Introduction to Dalyan Dalyan, a charming riverside town on Turkey's southwestern coast, offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between lush greenery and the tranquil Dalyan River, this picturesque destination has become a favorite for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In this guide, we explore every aspect of Dalyan to ensure your trip is unforgettable. 1. Introduction to Dalyan 1.1 Overview of Dalyan – Location, Significance, and Highlights Dalyan, located on Turkey's stunning southwestern coast, is a tranquil town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and rich history. Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Köyceğiz, Dalyan boasts a picturesque river delta that flows through lush reed beds and connects to the sea. Its proximity to Dalaman International Airport, just 29 kilometers away, makes it easily accessible for travelers. Renowned for its ecological significance, Dalyan is home to the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) that nest at Iztuzu Beach, a protected area recognized for its conservation efforts. The Dalyan River offers spectacular boat trips that pass through ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs, leading to the ruins of Kaunos, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. Beyond its natural wonders, Dalyan provides numerous cultural and outdoor activities, from mud baths and thermal springs to hiking and birdwatching. Its charming town center features bustling markets, quaint shops, and restaurants serving authentic Turkish cuisine. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Köyceğiz Lake and Saklıkent Gorge. Learn more about Dalyan’s location and significance by visiting the Dalyan Guide on Volkan’s Adventures. 1.2 Dalyan Quick Facts Population: Approximately 5,000 permanent residents, which increases significantly during the tourist season. Coordinates: Latitude 36.8341° N, Longitude 28.6420° E. Languages Spoken: The official language is Turkish. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, along with some German and
Introduction to Dalyan Dalyan, a charming riverside town on Turkey’s southwestern coast, offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between lush greenery and the tranquil Dalyan River, this picturesque destination has become a favorite for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In this guide, we explore every aspect
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.
Although no ruins of architectural samples dated to before the century have survived, many graves were found during once 16th foundation excavations in the present town of Dalyan. Evid of a large cemetery indicates that there was once a deep-rooted and large settlement here. Another known fact is that in Dalyan, Turks and Greeks lived together until 1924, as is the case with many other coastal settlements of Anatolia.
Although no ruins of architectural samples dated to before the century have survived, many graves were found during once 16th foundation excavations in the present town of Dalyan. Evid of a large cemetery indicates that there was once a deep-rooted and large settlement here. Another known fact is that in Dalyan, Turks and Greeks lived together until 1924, as is the case with many other coastal settlements of Anatolia.
After Turkish tribes invaded all the Christian lands to the north of Caria in the 1300s, Caunos experienced a severe population decline resulting from the economic implosion of maritime trade. Additionally, a malarial epidemic brought the city to its knees and it was finally abandoned. When the ancient city was heavily damaged by earthquakes, it was covered with earth that then grew a dense vegetation, hiding it from view. Eventually two new settlements budded within the vicinity.
After Turkish tribes invaded all the Christian lands to the north of Caria in the 1300s, Caunos experienced a severe population decline resulting from the economic implosion of maritime trade. Additionally, a malarial epidemic brought the city to its knees and it was finally abandoned. When the ancient city was heavily damaged by earthquakes, it was covered with earth that then grew a dense vegetation, hiding it from view. Eventually two new settlements budded within the vicinity.
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.
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’.
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 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 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.
Boats travelling from Dalyan to the Iztuzu Beach pass through the gate of a fish trap constructed of gauze stretched between poles, so as to block the fishes from one side to the other. A “Dalyan” in fishing terms, is controlled by a watchman’s post, before boats enter the delta’s labyrinth of reed islets and complicated waterways. It is customary to salute the fish trap watchman while going in and out of this gate, which is sunken below to provide passage for the boats and raised back in place immediately after the boat has passed.
Boats travelling from Dalyan to the Iztuzu Beach pass through the gate of a fish trap constructed of gauze stretched between poles, so as to block the fishes from one side to the other. A “Dalyan” in fishing terms, is controlled by a watchman’s post, before boats enter the delta’s labyrinth of reed islets and complicated waterways. It is customary to salute the fish trap watchman while going in and out of this gate, which is sunken below to provide passage for the boats and raised back in place immediately after the boat has passed.
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.
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.
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.
The argument that has been going over the Iztuzu Beach between Oruc Travel (Ramazan Oruc) and Mugla University and People of Dalyan has ended by Minstry's order to gendarme to remove Oruc Travel from the Iztuzu Beach immediately. Counsellor of Ministry Mr. Mustafa Ozturk has send a notice to Mugla Governors Office with the signature of Minister Mrs. Fatma Güldemet Sarı, stating that DALCEV's invasion at the beach since 11/05/2016 is an unlawful act and they are to be removed immediately from the premises that the rights were granted to Mugla Sitka Kocman University. Ramazan Oruc still insisted that they were granted the rights to beach and they have an order from the court but Minstry has insisted on their order and asked Mugla Governors Office to remove Ramazan Oruc and Oruc Travel from the beach immediately, by using police force if needed. Saving Iztuzu Platform's attorney Mrs. Berna Babaoglu said that this legal order means that they will be removed without waiting the 7 days notice that was given them before by the Ortaca Governors Office and they will be removed immediately. Ramazan Oruc said that the right were given to them when Tayyip Erdogan was prime minster and probably the counsellor of the Ministry was not informed about this so they will follow their rights in the court. Cited: Hurriyet Daily News P.S: Good bye Ramazan :)
The argument that has been going over the Iztuzu Beach between Oruc Travel (Ramazan Oruc) and Mugla University and People of Dalyan has ended by Minstry’s order to gendarme to remove Oruc Travel from the Iztuzu Beach immediately. Counsellor of Ministry Mr. Mustafa Ozturk has send a notice to Mugla Governors Office with the signature
The argument that has been going on since May 11th 2016 as Oruc Travel has invaded the facilities in the beach regarding the management rights to Iztuzu Beach. They had claimed that the right of management of the facilities at the beach were granted to them in 2014 and that they had court order regarding this. You can read about the arguments arouse last week here Finally Ministry Of Environment and City Planning has put an end to this argument by ordering the Gendarme to resolve the issue immediately. With the ministry's decision, all arguments are final and resolved as the Ministry of Environment and City Planning is the highest authority regarding the issue. The news has made the headlines today on national media in Turkey. Please read the details here
The argument that has been going on since May 11th 2016 as Oruc Travel has invaded the facilities in the beach regarding the management rights to Iztuzu Beach. They had claimed that the right of management of the facilities at the beach were granted to them in 2014 and that they had court order regarding
District Governor of Ortaca has delivered the notification regarding the ownership of the Iztuzu Beach belonging to Mugla Sitki Kocman University to DALCEV (Oruc Travel) DALCEV representatives were notified by the District Governor of Ortaca, with the court order that the management rights of the Iztuzu Beach belongs to Mugla Sitki Kocman University. As per the notification, DALCEV is given 7 days notice to leave the beach with their belongings. Last week DALCEV (Oruc Travel) has came to Iztuzu Beach claiming the rights of management by the protocol that was signed between them and MUCEV that operates under the Governorship of Mugla. (Please read about earlier developments here) They claimed that there were no court order against the protocol that was signed in 2014 and they still have the rights to management and they wanted to start preparations for the new season. Upon this development, representatives of Mugla University had complained to authorities, demanding DALCEV to be removed from the beach and the premises, claiming that the rights to management of the beach were granted to them last year by Ministry of Environment and City Planning, which had overruled the protocol that was signed in 2014 between DALCEV and MUCEV. As the gendarme has taken precaution at the beach, DALCEV representatives did not sign the notice that was delivered to them by the district governor of Ortaca, still claiming the rights to beach. Therefore, they were given a notice to leave the beach within 7 days. Saving Iztuzu Beach Platform (IKUP)'s attorney Mrs. Berna Babaoglu stated that last year Ministry of Environment has signed a 3 year contract with the Mugla University, granting them the rights to management of Iztuzu Beach. She explained that Kugla University will continue on work on protection and observation of Sea Turtles at Iztuzu Beach. She reminded
District Governor of Ortaca has delivered the notification regarding the ownership of the Iztuzu Beach belonging to Mugla Sitki Kocman University to DALCEV (Oruc Travel) DALCEV representatives were notified by the District Governor of Ortaca, with the court order that the management rights of the Iztuzu Beach belongs to Mugla Sitki Kocman University. As per
Dalyan Çevre Geliştirme Turizm İnşaat Emlak ve Otel A.Ş. (DALCEV)'s claim to have the management rights over Dalyan's Iztuzu Beach and their attempt to put their personal belongings in one of the huts in the beach has roused a new argument. Tuesday night, a group of people whom claim to be "The Men of DALCEV" (The organisation of Oruc Travel) came to Iztuzu Beach to put their own belongings in one of the huts and wanted to remove belongings of the Mugla University staff whom are managing the beach currently. The management of the Iztuzu Beach have reported the issue to both the mayor's office and police and have pressed charges against the DALCEV, stating that the management right of the Iztuzu Beach Special Environment Protection Area was granted to Mugla Sitka Kocman University by the Ministry. On the contrary, DALCEV claims that the management rights of the huts on channel side where people reach by boats were granted to them. President of DALCEV, Ramazan Oruc, said that "Management rights of boat side of the beach were granted to our company on December 29th 2014. As the tourism season started, we just came to our own facilities to take it over. There is no court order against the original right that was granted to us. There was an attempt to cancel the agreement that was made betw een us and the ministry however courts of Mugla has overruled against this attempt. Therefore we are using our right that was granted to us." Ortaca District Governor Mr. Fatih Urkmezer said that they received a complain from the Mugla University against the DALCEV trespassing and forcefully trying to occupy the facilities at Iztuzu Beach. He said that all necessary reporting has been done to authorities regarding the complaint and Gendarme will be controlling
Dalyan Çevre Geliştirme Turizm İnşaat Emlak ve Otel A.Ş. (DALCEV)’s claim to have the management rights over Dalyan’s Iztuzu Beach and their attempt to put their personal belongings in one of the huts in the beach has roused a new argument. Tuesday night, a group of people whom claim to be “The Men of DALCEV” (The
Mugla Municipality has adapted new and advanced techniques to combat mosquitoes that is both effective and environmentally safe. The municipality has been effectively working and says that will continue working 12 months a year program to fight with the mosquitos and other harmful insects. Teams have been busy all winter taking effective precautions by spraying places where mosquitos would lay their eggs. All sewage channels, watering tanks, sewage tanks, sewage rehabilitation centres, reed beds etc have been sprayed and checked periodically both in Dalyan and around Mugla in general. They are not only spraying these places, but also taking precautions such as foam sealing the lids, covering all holes and cracks in depots, pipes and tanks. Mugla Municipality Health and Social Services Board President Hacı Koc said: "Our teams are working around the clock to help improve the public health by combatting against harmful insects with chemicals that are in international norms for being both effective and environmentally safe. We are not only combatting by spraying possible sources of harmful insect development, but also we have been mapping the whole area to determine possible growth areas and where eggs would be laid. We have a routine control and combat schedule that will continue all around the year." Mr Yucel Okutur, president of DOKTOB (Dalyan Ortaca Koycegiz Tourism Association has also thanked Mugla Municipality for their effective work. Mr. Okutur said that with the efforts of Mugla Municipality, there is a dramatic drop in mosquitos in Dalyan Area and he wished them success in their efforts that deserves an applaud. P.S: Mugla Municipalities effective and dedicated combat against mosquitos has also been covered by Turkish National Media with praises.
Mugla Municipality has adapted new and advanced techniques to combat mosquitoes that is both effective and environmentally safe. The municipality has been effectively working and says that will continue working 12 months a year program to fight with the mosquitos and other harmful insects. Teams have been busy all winter taking effective precautions by spraying places
Is it safe to go to Turkey? Is there a war in Turkey? Would i jeopardise safety of my family if we holidayed in Turkey? How safe is Dalyan? Yes, you read it right. If visiting Turkey this summer or ever is in your holiday agenda, you should hear what i have to say and think twice before you jump on that plane. And oh, if you are not planning to come to Turkey for any reason or if the thought had never crossed your mind, you should read this post to the end so you know what you are not missing.
Is it safe to go to Turkey? Is there a war in Turkey? Would i jeopardise safety of my family if we holidayed in Turkey? How safe is Dalyan?
Yes, you read it right. If visiting Turkey this summer or ever is in your holiday agenda, you should hear what i have to say and think twice before you jump on that plane. And oh, if you are not planning to come to Turkey for any reason or if the thought had never crossed your mind, you should read this post to the end so you know what you are not missing.
I finally arrived home this morning around 5.30 am after a long journey from Istanbul. I have been gone since I left Dalyan on Christmas Eve and went to Istanbul to meet with my lovely friends Alan and Sunny from Scotland and my brother Leigh and his lovely lady Sandra from England.
I finally arrived home this morning around 5.30 am after a long journey from Istanbul. I have been gone since I left Dalyan on Christmas Eve and went to Istanbul to meet with my lovely friends Alan and Sunny from Scotland and my brother Leigh and his lovely lady Sandra from England.
Dalyan will be home to International Likya Dalyan Open Waters Swimming Competition. Interest in participating in the competition is rising every day. More than 100 swimmers has enrolled for the competition since enrolment started in February 1st. Organised by Likya Dalyan Sports Club and supported by Ortaca Municipality, the competitions will be organised in "We Are Swimming With Turtles" theme. Both licensed and non-licenced swimmers are able to register to compete in the organisation. All preparations for the organisation is going at full speed and registrations will continue until April 1st, 2016. Swimming competition will be held on Sunday April 17th as part of Tourism Week Activities and aimed to be held every year from now on. Competitors will start from Iztuzu Beach and will complete 2140 metres course by going around the Hole Island on the shore of Iztuzu Beach. During the week other activities as concerts, fashion shows, art exhibitions will be held and activities will end with spring celebrations. Source: Official Organisation Page and Milliyet Mugla News (Cited IHA)
Dalyan will be home to International Likya Dalyan Open Waters Swimming Competition. Interest in participating in the competition is rising every day. More than 100 swimmers has enrolled for the competition since enrolment started in February 1st. Organised by Likya Dalyan Sports Club and supported by Ortaca Municipality, the competitions will be organised in “We
Bringing Service to Mugla Foundation held a sealed bid for operating a ferry on Dalyan River between Dalyan and Candir villages and Dalyan Boats Cooperation has won the bid. With this project the two sides of Dalyan will be connected with a ferry service that will allow cars and tractors cross to the other side of the river. The project has also been approved by Mugla governor and Dalyan Boats Cooperation is appointed to manage the project. According to the project, a ferry built by Dalyan Boats Cooperation will carry vehicles, cargo load and people between Deniz Kizi Restaurant and Candir district on the other side for a fee that will be adjusted according to inflation rate every year. Upon the best bid given by Dalyan Boats Cooperation, a protocol is signed between Bringing Service to Mugla Foundation represented by deputy governor of Mugla Mr. Kamil Koten and Dalyan Boats Cooperation represented by President of the cooperation Atilla Gultekin. Mr Gultekin said that upon signing the protocol, the process of building the ferry has started. He also said "A dream that has been long existed to connect two sides of Dalyan by a bridge or ferry has finally came true with attempts of our cooperation. Upon completion of the project, Dalyan and Ortaca will be connected to Candir, Sultaniye, Ekincik and other agricultural areas such as Horozlar, Gedikpasa and Gokcukur, where many farmers who live in Dalyan have lands. People will be able to cross to the other side with their vehicles, tractors and will be able to carry goods with the ferry." He added that Bringing Service to Mugla Foundation were appointed by the central government to organise the project and sealed bid, upon winning the bid they were appointed and signed the protocol, now on first general board meeting they will get the permission to
Bringing Service to Mugla Foundation held a sealed bid for operating a ferry on Dalyan River between Dalyan and Candir villages and Dalyan Boats Cooperation has won the bid. With this project the two sides of Dalyan will be connected with a ferry service that will allow cars and tractors cross to the other side of
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
Greater City of Muğla Dalyan is a town in city of Muğla in Turkey. There are 81 cities in Turkey and 30 of these are "Big City Municipalities" with population more than 750,000. Muğla is one of the big city municipalities and its governmental structure is managed accordingly. There are 13 counties in Muğla. These are: Bodrum Dalaman Datça Fethiye Kavaklıdere Köyceğiz Marmaris Milas Menteşe Ortaca Seydikemer Ula Yatağan Muğla, being one of the oldest settlements of antic Caria Civilisation, has a magnificent history to accompany its natural beauties. There are so many attractions and sites within the city. Some of these are known busy touristic attractions and others still waiting to be discovered by the tourists. You can join on our Undiscovered Mugla trip from Dalyan to see the best of Mugla and the ancient city of Stratonicea. Below you can read about some of the more important attractions that you can visit in Muğla: Mosques and Churches Kurşunlu Camii (Leaded Mosque): It was built in 1495 by Esseyit Şucaeddin in Muğla city centre. It has a entered planning and a large dome. Two small domes of the side was removed during restorations made in the 19th century. During this renovation, leads on the dome was replaced and engravings were re-painted with the inks brought from Rhodes. Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque): It is one of the largest mosques in Mugla city was was built by the Menthes Governor Ibrahim Bey in 1344. The mosque has lost its original structure as a result of repairs that was made in the 19th century. There are repair inscriptions left on the altar of the last congregation place. Şeyh Camii (Sheikh Mosque): Built in the city center in 1565 by Sheikh Bedrettin. The minaret was added at the beginning of the 19th century. Sheikh Mosque has had two repairs
Greater City of Muğla Dalyan is a town in city of Muğla in Turkey. There are 81 cities in Turkey and 30 of these are “Big City Municipalities” with population more than 750,000. Muğla is one of the big city municipalities and its governmental structure is managed accordingly. There are 13 counties in Muğla. These are:
