEY

Knowing that it is worthwhile to venture outside of the hamlet, you need also be aware of the times of year when Turkey’s lavender fields are at their most picturesque. In Kuyucak, the lavender season begins around the summer solstice. However, the early half of July is your best choice if you want to witness the purest of purples. Either way, the harvest of lavender occurs in August, with blooms occurring from the end of June.

Golden Hour At Turkey’s Lavender Fields

That’s What The Lavender Fields In Turkey Look Like!

Does Lavender Village have a commercial aspect? It is, of course! And with good reason. The film illustrates how the residents’ standard of living improved when they began to manufacture and market lavender goods. Purchasing food at the Lavender Village is a wonderful way to support the neighbourhood. Tour buses also rise in popularity along with it. Maybe you’ll choose to sign up for one of those tours.
Going later in the day, after the majority of daytrippers have left, is your best bet if, like us, you’re more of an independent traveller who prefers to escape the crowds. It merely takes persistence and locating the ideal area because the lavender fields around Isparta are expansive.

Inhaling The Calm Aroma Of Lavender

The only hotel in the vicinity with a licence if you’re seeking for somewhere to stay is Lavanta Villa. Just before the lavender village, there’s a small, family-run motel that’s immaculate and gracious enough to accommodate us for the night. Ismail and his family are enthusiastic and well-informed supporters of the region. They are quite helpful in directing you to the appropriate locations and addressing any queries you may have. In our opinion, this is the ideal accommodation option in the vicinity.
We would especially like to thank Gülberk of Villa Lavanta for serving as our stunning model. Observe her on Instagram.

Isn’t This Pretty?

POSTS NEARBY

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• 5 reasons to visit Rhodiapolis despite the restoration scandal (30 km)
• Limyra: an idyllic dive into an ancient basilica! (40 km)
• Wandering the streets of Antalya Old Town (42 km)
• Uncovering mosaics at Arykanda (45 km)

If you have any questions about the Lavender Fields, feel free to ask. You can message us through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.

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