All About Dalyan
If you are asking what is Dalyan in Turkey like because you want to visit, know that you will be delighted at what this charming town offers. Dalyan, a beautiful little town near Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is highly underrated.
Millions of tourists from around the world visit, both Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts thanks to their incredible weather, turquoise blue waters, and stunning sandy beaches, but one holiday resort that should never be overlooked is the quiet riverside town of Dalyan.
Over the past twenty years, the local economy in this charming town has migrated from growing citrus fruits, cotton and, more recently, pomegranates to tourism during the summer months while retaining its traditional Turkish charm.
What is Dalyan in Turkey Like?
Where is Dalyan in Turkey?
Dalyan sits in southwestern Turkey, between the bustling holiday resorts of Marmaris and Fethiye, and is full of natural wonders. The resort is just 30-minutes drive from Dalaman Airport, an award-winning air travel hub that has welcomed tourists since the late 1990s. Dalaman Airport is one of three touristic airports serving the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and transfers are fast, so you can quickly get to the charming town. Alternatively, bus services from all major cities head to the local bus station.
Iztuzu Beach and Natural Beauty
It may be the most beautiful beach in Turkey, but it is also a turtle nesting ground and boasts Mediterranean Sea views in one direction and Dalyan mountains in the other. Home to precious loggerhead turtles, locally called Caretta Caretta, Iztuzu Turtle Beach was controversial, as hotel tycoons and developers attempted to utilise the area's natural beauty and build on the beach for monetary gain.
However, this meant disrupting nesting sites. The locals, led by the infamous Kaptan June Haimoff and David Bellamy, won to keep Iztuzu turtle beach as natural and unspoiled as possible, protecting the breeding ground and nesting area of hundreds of loggerhead sea turtles.
This is a story of dedication, a tale told at Kaptan June's hut, on the beach's landside near the warm sand. Also, visit the Dekamer Centre to rehabilitate turtles injured by boat propellors.
You can get to Iztuzu Beach by road or water. Local buses regularly run from Dalyan across the mountain and down 'beach road', stopping between the sand and Kaptan June's hut. Otherwise, drive it yourself or cycle if you can embrace the steep climb over the hill! The most popular way is by water taxi, which leaves the town centre, outside Kordon Restaurant, for relaxing 20-minute boat rides through the reedy Dalyan delta.
Natural Mud Baths in Dalyan
Dalyan attracts day trip enthusiasts from other popular Muğla resorts like Fethiye and Marmaris, not only for the stunning beach, turquoise waters, and green turtles but for natural thermal springs and mud baths used since ancient times. Since the springs were famous in the Roman era for spa treatments, the sulphurous waters attract hundreds of visitors daily.
Daylan’s mud baths often produce visual treats that resemble scenes from 'The Walking Dead' as tourists smother themselves in grey gloop and stand baking in the sun afterwards. However, the health benefits alone make this worthwhile. The mud rejuvenates the skin, while thermal waters ease skin complaints, arthritis, muscle fatigue, and rheumatism.
Some hotels on the Dalyan riverside offer their versions of mud baths, but two are more prevalent on Köyceğiz Lake, a short boat ride from the town centre. For an authentic Turkish bath, ask your boat captain to take you to Sultaniye hot springs. It's further away from Dalyan, but it's home to the original mud baths and beautiful lake scenery, so it's well worth the extra time on the boat.
Daylan’s Boat Trips
While the Dalyan River winds through the centre, you have the delta and Iztuzu Beach in one direction and Köyceğiz Lake in another. There are over 350 boats in Dalyan, and getting out of town for the day will be your number one thing to do in Dalyan.
Boat trips sail along the river, past the ancient city of Kaunos and Lycian Tombs and through the delta to Iztuzu beach to relax while waiting for your Turkish cuisine lunch. Some captains will catch crabs for lunch or go turtle spotting if you wish to. After lunch, most boats head back through the delta and past Dalyan to swim and snorkel in the vast lake. Next, sail up to the mud baths and right at the other end of the lake is Köyceğiz town, which has a delightful Monday market.
The original town of Köyceğiz lies beneath the water, destroyed by an earthquake hundreds of years ago. While this may sound delightful, exploring beneath the water is banned due to health and safety concerns and efforts to preserve the ruins. If you visit Köyceğiz outside of market day, the waterfront offers magnificent lake views.
Rich History and Lycian Rock Tombs
Like many areas of Turkey, Dalyan has many historical sites, and Dalyan is no different. Its prime site is the collection of ancient 4th-century Lycian tombs that watch over the town. They are visible from the waterfront and atmospherically lit at night, but rowing boats will bring you closer to Hellenistic temples.
The Lycians placed their tombs high up because they believed a winged, siren-like creature would transport the dead's souls to the afterlife. Hence, their tombs are along the coast and at the top of cliffs; Dalyan was the perfect location. Some Turkish restaurants face the Lycian tombs and are idyllic spots for nighttime dining on blue crabs. The riverside restaurants are also open for lunch and breakfast.
Another twenty-minute walk along the riverside from the Lycian tombs is the archaeological site of Kaunos, now sprawling Roman ruins. The ancient Carian city sprawled down one side of Daylan’s towering hills towards the sea and was once an important 10th-century seaport. The Roman and Hellenistic ruins are worth exploring.
Start with the city walls, which stand just outside the leading site. Inside are six excavated temples and some ancient Roman baths to admire, as well as the impressive, well-preserved theatre. A short climb to the Acropolis, 152m above sea level, will provide remarkable views.
Mountain Bike Trails, Hiking and Idyllic Spots
Where there is clear water, there are mountains, and this town has no shortage of fantastic hiking trails with Dalyan vista views. A trip across the cold water to the ancient port city of Kaunos arrives at the Acropolis, which presents unlimited Mediterranean Sea views past the Dalyan delta. As you wind down the Dalyan River in either direction, several Turkish flags sit proudly atop some rather large hills. Many hiking trails are not marked out, but flags show the way.
If you venture out towards the beach, ask the dolmuş driver to stop at the bottom of Radar Hill. The road up to the radio transmitter tower is not too steep until the very top, but you would need a 4x4 or jeep safari to get up there otherwise. Once at the top, Radar Hill opens to panoramic views of Iztuzu Beach and the Dalyan Delta. About halfway up Radar Hill, a fork in the road leads to Sunset Restaurant, delicious food, and Turkey’s best sunset.
Another excellent spot for hiking is Yuvarlakçay. Its slightly higher elevation and cooler temperatures provide a much-needed respite from the Turkish summer heat. Around the area, densely forested areas feature fantastic wildlife, clear blue streams, and rivers sporting the occasional waterfall for swimming. Otherwise, traditional fish restaurants with traditional Turkish-style kösk seating areas hover above the flowing river.
During cooler months, hike to Ekincik village, which is famous for yacht sailing, by dropping anchor so guests can head into Dalyan. Ekincik Bay has a long beach and beautiful caves and is lovely for swimming.
See the Idyllic Spot of Lake Köyceğiz
Also, visit Sülüngür Lake while there, but mountains and lush forests surround the freshwater of Lake Köyceğiz, covering approximately 100 square kilometres, which is an absolute delight. It's home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species, making it popular for birdwatching and nearby, thermal hot springs known for their healing properties. Visitors often enjoy lake boat trips, which provide beautiful views and access to nearby attractions.
The lake is famous for fishing, with various fish species available, and nearby cafes serve delicious Turkish food. The surrounding area offers scenic hiking trails for nature lovers, so visit Ekincik village on the northern side. The lake and village are nearby, and the perfect ending to discovering what Dalyan in Turkey is like.
More about the Muğla Province of Turkey
Why Buy Property in Dalyan: We have a soft spot for Dalyan and have spent many months exploring the area and enjoying the regional delights. So, you might think we are biased regarding whether it is a suitable property investment. However, concrete reasons make buying an apartment or villa in Dalyan a wise real estate purchase.
About Muğla: Bordered by the Aydin, Antalya, Denizli, and Burdur provinces, Muğla is a sailing and beach holiday hotspot but also full of many historic attractions. Including the destinations of Dalyan, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye, Muğla is the most popular place foreigners head to Turkey.
Dalyan
