Çobanisa: Davraz and Village Life

Çobanisa lies northwest of Davraz Dağı at an altitude of 1,250 to 1,300 metres. The area is known as the “gateway to Davraz,” clearly linking it to the mountain and its winter sports tourism. At the same time, its tourism history extends beyond winter: rural experiences, regional produce and a seasonal connection to rose gardens are also part of its character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether a high-altitude village with ties to Davraz and a rural character suits your trip.

Davraz, Getting There and the Seasons

A road runs through Çobanisa, providing access from Isparta and Eğirdir to the winter sports tourism centre at Davraz Dağı. A 2011 study noted that private vehicles were generally used to get there; during the ski season, from December to May, journeys by city bus were also possible. If you are considering bus connections, check the current timetable.

A regional article dated 7 June 2021 described how visits to the rose gardens at the foot of Davraz increased after the ski season ended; it linked this to the “Mountain and Rose” rural tourism concept in Çobanisa. In that account, the rose gardens added another seasonal dimension to the area’s winter appeal.

Winter Sports and Village Life

An Anadolu Ajansı report dated 12 February 2017 described Emrah Perçemkaya, who worked as a shepherd in Çobanisa and gave snowboard lessons to visitors to Davraz Kayak Merkezi and to children from the village. A 2011 academic study also described how holidaymakers in Çobanisa could watch local handicrafts being made and visit villagers in their homes. These two examples offer different perspectives: winter sports at Davraz on the one hand, and crafts and village connections on the other.

Regional Cuisine and Choosing Accommodation

A 2011 academic study also gives specific details about the cuisine at the time: the restaurant area of the Davraz mountain lodges served regional dishes and village-produced foods such as walnuts, eggs, cheese, pekmez, milk and almonds to local and international tourists. The study also described how some villagers sold products made in the village to tourists and day visitors along the road through Çobanisa. In this historical account, restaurant meals and the sale of village produce are presented as two distinct aspects of the visitor experience.

A nature-oriented guesthouse with 24 beds is listed for Çobanisa; check the accommodation details before booking. If you are looking for a holiday apartment instead, the character of the area can help you narrow down your options: decide whether your trip will focus on Davraz, village life or the area’s history of welcoming visitors.

In the Wider Destination of Isparta

The wider destination of Isparta also encompasses a range of landscapes and cultural attractions. Gölcük Nature Park brings together a lake, forest and mountains at elevations of between 1,350 and 2,270 metres. Yazılı Canyon Nature Park, in the Sütçüler district, covers 600 hectares and has a hiking trail; Byzantine prayer areas, altar sites and inscriptions can be found on its sides. Trail conditions may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Sütçüler, Keçiborlu, Kasımlar, Eğirdir, Isparta.

Back to the wider travel guide: Isparta.