Dalyan Travel Guide

Unlike neighbouring holiday resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped and tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu Beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles, efforts have been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty.

The town is set on the winding Dalyan River, which flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz. On the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century BC.

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, past 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs, and the ruins at Caunos, before reaching the large sandbar at Turtle Beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by car or dolmus (shared minibus).

Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths, are also not to be missed and provide an out-of-the-ordinary holiday experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for various wildlife and birds, and the town is set against 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. However, 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.

Shopping

The Dalyan local market on Saturdays provides an excellent opportunity to pick up bargains while on holiday. As with anywhere in Turkey, haggling is key, and there are unbelievable deals to be had. Several small shops offer local arts, crafts, and carpets, and there's also the usual range of very cheap but fake designer goods. Additionally, there are several mini supermarkets.

Restaurants

There are a number of restaurants catering to a range of tastes in Dalyan, including several that offer tasty traditional Turkish dishes. Unlike many resorts, this isn't the place to look for British-style food or McDonald's.

Nightlife

Dalyan isn't known for its buzzing nightlife, but there are several bars and a few clubs, and many establishments feature regular Turkish nights, offering a more traditional experience with belly dancing, traditional music and speciality foods such as Zeytinyagli Enginar (Artichokes in Olive Oil) and turbot (a flatfish).

Holiday activities

There's 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 highlight is a microlight flight over the spectacular Dalyan Delta, providing incredible views and the possibility of turtle spotting on the golden sands of Iztuzu Beach, home to the rare loggerhead turtle. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the fantastic bird-watching opportunities.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the Dalyan hot springs and mud baths offer relaxation, as does a visit to a Turkish hammam 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 appreciate the fascinating Lycian cliff tombs that house the kings of Caunos, and at Caunos itself, the remains of this once-large port can be explored, including a theatre, temples, churches, and baths.

For those seeking more action while on holiday in Dalyan, regular dolmus trips are available to neighboring resorts and towns such as Marmaris. Beach BBQs are also a favourite and can usually be booked through a tour operator or hotel.

Any negatives?

Dalyan can be a bit more expensive than neighboring holiday resorts, and as it's a more family-oriented destination, party animals looking for late nights and pumping clubs should head elsewhere. Mosquitoes can be a problem, particularly in the warmer months.