Cozying at the southwest coast of Turkey, Dalyan is a small town in the middle of Dalyan Delta in Marmaris, Turkey. It is a serene holiday town located on a channel connecting Koycegiz Lake with the Mediterranean region, which is otherwise known as the Aegean region. A part of the Mugla Province, the town is a municipality of its own, within the district of Ortaca.
80 kilometers to the southeast of the most popular beach town of Turkey, Marmaris, Dalyan is considered a natural wonder where the lake unites with the sea. The town has a variety of beautiful lakes, canals, and beaches that fascinate every visitor.
One of the most attractive places in Turkey, Dalyan is hence known for its pristine sea, historical touch, and chaste nature. It is literally an oxygen tank, considering its vast land of opulent forests. Bozburun is another such town in Marmaris.
It was only in the year 1987 that the town gained international popularity when some developers decided to build a luxury hotel near Iztuzu Beach. And now that it has spread its reach for all the right reasons, read on to know how you can make the most of your visit to Dalyan.
Want to know a fun fact? The meaning of the name Dalyan is “fishweir” in Turkish.
When to visit
The annual temperature of Dalyan is 18 degrees. The summers in this town are warm and dry, and the winters are warm and rainy.
Even though it rains for the most part of the year, December is considered the wettest month, August is considered the driest, July is the warmest with an average air temperature of 27 and a sea temperature of 23 , and January is the coldest with an average temperate of 10 . Spring season in this town falls during March and April, and the temperature remains between 6 and 21 .
To make the most of the tourist destination, the best time to visit is during the sea season which starts in the month of April and continues until the middle of November.
How to Reach
By Air
Sitting just 40 kilometers away from Dalyan is Dalaman Airport. It is a popular destination from several international destinations. Most of the major European cities have flights that connect to this airport. Visitors can hail a taxi from the airport to the town. It is recommended to contact your hotel in advance and inquire about the availability of transfer services from Dalaman Airport. There are also buses that run from the domestic terminal that will take you directly to Dalyan. These airport transfers and shuttles are an ideal choice for a summer break to avoid any last minute hassle.
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Some other airports that connect to Dalyan are Milas-Bodrum and Denizli Cardak.
By Road to
Located just off the D400 highway, Dalyan runs southeast to Antalya and northwest to Izmir at the distance of 255 kilometers and 300 kilometers respectively.
Holidaymakers can opt for a bus from these destinations. Most busses touch Ortaca, which is 12 kilometers away from Dalyan. From Ortaca, you can hop on to a dolmus to reach the town. Dolmus or minibus services are also available from the other surrounding villages to Dalyan. Bus from Izmir takes around 6 hours.
However, if you wish to make your travel a bit more private and quicker, you can choose from the various car rental companies available in the city to drive down to Dalyan. It will take you around 4 hours to reach the destination from Izmir if you travel in a car.
By Boat
You can also reach the coast of this virgin town using a ferry boat from Marmaris. To go further, you can switch to smaller ferry boats to sail through the river to the fresh waters of the town, which will lead you deeper into the city.
Things you can do
Beaches for a relaxed getaway
Popular for its pristine beaches, the most famous one of all is Iztuzu Beach. It is 5400 meters of natural wonder that stretches from the edge of Radar hill to Dalyan Bosphorus. This beach is popular for its suitable environment for loggerhead sea turtle, also known as Caretta Caretta. It is at this fine, sandy beach that Caretta Carettas lay eggs. There are two sides of this beach; the west side is the Dalyanagzi Beach, which can be reached via boat, and the east side, the Iztuzu Beach itself, can be reached by road.
The Dalyan agzi Beach takes around 30-40 minutes to reach via boat due to the number of canals one has to go around. On one side you will hence find fresh water and on the other side is the Mediterranean.
Visit the Asi, one of Mugla’s virgin beaches. It has a cover that is 20 meters deep and is considered an astounding place for divers.
However, if you would like to indulge in the water surfing, skiing, and swimming, the best beach is that of Ekincik. It is a long beach with a delightful bay and yacht harbor.
Kaunos City Walls
Popular for its well-maintained archaeological sites, Turkey is also home to the impressive ruins of ancient Kaunos. Located just outside the holiday town of Dalyan, it is separated from it by Dalyan River.
This river was previously known as Kalbys, which is an important part of Dalyan’s avian and marine fauna, and wetland flora. A trip on a riverboat is one of the highlights when visiting this ancient city.
When visiting this ancient city, one must not forget to touch its stunning temple tombs. Uniquely cut into a cliff-side, it gives every tourist a sight to behold.
Kaunos is set on the ruins that are located on two limestone formations, which are called the Upper and Lower Acropolis. Being tall and steep as the Upper Acropolis is, it once served as the city’s main citadel and last resort during an attack. The Lower Acropolis, however, if less visually appealing was more vital for its control of access to the main harbor.
Visit the Greek theatre, the Early Byzantine Basilica Church and the Hellenistic fountain house to complete your walk down the historical lanes of Kaunos.
Mud Baths
Your itinerary must include taking a boat trip to Mud and Sulphur baths on the Koycegiz Lake. Wallow in the warm, sticky swamp hippopotamus style. And why would you?
Mud baths are considered to have the power of tightening effect of drying mud. If done regularly, it can help to deal with wrinkles. The healing water is also known to have therapeutic properties that cure skin problems and gastric conditions.
The most popular saying is that the Dalyan Mud Baths are bound to make you look ten years younger.
Once you are covered in the mud, you must wait for it to dry in the sun. You must then move on to the Sulphur pool, where you can clean yourself.
Chill by the lakes
Snuggled between Mugla and Fethiye, the Koycegiz Lake has a lot to offer its visitors. The crystal clear water of the lake is a great place to sit by during the day and night. You can choose any café along the shore and take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding lake and mountain whilst indulging in Turkish delights. There are several boat trips that start from this lake that leave around 10:00 AM and return around 05:00 PM.
You can also visit Sulunger Lake, one of the most beautiful and tranquil ones in the town of Dalyan. You will find it on your way to Iztuzu Beach, right beside the Turtle Sanctuary. Visitors preferring stopping by for a stroll and enjoy spotting various birds.
Village Trip
It would be a shame to visit a small town such as Dalyan and not experience the local life and culture. One of the best ways to do that is by experiencing the traditional Turkish way of living. This can be achieved by visiting a village in Dalyan.
During the tour, indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine in one of the village houses.
Be sure to visit the Ortaca Market and Dalyan Carpet Weaving Center on your way back.
Turkish bath or Hamam
It is highly recommended to avoid the Turkish Baths offered by the hotel you are staying in. There are several real Turkish baths or Hamam in Dalyan where you can experience the real deal.
Once you reach a good place that offers a Turkish bath, you will be welcomed inside and shown to a cubicle where you can undress down to a swimsuit. You can wrap yourself with the towel they provide, and you will then be guided to a large, dome-shaped room.
There, you will receive a foam massage and a rub down under the dome. You can relax under its shade before heading back to the changing cabinet.
Shopping
Visit the shops at the Dalyan Carsi to get fresh and delicious local produce. You can enjoy shopping at these shops until late evening. Here, you can also drink the delicious Turkish tea in the nearby cafes.
You can also purchase clothes, bags, ornaments, and ceramics, along with souvenirs to take back home with you and even gift your loved ones. Caretta figurative objects are famous in Dalyan.
Every Saturday, Dalyan offers fruits, vegetables, and spices in the district market. You can also purchase pasta, village cheese, tomato paste, butter, and other products at very cheap prices. Buy homemade jam in the market as they are famously used for a delicious breakfast.
Yet another famous marketplace in Dalyan is the Koycegiz Folk Market. Established every month, this market is especially popular during the summer season. Here, you can spoil yourself with herb cheese, pomegranate and pomegranate juice.
Popular Places to Eat
Kordon
Established in the year 1987, Kordon has been popular since then as a fish restaurant. This restaurant has a riverside garden where the excursion boat moor. Not just seafood, this restaurant has a lot to offer even for the Ichthyophobes. They have options to choose from a wide range of grills and steaks with chips on the side. There are plenty of options for vegetarians as well.
Dalyan Iz Coffee
In case you want to visit a café with an international feel, then Dalyan Iz is the one you must not miss. It is a garden café that is extremely popular amongst the expats for its evolving range of homemade baking and lip-smacking filter coffee.
This restaurant is also famous for its ceramics painted by hand and tiles that are sold at its shop.
Casa Nova
Formerly known as Dalyan Le Vie, it is a Turkish restaurant with a modern touch. It is the town’s most appealing new restaurant that serves snacks and mains.
Relish them on Casa Nova’s spectacular riverside deck.
Cagri
In case you want to devour the Turkish-style pizza, Pide, then Cagri is yours haven! Not only it gives you the best representation of the dish, but it is also cheap. The place is usually packed with local customers for its popular taste.
You can also enjoy their kebabs.
Demet Pastanesi
Up for a sugar rush? Then this is THE café! A local favorite, Demet has a lot to offer—eclairs, baklava, pastries, and gateaus. You can also enjoy some amazing fast food such as burgers, pizzas and doner kebab sandwich.
Saki
Want to try Turkish food in Dalyan at the best location possible? Hit this restaurant to quench that craving. Sit by the breezy riverfront and enjoy some of the most authentic Turkish dishes. And what’s the best part? There’s no menu! You can choose from the glass showcase of homemade mezes. These include meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
Best Accommodations
BC Spa Hotel
This hotel is considered for every type of tourist. It is especially for spa junkies that are looking for a peaceful place to get pampered. With a bonus of serene environment, you can enjoy the wood and marble of this hotel.
It has the luxurious swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, gym, steam room, hammam, sauna and six treatment rooms that set this hotel apart from the rest in Dalyan. There is also a poolside bar that guests enjoy.
The price starts from € 40 onwards per person for a night.
Dalyan Resort Spa Hotel
This hotel is set on the banks of the Dalyan River, which is 12 kilometers from the Iztuzu Beach. The various amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars and flat-screen TVs. The hotel rooms also have balconies or terraces to enjoy the view. There are suites available with sofa and room service.
Both breakfast and dinner are offered at no extra cost. Guests can also indulge in outdoor pool features with a poolside bar.
It costs € 72 onwards for one person to stay in this hotel for a night.
Dalyan Riverside Hotel
Situated 14 kilometers away from the Iztuzu Beach, this hotel is set on the tropical terrain of the Dalyan River. The rooms feature tile floors, brightly painted walls, and wooden sloped ceilings. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Guests can enjoy the view of the surrounding area from the hotel’s terraces. They can also relish the environment by the 2 outdoor pools with hammocks, sun loungers, and a poolside bar.
The hotel also has a riverside restaurant that has a terrace and a pizza oven for spoils.
A stay for a night at this hotel costs around € 42 per person.
So if you want your vacation to be laid-back in a peaceful town, surrounded by nature, then Dalyan is the place to visit.
FAQs
What is Dalyan known for? ›
The town has a variety of beautiful lakes, canals, and beaches that fascinate every visitor. One of the most attractive places in Turkey, Dalyan is hence known for its pristine sea, historical touch, and chaste nature.
What sea is in Dalyan Turkey? ›Dalyan is located on the main channel, which connects “Köyceğiz Lake” to the “Mediterranean Sea.” The Iztuzu beach is the place, where the channel of Dalyan reaches to the sea, is one of the shores that the sea turtles “Caretta Caretta” leave their eggs.
Does Dalyan Turkey have a beach? ›There are many beautiful beaches in Dalyan, especially the famous Iztuzu beach. You can spend the pleasant time in the restaurants, cafes, along with your beach pleasure.
What are the tombs in Dalyan? ›The tombs sculpted from the rock face of the cliff across the river from Dalyan are from the days of the Lykians about 2400 years ago. They are literally a trademark of the holiday resort of Dalyan, Turkey. They are lit at night and make dining along the river especially enjoyable.
Can you drink tap water in Dalyan Turkey? ›The water in Dalyan is safe to drink, however it is high in mineral content and drinking two or three litres of it every day, if you are not used to it, can lead to a slightly queasy stomach. We recommend you by bottled water instead.
Can you swim in the river in Dalyan? ›Taking 'Mud Bath' on the banks of the River Dalyan is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the place. The mud is rich in minerals like magnesium and sulfur that are beneficial in improving skin health. Hot water springs to swim are also available .
What is the sea around Turkey called? ›Türkiye is surrounded by sea on three sides. The Mediterranean in the south, the Aegean in the west, and the Black Sea in the north. The Marmara Sea, in the northwest, includes the Istanbul and Dardanelles Straits and is a territorial water of Türkiye.
How many seas touch Turkey? ›The Turkish peninsula is bathed by four seas: the Mediterranean to the south, the Aegean to the west, the Sea of Marmara between the European and Asian land masses, and the Black Sea to the north.
Is it worth staying in Dalyan? ›It's definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. You can also arrive here from boat trips from Fethiye and etc. Full-Day Tour to Pamukkale From Marmaris w...
Can you swim at Turkey Beach? ›Turkey Beach also has a small tidal swimming enclosure near the boat ramp and an extensive network of sandy beaches outside Rodds Harbour offers beachgoers plenty of choices.
Where is the bluest water in Turkey? ›
Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz
The Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous beach in all of Turkey, and for a good reason. Few places in the world match up to its natural beauty, and as such, tourists are drawn to the vibrant blue waters for a few hours of unwinding by the sea.
The beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists and is known for its long sandy beach that stretches along the coast, perfect for sunbathing and Black Sea swimming. The clear waters of the Black Sea offer ideal swimming and water sports opportunities.
Is Dalyan open to tourists? ›Explore Dalyan
If you are looking for adventure and cultural experiences in Dalyan, Turkey, then this is the place to be! Whether it's taking in the sights by visiting the ancient ruins, exploring the hidden beaches, or checking out the food offered at one of the many restaurants.
The Lycian King Tombs can be visited by private rowboat from the riverside town of Dalyan. Once you reach the small settlement of Çandır, you can explore the necropolis and the Ancient City of Kaunos by foot. A return row boat journey costs 15 Turkish lira (€1.71).
Was the African Queen filmed in Dalyan Turkey? ›filmed mainly in Africa (Congo) but the scenes of reeds & riverbank were Dalyan.
Can Americans drink Turkish water? ›Since I was traveling to Turkey with family, I was especially keen to know the safety of the drinking water there. After extensive research on the topic, the short answer is: Yes, you can drink the tap water in Turkey.
Can Americans drink the water in Turkey? ›If you're used to drinking tap water at home, buying bottled water might seem like a waste of money and the question you have in your mind, Can you drink the water in Turkey? Yes, you can drink water from the taps in Turkey but we highly recommend our guests use bottled water during their stay.
Is it safe to take a shower in Turkey? ›According to WHO, 99% of all country including the rural regions can reach safe water in turkey. We have lived in Turkey for over 15 years and although we don't drink the mains water (we buy bottled water), we use it perfectly safely for showering, cleaning teeth, even washing salads and cooking vegetables.
What time of year do you see turtles in Turkey? ›turtle nesting season in Dalyan is from May till October. Take the dolmus to the beach and visit the Turtle Hospital there to see the baby turtles. No visit to Turkey is complete without going to one of the Turkish baths.
Can you fish in Dalyan? ›The fish spawn there, and when returning to the sea they are caught in the "dalyans". Fishing around Dalyan is prohibited and Dalyan Dalko (the fishing cooperative) controls the fishing grounds.
Can you see turtles in Turkey? ›
The Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey hosts numerous loggerhead and green sea turtle breeding beaches. Along the entire Mediterranean coast of Turkey, sea turtles use marine habitats for overwintering, mating and feeding (e.g. Gulf of İskenderun, Yumurtalik Bay and Cukurova area).
Is Turkey in Asia Or Africa? ›Location: Turkey is located in Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia. European (or Balkan) Turkey is relatively small compared to the Asian part, the Anatolian Plateau, which is a large peninsula.
Why is called the Black Sea in Turkey? ›There are a number of hypotheses for why it was eventually called the Black Sea: Metal objects from ships, dead plants, and animal matter that sunk deeper than 150 meters for a long period of time became covered with a black sludge due to the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the sea.
How salty is the sea in Turkey? ›The surface water salinity of the Marmara sea is roughly 22 parts per 1000 which are slightly greater than the Black Sea's salinity. The water is more saline near the seabed with averaging salinities of around 38 parts per 1000, comparable to the salinity of the Mediterranean sea.
What is the ethnicity of the Turkish people? ›Turkish people or Turks (Turkish: Türkler) are a Turkic people who speak various dialects of the Turkish language and form a majority in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. In addition, centuries-old ethnic Turkish communities still live across other former territories of the Ottoman Empire.
What country owns the most sea? ›Due to its numerous overseas departments and territories scattered on all oceans of the planet, France possesses the largest EEZ in the world, covering 11.7 million km2.
What country owns the biggest sea? ›The Philippine Sea is the largest sea in the world. It has an area of 2,198,852 square miles, or 5,695,000 square kilometers.
Is it safe for Westerners to travel to Turkey? ›Some areas may still have entry restrictions and roadblocks. If you're in the affected area, be careful, monitor the media and follow the advice of the local authorities (see 'Safety'). There's an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks in Türkiye. Terrorists could attack with little or no warning (see 'Safety').
How far is the beach from Dalyan? ›The nearest beach is located 12km away.
Where can I swim in Dalyan? ›Within easy reach of Dalyan are the famous beach of Oludeniz and the blue lagoon. Although busy in high season it offers a private pay beach nestling between beach and lagoon beyond the livelier public beach, bars and restaurants.
Is it worth visiting Dalyan? ›
It makes a good base for visiting nearby attractions like the ancient site of Kaunos across the river, İztuzu beach at the river mouth, and the beautiful freshwater lake of Köyceğiz with its shoreline hot springs.
What day is the market in Dalyan? ›Dalyan has its own market on a Saturday morning, selling goods similar to those in town including a wide range of textiles, ceramics, jewellery, spices and souvenirs.
What day is the market in Dalyan Turkey? ›Generally; shop opening hours are Monday to Saturday 09.00 to 18.00 hrs and do not close for lunch. Some of these shops may also open on Sundays. However, shops selling goods to tourists close much later, about 22.00 hrs. The local market day is on Saturday – see Dalyan map for location.