Culture & Travel
29 April 2025One of the most enchanting sights of summer is undoubtedly the endless lavender fields painted in a thousand shades of purple. With a gentle breeze, the mesmerizing scent fills the air, calming the soul, while the vast purple seas stretching to the horizon create the feeling of stepping into a fairytale land. In Türkiye, the leading destination to experience this dreamlike scenery is Isparta.
Now, let’s set off on this unique journey together, where we’ll lose ourselves among lavender-scented paths and fall under the spell of purple.
Kuyucak Village: The Purple Heart of Isparta
Located in the Keçiborlu district of Isparta, Kuyucak Village supplies a large portion of Türkiye’s lavender production and is almost synonymous with lavender itself. From the moment you enter the village, the endless lavender fields invite you into a completely different world. Here, time seems to slow down, and the calming effect of purple embraces your soul.
The lavender season in Kuyucak Village typically starts in mid-July and continues until early August. During this period, the village draws great attention from both local and international tourists. Walking through the lavender fields, capturing memories with lavender-themed photoshoots, and buying local products are among the best activities to enjoy here.
Speaking of local products, many families in the village set up small stands during the season to sell their homemade lavender products. Lavender honey, lavender oil, and lavender soaps are among the most popular items.
When Is Lavender Season?
The enchanting season when the lavender fields turn into a purple sea generally starts around mid-July and lasts until the first weeks of August in Türkiye. Especially the second week of July is considered the ideal time to witness the lavender fields in their fullest and most vibrant bloom.
Since this period coincides with hot summer days, it’s much more comfortable and visually pleasing to plan your visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In the soft morning light, the purple fields sparkle beautifully; while during sunset, the golden hues of the sky add a magical atmosphere to the lavender landscape.
If you want to avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday is a great idea. This way, you can enjoy a more peaceful walk among the lavender-scented paths.
Things to Do Among the Lavender Fields
Activities around Kuyucak Village’s lavender fields are not limited to photography. You have the chance to spend an unforgettable day immersed in nature. First and foremost, walking among the lavender fields and breathing in the soothing scents with every step feels almost like therapy.
Decorative areas and photo studios set up within the fields allow you to pose with bicycles among the lavenders, vintage cars, or even dress up in traditional outfits for authentic snapshots. Some fields even offer professional photography services.
Moreover, you can experience lavender picking! Some farmers allow visitors to pick small bunches of lavender, and preparing your own little lavender bouquets to take home or gift makes for a truly special memory.
Lavender Festival: A Purple Celebration
Every year, Kuyucak Village hosts a Lavender Festival, turning the village into an energetic and festive atmosphere. The festival usually takes place around mid-July, when the lavender fields are at their most magnificent.
During the festival, local product stands are set up in the village square, traditional folk dance performances are held, and lavender-themed workshops and nature walks are organized. So, you don’t just witness the breathtaking beauty of lavender; you also get to experience the warm, authentic spirit of the village. Sunset walks organized during the festival are especially unforgettable for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Since the village gets quite crowded during the festival, it’s wise to book your accommodation in advance. There are suitable hotel and guesthouse options in both Keçiborlu and central Isparta. Wandering through the lavender-scented streets during the festival is an experience that will truly soothe your soul.
Beyond Lavender: Other Places to Visit in Isparta
It would be unfair to limit Isparta only to its lavender fields. The city offers many wonderful spots for both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. For instance, the region known as Lake District is home to Lake Eğirdir, a must-see destination with its fresh air, serene landscapes, and delightful walking trails. Watching the sunset by the lake in Eğirdir is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Isparta is also famous for its rose gardens. If you visit at the end of May or early June, you can join early morning rose harvesting tours and lose yourself in the heavenly scent of fresh roses. Rose products like rose oil, rose delight, and rose soap make for excellent souvenirs.
For nature enthusiasts, Kovada Lake National Park and Yazılı Canyon are natural wonders worth discovering. These areas offer breathtaking landscapes ideal for hiking and photography.
Tips and Little Suggestions for Visiting the Lavender Fields
Best times for photography: Early morning (08:00–10:00) and late afternoon (18:00–20:00).
What to wear: Choose white, yellow, or pastel-toned clothing to create a beautiful contrast against the purple fields.
Sun protection: Since you’ll be outdoors for a long time, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be strolling on dirt roads and through fields.
What to bring: A water bottle, a change of clothes (especially for photo shoots), a camera or phone, and a power bank.
And most importantly, remember to respect nature while spending time among the lavender fields. Staying within permitted areas and avoiding damage helps preserve this magical beauty for future visitors.
