Want to know what things to do in Dalyan? This article will guide you through the best this amazing town has to offer! Dalyan’s history dates back over three thousand years. The town shines over many others in Turkey in terms of sheer beauty but there is much more on offer than just a pretty face.
Bisected by the Dalyan River, Dalyan will astound even the most well traveled tourist with its laid-back pace. From magnificent Lycian rock tombs carved into the hills surrounding the town to the world famous home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles Iztuzu Beach, there is a new delight around every corner. Dalyan is host to one of Turkeys vastest and most beautiful water bodies Koycegiz Lake, where you can swim in natural hot springs or rejuvenate in the bordering mud baths. Watch the river boats flowing over Byblis’ tears, marvel at the breath taking azure colors of the Aegean sea, and immerse yourself amongst totally unique flora and fauna and untouched natural beauty. This is just a snippet of the many sights, sounds and experiences just waiting for you to indulge your senses with.
TIP – Book some of the tours & activities online before your visit: Best tours in Dalyan
Explore the picturesque streets in the daylight, meander down the riverside in the evening and if all of the sight seeing becomes too tiring you can always relax with some hearty Turkish cuisine and a cold Efes.
From boat trips, daily excursions and historic sites to loggerhead turtles and a mind maze Dalyan Delta, without further ado, here are our articles and list of the best things to do in Dalyan.
Popular Vacation Spots in Turkey There are many Popular Vacation Spots in Turkey that are interesting to visit and many activities to do in Turkey. Enjoying the sandy blue flag beaches and the clear seas, visiting various interesting landscapes, seeing the historical Ottoman mosques and traveling back in time in the world of ancient civilizations are all in your list of options. Here, we will present a list of the most popular places in Turkey to help you decide where to go and what to do. Istanbul Istanbul or the ancient city of Constantinople, spells splendor, magnificence and grandeur among all of the Popular Vacation Spots in Turkey. Made famous by crusaders, this ancient city is at present Turkey's cultural heart and erstwhile capital. Surrounded by the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea, this important port city is positioned on both Europe and Asia. The important body of water dividing Istanbul into two is the Bosphorus, which is also the only alternative to reach the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. This strategic position maintains Istanbul`s importance on the world map. There is much, which remains to be discovered in Istanbul and you cannot fully know it until you become a part of it, mingle with its crowds and get lost in its tortuous streets. Discover its history, its culture, its civilization and its treasures, and take home a horde of intoxicating memories to cherish. And maybe someday when you return you can relive them again. Founded as a small settlement known as Semista in about 1000B.C., Istanbul grew from a fishing village to a city called Byzantium in 657 B.C. The city was established by a Greek colonist named Byzas. In 324 A.D. when the Roman Emperor Constantine claimed the throne, he reconstructed the city of Byzantium and named
Popular Vacation Spots in Turkey There are many Popular Vacation Spots in Turkey that are interesting to visit and many activities to do in Turkey. Enjoying the sandy blue flag beaches and the clear seas, visiting various interesting landscapes, seeing the historical Ottoman mosques and traveling back in time in the world of ancient civilizations
Patara is Turkey’s longest beach. You can stroll along this sandy beach for a whopping 12km enjoying the lovely dunes as a backdrop. (Yes, we’ve measured it on Google Maps!) Patara beach is a delight for people who like walking or horseriding on the shore and for sunbathers and swimmers on the lookout for a natural beach, without the crowds, even in high season. You would think that this alone would be reason enough to visit Patara, but that’s not doing justice to the ancient city you cross to reach the beach. In fact, that is where Patara beach got its name, from Patara ancient city. THE MOST LITERAL FORM OF BEACH CULTURE! This phrase fits Patara like a glove. In all honesty, it is hard to tell which is the most impressive, the unspoiled beach, or the ruins adjacent to it. There is a good reason this beach is so pristine: it is a protected area. Twice! The whole beach is protected because of the resident (and protected) Loggerhead Turtles, and also because it is a category one archeological site. Furthermore, the village behind Patara beach, Gelemiş, has not caught the eye of any tour operators yet. The whole atmosphere is low key, with local and family-run businesses offering charming places to stay and locally produced food. The only human-made thing you will find on the beach is a small wooden cafe, run by the Belediye (local government). Apart from that, you’re all set for 12km of untouched beach. Patara Beach In All Its Glory That’s One Glorious Beach! THE BEAUTY OF ARCHEOLOGY: ANCIENT PATARA Why not get a culture shot while getting a tan? Have a walk around the ruins of Patara. You can’t miss them, as you have to drive past them to access the beach.
Patara is Turkey’s longest beach. You can stroll along this sandy beach for a whopping 12km enjoying the lovely dunes as a backdrop. (Yes, we’ve measured it on Google Maps!) Patara beach is a delight for people who like walking or horseriding on the shore and for sunbathers and swimmers on the lookout for a
Selimiye is located about 38 kilometres on the southwest of Marmaris. It is 10 kilometres from the village Orhaniye. Selimiye is another popular stopping point for the yacht, gulets and boats sailing between Marmaris and Bodrum. WHAT IT IS LIKE? Selimiye is famous for its wonderful bay, beach, cafes and fresh sea food at the restaurants, blue cruising yachts and gulets, ancient city of Hydas, boat trips to nearby coves and islands of Kamelya and Difllice. The sea is very clean and bright but there are not any big beaches around. The closest beach is two kilometers away that the beach there has a shining great sand. There are restaurants at the shore serving the yachts, boats and visitors. The region is very quite and calm. It is possible to see ancient city remnants too like in every village of Marmaris. The ancient city of Hydas was located in the region. New to 2021 season, we are now organizing an amazing tour to visit Orhaniye and Kizkumu as well as many other mystical parts of Marmaris. Murat’s new Mystical MurMaris tour is an absolutely perfect tour for those who loves Volkan’s Adventures tours. TOP THINGS TO DO & SEE Selimiye has very green environment and there are variety of lovely restaurants lined up along the bay servicing mostly to the yachts, gulets and boats. You may see the remnants of the ancient city of Hydas in Selimiye. There are remnants of three castles on different locations. On the southeast hills of the cove, you may see the remnants of the city walls belonging to Hellenistic era. The observation bastion made for guiding the boats on the sea and 100 meters away from the shore, the lighthouse, the monastery and the theatre are the other remnants of the village that worth
Selimiye is located about 38 kilometres on the southwest of Marmaris. It is 10 kilometres from the village Orhaniye. Selimiye is another popular stopping point for the yacht, gulets and boats sailing between Marmaris and Bodrum. WHAT IT IS LIKE? Selimiye is famous for its wonderful bay, beach, cafes and fresh sea food at the
Orhaniye is situated on the southwest of Marmaris and 2,5 kilometres away from Turgut, 26,4 kilometres from Marmaris. Orhaniye is an important tourist place by the Hisaronu Gulf. Here you’ll find a quick travel guide and holidays to Orhaniye Marmaris, Kizkumu beach, with top things to do and see plus insider advice. HOW IT IS LIKE? Orhaniye is famous for its wonderful bay, unique Kizkumu beach where holidaymakers apparently walk in the middle of the sea, water sports, Marti Marina, yacht club, the castle remains belonging to the ancient city of Bybassos, cafes and restaurants by the beach front. Yachts anchoring to Hisaronu Gulf always spend their nights in Orhaniye Marmaris. Orhaniye village lies on an outstanding environment along with the beautiful pine forests and nice coves. The colour of the forests reflect to the sea and a wonderful landscape appears. The sea is always very calm in Orhaniye as well. Orhaniye is home to luxury villas, famous Marti Marina and local restaurants. Orhaniye has a great environment covered with pine forests and nice beaches. The colour of the forests reflect to the sea and a wonderful landscape appears. The sea is always very calm in Orhaniye. Kizkumu beach The most interesting event that you will see in Orhaniye is that you will see people walking in the middle of the sea. It is a natural surprise for the visitors. The sandy underwater bottom divides the gulf into two parts and you are able to walk along the sea while the depth doesn’t increase as you walk far away from the shore. New to 2021 season, we are now organizing an amazing tour to visit Orhaniye and Kizkumu as well as many other mystical parts of Marmaris. Murat's new Mystical MurMaris tour is an absolutely perfect tour for those who
Orhaniye is situated on the southwest of Marmaris and 2,5 kilometres away from Turgut, 26,4 kilometres from Marmaris. Orhaniye is an important tourist place by the Hisaronu Gulf. Here you’ll find a quick travel guide and holidays to Orhaniye Marmaris, Kizkumu beach, with top things to do and see plus insider advice. HOW IT IS
Travel Routes & Itineraries for Holiday in Turkey A few days: If you only have a few days to vacation in Turkey, think about what kind of trip you want. If you want a main destination that has a little bit of everything from history, to culture, great food, beaches and a party atmosphere, then go to Istanbul. It has all of that. If this is not your first time in Turkey, consider checking out the Euphrates and Tigris Basin. The sites and main attractions are a little spread out, so you will have to carefully plan an itinerary, but it is possible as you can easily get a connecting flight to this region from Istanbul. If the Turkish coast is more of what you had in mind the most accessible region if you only have a few days is the Aegean Peninsula. You can easily get a connecting flight here or take a little bit more time to see some landscapes on a bus. Up to one week: If you have never holidayed in Turkey before, stop in Istanbul first for at least a full day before you go off to another destination. Take a city tour and sample the local foods at the bazaar. The closest most efficient location from here if you wish to see another region is the Aegean Peninsula just south of Istanbul. Experience other cultures outside of Turkish influences. Catch some beach time or search out the numerous historical points. Two Weeks: If you have two weeks to holiday in Turkey and if you plan out your itinerary and budget, it is possible to thoroughly experience two or three regions. Choose your city centers in each region and the activities you would like to do and sites you want to see. If you book your
Travel Routes & Itineraries for Holiday in Turkey A few days: If you only have a few days to vacation in Turkey, think about what kind of trip you want. If you want a main destination that has a little bit of everything from history, to culture, great food, beaches and a party atmosphere, then
The Dalyan Radar Hill Walk: The walking route in Dalyan starting from Dalyan - Iztuzu Beach Road and ending nine kilometres away at Radar Hill is a walk which supplies breath-taking views. You will reach one of the four lakes of Dalyan delta, the Sulungur Lake after a short hike on the rocks around a small canyon when you turn to the west at the water tank after passing Gökbel, which is on the 7th kilometre of the Dalyan-Iztuzu road.
The Dalyan Radar Hill Walk:
The walking route in Dalyan starting from Dalyan – Iztuzu Beach Road and ending nine kilometres away at Radar Hill is a walk which supplies breath-taking views. You will reach one of the four lakes of Dalyan delta, the Sulungur Lake after a short hike on the rocks around a small canyon when you turn to the west at the water tank after passing Gökbel, which is on the 7th kilometre of the Dalyan-Iztuzu road.
Sea turtles are one of the oldest species alive on the planet earth. It is essential that they are protected and treated in case of injury in order to ensure the continuation of the species. In America, Mexico and Brazil, where the beaches are 40-50 km long, there are sea turtle research and treatment centres at almost all of the beaches. In the Mediterranean, there are Sea Turtle treatment centres in Italy, Greece and Israel. The fact that such a centre was founded in Dalyan, at Iztuzu Beach, and was chosen the “Best Open Air Zone of Europe’’, is significant in terms of promoting Turkey’s reputation.
Sea turtles are one of the oldest species alive on the planet earth. It is essential that they are protected and treated in case of injury in order to ensure the continuation of the species. In America, Mexico and Brazil, where the beaches are 40-50 km long, there are sea turtle research and treatment centres at almost all of the beaches. In the Mediterranean, there are Sea Turtle treatment centres in Italy, Greece and Israel. The fact that such a centre was founded in Dalyan, at Iztuzu Beach, and was chosen the “Best Open Air Zone of Europe’’, is significant in terms of promoting Turkey’s reputation.
Iztuzu and the Dalyan Gate is the magnificent final of the Köycegiz – Dalyan ecosystem and the place where the Dalyan River meets the Mediterranean. The threshold of this strait is the Delik Island that rises opposite to the Dalyan Gate and is covered with pine trees and scrub. Having a pier and a lighthouse at the side facing the Iztuzu beach, the Delik Island was a point of bearing showing sailors of the antiquity the entrance to the port of Caunos.
Iztuzu and the Dalyan Gate is the magnificent final of the Köycegiz – Dalyan ecosystem and the place where the Dalyan River meets the Mediterranean. The threshold of this strait is the Delik Island that rises opposite to the Dalyan Gate and is covered with pine trees and scrub. Having a pier and a lighthouse at the side facing the Iztuzu beach, the Delik Island was a point of bearing showing sailors of the antiquity the entrance to the port of Caunos.
he town of Dalyan has a history that probably dates back to the 13th century, but which received it’s status technically speaking during Süleyman the Magnificent’s Rhodes campaign. More recently, about 30 to 40 years ago, this settlement turned village was almost exclusively dependent on agriculture and fishing for its sustenance.
he town of Dalyan has a history that probably dates back to the 13th century, but which received it’s status technically speaking during Süleyman the Magnificent’s Rhodes campaign. More recently, about 30 to 40 years ago, this settlement turned village was almost exclusively dependent on agriculture and fishing for its sustenance.
Cutting through the water to the accompaniment of the rhythmic sound of the engine, your boat takes you to the Sultaniye thermal springs, where Ölemez Mountain reaches the shore of the lake from its steep peak crowned by the walls of the Imbroz castle built by the inhabitants of Caunos. According to a legend connected with the name of this majestic mountain covered with the dark green of Turkish Pine forests, Lumen the Wise came here while in search of the herb of immortality and while taking in the vice, he said: “One could not die here even if one wanted to.”
Cutting through the water to the accompaniment of the rhythmic sound of the engine, your boat takes you to the Sultaniye thermal springs, where Ölemez Mountain reaches the shore of the lake from its steep peak crowned by the walls of the Imbroz castle built by the inhabitants of Caunos. According to a legend connected with the name of this majestic mountain covered with the dark green of Turkish Pine forests, Lumen the Wise came here while in search of the herb of immortality and while taking in the vice, he said: “One could not die here even if one wanted to.”
Leaving a backwash of white foam behind it, the boat you will get on at the Köycegiz quay will take you on a trip on an extraordinary lake with delightful resting points. The second largest lake of the Aegean Region after Bafa with its surface of 5500 hectares, the Köycegiz Lake is situated in a depression that was a lagoon in old times. The mountainous terrain surrounding the lake that has alluvial plains to its northeast and southwest has a steep profile cleaved by deep valleys.
Leaving a backwash of white foam behind it, the boat you will get on at the Köycegiz quay will take you on a trip on an extraordinary lake with delightful resting points. The second largest lake of the Aegean Region after Bafa with its surface of 5500 hectares, the Köycegiz Lake is situated in a depression that was a lagoon in old times. The mountainous terrain surrounding the lake that has alluvial plains to its northeast and southwest has a steep profile cleaved by deep valleys.
Alan Fenn and his partner Janet have lived in the village of Okcular for the past 20 years. He is the author of ‘Okçular Village – a Guide’ and ‘Backways & Trackways’. Alan Fenn's books are for the sole purpose of generating an income that can be spent on environmental and community projects in Okcular, one of the villages that surround Dalyan. So far, the books have provided a new playground and the transformation of Okçular Primary School by painting murals on all of the buildings. This has drawn attention from national media and the school featured in the 2011 Polisan Paints Catalogue, a singularly impressive endorsement. Following the painting the next project was to restore a beautiful old garden chess set and build a new outdoor playing board for the school chess club. There is also an ongoing Photo Archive which aims to preserve and propagate as many of the old photographs of Okçular and its people as possible. A recent project has been to paint murals on the new village centre and plant native trees at selected places around the village. On 24th May 2012 the school was donated racks for 20 bikes; a Wi-Fi modem that covers all the classrooms; 2 toner packs for worksheets; and six sets of books for each of the classes. At the end of school year in 2013 an early lunch for every child and teacher was provided, minibuses took everyone on a fabulous educational trip to the DEKAMER Turtle Rehabilitation Centre at Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan. More recently the project funded a complete and comprehensive science equipment cupboard and a watering system for the gardens. All these projects are funded by the books. A donation of 15 to 20tl will buy you a book. The ‘Okçular Village – a Guide’ has something for everyone. There’s
Alan Fenn and his partner Janet have lived in the village of Okcular for the past 20 years. He is the author of ‘Okçular Village – a Guide’ and ‘Backways & Trackways’. Alan Fenn’s books are for the sole purpose of generating an income that can be spent on environmental and community projects in Okcular,
Last week I spent a perfect Saturday horse riding in Dalyan. I have loved horses and riding since I was a child. Weekends were always spent tearing around the countryside or mucking out stables. This was the second time I had ridden in Turkey and it is perfect. We set off from a smallholding, in the village of Eskiköy. The horses were very well loved and cared for. We followed a trail that led through the village and up a steep mountain track. After apprximately 90 minutes we reached the summit of the hill. Before us stretched Köyceğiz lake to the right and the town of Dalyan and Iztuzu beach to the left. After a snack of freshly picked pomegranates and mandalins we set off again. The going was sometimes rugged and steep but these tough little horses are built for this climate and terrain. They are Turkish Rahvan horses. An ancient Turkish breed. Village Life This is the perfect way to see the Turkish countryside, animals seem to ignore you if you are on horseback and children are always pleased to see you! We travelled through fields of pomegranates and oranges, through villages and farms until we arrived in Tepearası. We had arranged lunch at a family house in the village. Refuelling for humans and horses alike. After lunch we explored Tepearası village and the surrounding farms. This was pomegranate picking season so wherever we went we were greeted by fruitpickers! Tepearası and Eskiköy are beautiful areas. Completely untouched by the tourism of the larger towns. To me, this is the perfect day. There is something about being on a horse in the countryside that soothes the soul. I would happily spend every day like this, although my legs the following day might argue!
Last week I spent a perfect Saturday horse riding in Dalyan. I have loved horses and riding since I was a child. Weekends were always spent tearing around the countryside or mucking out stables. This was the second time I had ridden in Turkey and it is perfect. We set off from a smallholding, in the
One of the main reasons why holiday makers choose Dalyan is to enjoy the golden sands next to the azure Aegean Sea. Throughout the Aegean coast there are hundreds of blue flagged beautiful beaches that are lesser known but just as perfect. Devils Bays consist of some of the most beautiful and lesser known bays and coves around Dalyan. Devils Bays bays are located at the southeast end of the Dalyan coastline are surrounded by mountains. There are four beaches that are separated by the rocky cliffs and a bay. These quiet and secluded bays, all together named Devils Bays, boasts some of the deepest and clearest blue waters in the area making. Beyond Dalyan's famous Iztuzu Beach, the spectacular hidden beaches of Devils Bays is a must to explore and you' ll have all to yourself TIP: You can join The Devils Bays boat trip from dalyan to discover this hidden paradise. More info here. You can also watch this video to give you an idea of the beauty of the Devils Bays.
One of the main reasons why holiday makers choose Dalyan is to enjoy the golden sands next to the azure Aegean Sea. Throughout the Aegean coast there are hundreds of blue flagged beautiful beaches that are lesser known but just as perfect. Devils Bays consist of some of the most beautiful and lesser known bays and
One of my favourite ways to spend a day’s holiday is a boat trip from Dalyan. To me it doesn’t really matter where I go, although given the choice I do prefer the sea. There are hundreds are of little coves and bays to explore around the area. Bacardi Bay, Devils Bay, Asi Bay, Ekincik to name a few. You will either be picked up from your hotel or meet at the boat in the small, pretty harbour. Depending on the boat you have picked you will be greeted with tea, coffee and maybe even a snack for breakfast. As the boat begins to meander down the river towards the sea most people lie back and begin to soak up the sun. This is my cue to go and sit at the front of the boat. Preferably on my own! It’s the perfect opportunity to watch the ever changing scenery, marvel at the rock tombs and hopefully spot some kingfishers. You can glimpse the ruins of Caunos and the small village of Candir on the other side of the river. The further down the river you travel you will begin to enter the reed beds. If you are lucky you might see marsh harriers swooping overhead, egrets in the shallows and terrapins warming up in the morning sun. Once you pass the sandbank at Iztuzu beach you will hit the open water. The usual route is out past Hole Island and then on to one of the many beaches and caves. As the boats stops you will be able to jump into the deep blue sea, snorkel and look for fish. I don’t think there is anything more refreshing than plunging underwater from the top of the boat. The lunch is usually my favourite food of the whole holiday. Turkish
One of my favourite ways to spend a day’s holiday is a boat trip from Dalyan. To me it doesn’t really matter where I go, although given the choice I do prefer the sea. There are hundreds are of little coves and bays to explore around the area. Bacardi Bay, Devils Bay, Asi Bay, Ekincik
If you were not going there for a nice meal at the birds nest restaurant, you really don’t need much attending. Crystal clear waters springing out from every corner, liquid amber and yellow pine tree forests, Dalaman River floating through the deep valley and all kinds of amazing creatures you can see makes Akkaya Valley an amazing place without the need of anything else.
If you were not going there for a nice meal at the birds nest restaurant, you really don’t need much attending. Crystal clear waters springing out from every corner, liquid amber and yellow pine tree forests, Dalaman River floating through the deep valley and all kinds of amazing creatures you can see makes Akkaya Valley an amazing place without the need of anything else.
Dalyan, meaning of natural fish farm, is a truly "Eden on Earth" small town located in Mugla province of Southwestern Turkey. Unlike other busy nearby resorts like Marmaris or Fethiye, it is still not excessively developed and life runs at small pace. Dalyan town owes its preserved nature mostly to its millions of years old habitants Caretta Caretta (Logger Head) sea turtles as Iztuzu Beach and its surrounding areas are major breeding and shelter habitat in the life cycle of these endangered species. History of Dalyan Iztuzu Beach Turkey in general had met with tourism only after various legislations and applications taken place since the second half of 1980s. Even major resorts such as Kusadasi, Bodrum and Oludeniz, which all are amongst the major destination for international tourism today, were only small towns, hardly receiving visits from international tourists before than. Up until 1986, locals used to own small huts called "baraka" on Iztuzu Beach, at the banks of Sulungur Lake and used them as small holiday homes during summer months. When June Haimoff (Captain June), an English lady from Essex, mored her sailing boat at Dalyan that she had bought in Greece in July 1975 for the first time, she didn't know she was entering a new world that she would never be able to give away. Between 1975 and 1981 June visited Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach several times and was therefore called "Kaptan June" (Captain June) by the locals. Finally in 1984 she decided to settle in Dalyan in her own baraka on Iztuzu Beach, which locals happily accepted her as their neighbours, not knowing she would change the fortune of Dalyan forever. Living in her baraka, June met with Caretta Caretta sea turtles and she has become their protecting angel since than. From 1984 onwards there had been rumours about building a hotel and a marina at Iztuzu Beach. In October
Dalyan, meaning of natural fish farm, is a truly “Eden on Earth” small town located in Mugla province of Southwestern Turkey. Unlike other busy nearby resorts like Marmaris or Fethiye, it is still not excessively developed and life runs at small pace. Dalyan town owes its preserved nature mostly to its millions of years old habitants Caretta
