Overview
Isparta, Turkey's celebrated "City of Roses" and the gateway to the Lake District (Göller Bölgesi), sits inland among pine-covered hills a couple of hours from the Mediterranean coast. There are no direct flights to Isparta from the UK, so most British travellers connect via Istanbul or fly into Antalya and continue overland — both are straightforward, and this page helps you compare them.
Best time to fly to Isparta
Late May into June is magical, when the rose harvest is in full swing and Isparta's rose festival fills the air with scent. Summer (June to September) brings warm, dry weather that's ideal for the lakes, while spring and early autumn offer a quieter, cooler alternative with fewer crowds. Winters are cold, especially up at Davraz, which becomes a small but reliable ski resort from December to March.
Airlines and routes
Because Isparta's Süleyman Demirel Airport (ISE) has no direct UK service, there are two practical ways in. The first is via Istanbul: Turkish Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow and several other UK cities (around 4 hours), with Pegasus also serving Istanbul from London Stansted at lower fares; from there, Turkish Airlines and AJet operate short domestic hops (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes) on to Isparta. The second route is via Antalya, which has seasonal direct flights from a range of UK airports with British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI Airways (around 4 to 4.5 hours), followed by a scenic road transfer of about 2 to 2.5 hours into the Lake District. Use the price charts on this page to see which routing works out cheaper for your dates.
Things to do in Isparta
Isparta rewards travellers who venture beyond the coast with genuine, less-touristed highlights:
- Lake Eğirdir: a beautiful lake town built around a peninsula, with island cafés and mountain views.
- Sagalassos: one of Turkey's best-preserved ancient cities, dramatically set on a mountainside near Ağlasun.
- Gülbirlik Rose Gardens: see, and smell, the fields behind Isparta's famous rose oil industry, best visited during the harvest.
- Kovada Lake National Park: a peaceful reserve of forest, lake and walking trails.
- Davraz Mountain: skiing in winter, hiking and paragliding in summer.
At Süleyman Demirel Airport (ISE)
Isparta's airport lies around 30km east of the city centre. Taxis and pre-booked private transfers take roughly 30 to 40 minutes; there's no dedicated airport bus, so most travellers either arrange a transfer in advance or hire a car, which is also handy for exploring the Lake District at your own pace.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Isparta
- Compare both routings — via Istanbul and via Antalya — as the cheaper option can shift depending on the season and how far ahead you book.
- Book connecting itineraries 2 to 3 months ahead where possible; last-minute domestic legs from Istanbul can push up the total cost.
- Flying midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) on both legs of the journey is usually cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible with dates and use the When to book chart above to spot the best-value days to travel.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a Turkish e-Visa before travelling, which is quick and inexpensive to arrange online in advance. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. The local currency is the Turkish Lira, though card payments are widely accepted in Isparta and Eğirdir. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always worth checking the latest NHS travel health advice before you go.
