Dalyan, Turkey.

Dalyan, Turkey.

Unlike neighbouring holiday resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped, tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions, as well as classic Turkish friendliness and hospitality. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles, an effort has been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty. The town is set on the winding Dalyan River that flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz, and on the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century. A Dalyan holiday must is a boat trip to the 2.5-mile (4km) beach (about a 40-minute journey) that transports visitors through tall reeds, to 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs and the ruins at Caunos, and finally to the large sandbar at the turtle beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by dolmus. Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also not to be missed and make for an out of the ordinary holiday experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for a variety of wildlife and birds, and the town is offset by a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and lush fields, making Dalyan a perfect destination for nature-lovers. For those looking to party until dawn the busier holiday resorts such as Marmaris would be better suited, but for the more discerning traveller there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour and spectacular scenery to delight in while on holiday in Dalyan.

There is plenty to see and do on holiday in Dalyan. Boat trips are immensely popular, as are jeep safaris, mountain biking, sea kayaking, paragliding, fishing, snorkelling and more. A definite holiday must is a microlight flight over the spectacular Dalyan Delta, providing incredible views and possible turtle spotting on the golden sands of Iztuzu beach, home to the rare Caretta Caretta or loggerhead turtle. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the fantastic bird-watching opportunities. For the less active, the Dalyan hot springs and mud baths provide relaxation, as does a visit to a Turkish hamman for a massage and Turkish bath. Relaxing on the spectacular Iztuzu beach and bathing in the warm, shallow water is also a must. History buffs will enjoy the fascinating Lycian cliff tombs that house the kings of Caunos, and at Caunos itself the remains of this once large port can be seen, including a theatre, temples, churches and baths. For those looking for more action while on holiday in Dalyan, there are regular dolmus trips to neighbouring resorts and towns such as Marmaris.

You have the choice of hundreds of first class bars, restaurants and even a few discos. Dalyan and Turtle Beach are in a National Park of Turkey and also a wildlife sanctuary. Because of this, the small resort has kept it's typical Turkish Mediterranean charm and appeal.


Many people return to Turkey and Dalyan year after year, many people never leave. There are many things to do in Dalyan and Turkey including sailing, mud baths, turtle spotting in the river, Turkish baths, white water rafting, snorkelling, and diving.


Visit beautiful Turtle Beach and the ancient ruins of Kaunos. (Some of the oldest in Turkey). Dalyan sits on the river fed from Lake Koycegiz, the local mountain streams converge on Lake Koycegiz and then gently flow from the lake past Dalyan to the Mediterranean Sea and Turtle Beach.


Beautiful Iztuzu Beach or better known as Turtle Beach is home to the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the natural mud baths and thermal springs at the side of Lake Koycegiz and then sail though the maze of reed beds past Dalyan to Turtle Beach, passing the ancient Dalyan rock tombs carved over 3000 years ago that look over Dalyan.


Dalyan is an area of stunning natural beauty, an area of sea, river, lakes, mountains and pine forests. Wonderful un-spoilt Dalyan in this fantastic corner of Turkey is the perfect place to enjoy the relaxing and exotic culture of Mediterranean Turkey.