Turquoise sunset of Turkish Maldives dazzles tourists

BURDUR, Turkey

The white beach and crystal clear waters of Lake Salda in southwestern Turkey, with its dazzling view when the sun sets, are attracting flocks of visitors, including many couples tying the knot, say local officials.

Also known as Turkey's Maldives, the lake in the Burdur province has been a popular destination for tourists in recent years, Riza Kamil, a provincial Food and Agriculture Ministry official, told Anadolu Agency.

"The lake gets its color from its turquoise water and sandy beaches and takes you to a dream world during sunset," he said.

Kamil said the special beauty of Lake Salda and its environs are being protected for future generations by a specially designated environmental protection zone.

Sefa Saylik, a groom-to-be who came to the lake to take wedding photos, said he and his fiancee wanted special memories of walking by the lakeshore during sunset before their nuptials.

Yasemin Ongun, a German tourist of Turkish descent, said she was coming to see the lake for the second time.

Everyone should come to visit Lake Salda, she added.

Writing by Dilara Hamit