Another factor that gave rise to the present palaeogeographical structure was the Dalaman (Indus) River. The river, a tributary of the Horzum River that springs from the Gündogan Mountains, passes through the deep canyons it has cut through the Taurus Mountains with the high flow rate given it by the abundant springs of the Rahat Mountain, and waters the Dalaman plains during its 200 km. journey, finally completing its course by reaching the sea at the Sarigerme Cove.

Articles in this section will cover unique geographical, geological and ecological aspects of this very special area that never fails to amaze its visitors.

THE KÖYCEĞiZ -DALYAN NATURAL RESERVE MAGNIFICENT ROUTES FOR NATURE AND HISTORY LOVERS

panaromic view from radar hill

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 KÖYCEĞIZ-DALYAN NATURAL RESERVE

Dalyan-Koycegiz natural reserve

The well-preserved architectural texture of the Dalyan and Köycegiz District centre, allows for a building plan in harmony with the natural and historical environment and is a successful application for the Special Environmental Preservation Corporation. Thanks to the wastewater purification plants of the two settlements, the aquatic ecosystem is protected from domestic waste pollution to a significant degree.

Iztuzu Beach and The Dalyan Gate

Iztuzu Beach and Dalyan Gate - Nice view of dalyan from air

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.

The Four Lakes of the Delta

Dalyan - Fevziye - Blue Lagoon - Aşı Bay - Sunset Restaurant - Radar Mountain - 27

Yes, the delta is chaotic, but this incredible land that is in constant flux, reshaped by the divine order, inspires feelings of awe and joy. There are four lakes worthy of exploration, the first of these Sülüklü lake, was once the port of ancient Caunos, and the life blood of its economy. This busy harbour was frequented by the tilted-nosed, square-sailed ships of antiquity and was according to Strabo ‘protected with a chain across its entrance when necessary’.

The Labyrinth Created by Reed Islets

The fish trap gate opens into an entirely new world. Here begins the Delta where the reeds spread out into a 1700 hectare area, massing like an enormous straw field that roots down to a brackish bed. The contours of the Delta are drawn by the reeds that filter the water through its roots providing a haven for small shrimps (crangon crangon). The young fish function as an important part of the ecosystem, moving like clouds as they travel together. Looking from above, you see this meandering chaos that lacks any describable shape.

THE ENCHANTING WORLD OF FRESH AND SALTY WATER AND THERMAL SOURCES

sultaniye hot springs and mud bath

Looking from the thick shadows of eucalyptus and palm trees to the serene shores of the Köycegiz Lake, you find yourself amidst to the sweetest of dreams… The wish to be one with this magnificent nature, to explore every corner of it engulfs you. The prettiest trip one can take is the boat trip to the Dalyan River that passes the Köycegiz Lake and connects to the sea or to the labyrinthine waterways of the delta and to the silken sand of the Iztuzu beach washed with the waves of the Mediterranean.

THE STORY OF THE BIRTH OF A UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM

Dalyan Delta and Reed Beds

The birth of a unique ecosystem consisting of Köycegiz Lake, the Dalyan River and Delta and the Iztuzu Beach is part of an ancient and great tale concerning the formation of the earth’s crust that started in the Mesozoic Era, 251 millon years ago, and continues today with the changes caused by terrestrial forces.

Akkaya Valley and Indus River

Canoeing at Akkaya Valley

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.