Denizli

Area : 11.868 km²

Population : 850.029 (2000)

Traffic Code : 20

Denizli famous with roosters, has rich history and culture. Denizli is a tourism center to be seen with its Hierapolis and Laodikeia, Tripolis, antic cities, hot springs and Pamukkale which is unique in the world with its travertines.,

Distircts:Denizli (center), Acıpayam, Akköy, Babadağ, Baklan, Bekilli, Beyağaç, Bozkurt, Buldan, Tavas, Çameli, Çal, Çardak, Çivril, Güney, Honaz, Kale, Sarayköy, Serinhisar.

Aydin History

Aydın was founded by the Trallians and known as Tralles. After being destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt, it was controlled by the Spartans, Hittites, Phrygians, Ionians, Lydians, Persians and Romans, all of whom brought their own culture and contributed to the development of the region.

Aydin Geography

Affected by the Mediterranean climate, the rainy season is winter and snow is rarely seen. Aydın is open to the winds coming in off the sea from the west. In the summertime it practically never rains.

Aydin Thermal Springs

Underground river The rich boat-shaped valley formed by the numerous springs of the Menderes Watershed which flows down to the Aegean from heights of up to 900 m. also has abundant underground water supplies. There are 262 villages with artesian wells in the province of Aydın.

Alan Güllü Thermal Springs At Bozköy near Germencik, the springs have facilities which include an indoor thermal pool approved by the municipality and 32 rooms with 70 beds. In addition, there are modern treatment and accommodation facilities, in what has become one of the biggest and most modern thermal springs in the area.

Bafa Lake Natural Park

Location: The Bafa Lake Natural Park takes place within the borders of Söke District of Aydın Province in Aegean Region.

Transportation: The Bafa Lake is at the south-east of Great Menderes (Büyük Menderes) Delta, and 25 km far away from the Söke District. It is possible to reach to the park overland route.

Highlights: The Bafa Lake, which used to be a part of Aegean Sea, had turned to be a lake as result of geomorphologic development of Great Menderes Delta. Bafa Lake is one of the least spoiled watery areas at the shore, in Turkey. The maximum depth of the Bafa Lake reaches to 25 meters. The main water sources of the Bafa Lake are the water floods of Great Menderes (Büyük Menderes) River, and the underground waters coming from the mountains at the environment.

The plant cover around lake consists of tamarisks, pine trees, and olive groves. The Bafa Lake shelters the ecosystem characteristics of Great Menderes delta. Because of that reason it provides a winter quarter and a place for reproduction for many bird species which are under the danger of vanishing.
The main bird species in the Bafa Lake Natural Park are pelican, dwarf cormorant and sea eagle. The Park provides a winter quarter for more than 300.000 different bird species.

There are 700 kinds of plankton in the Lake, and a variety of water plants. This causes many fish species to live in the lake. As the cultural and historical values of the Bafa Lake; Heraclia Antic City takes place within the borders of the Lake, at the south west foot of Beşparmak Mountains. In the Antic City there are many historical buildings; these are Athena Temple, an Agora, Council Building, Public Bath, Theatre, Nymphaion (fountain building), and Endymion Temple.

In order to protect the historical and natural values of the area, in 1994, 12281 hectares of it taken under the status of Natural Park.

Facililities: In the park; a visitor centre, a camping area, places for daily use and picnic, walking and trekking footpaths, and bird - watching stations are available.

Aydın - Bafa Lake

Location: Bafa Lake is in the Soke District of Aydin province, in the Aegean Region.

Transportation: Bafa Lake is at the southeast of the Buyuk Menderes Delta, and 25 km from Soke from where it is easily accessible.

Highlights: The lake, once part of the Aegean Sea, became a lake as result of geomorphologic development of Buyuk Menderes Delta and is in an area of relatively unspoilt beauty. Its main sources are from Buyuk Menderes, and the underground rivers flowing from the surrounding mountains.

Plant life consists of tamarisks, pine trees, and olive groves. The lake protects the ecosystem of the delta, and therefore provides a winter habitat for many species of birds which would otherwise be in danger of extinction: Around 300,000 birds nest here, including pelican, dwarf cormorant and sea eagle and there are 700 kinds of plankton in the lake and a variety of water plants, which encourages many species of fish.

Historical and cultural sites around the lake include the antique city of Heraclia, at the foot of the Besparmak mountains, which has the remains of the Athena Temple, an agora council building, public bath, theatre, and Endymion temple. In order to protect these areas, 12,281 hectares of the park were given the status of Natural Park in 1994.

Facilities: There is a visitor centre, camping area, picnic sites, trekking paths and bird-watching towers are in the park.

Don't Leave Without Kusadasi

Seeing Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai,

Visiting Guvercin Fortress,

Swimming on one of the many beaches,

Relaxing in Dilek Peninsula National Park,

Getting a famous Blue Voyage,

Trying out some of the bars and nightclubs.