Dalyan

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Dalyan Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2 - 3 Days

Best Time: March to June, September to October Read More

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"Hinterland of Beautiful Waterways!"

Dalyan Tourism

Dalyan is a small town nestled on the southwestern coast of the Mugla province in Turkey. It is located between Marmaris and Fethiye. Dalyan is exceptionally famous for its turtle nesting grounds, particularly for the protected loggerhead species. Moreover, the panoramic vistas of the sea make Dalyan a treat for the eye. Located on the banks of the river Dalyan, the town enjoys proximity to the ancient city of Kaunos, which now lives in ruins and is known for its Lycian rock tombs and remains of an old theater. Moreover, Dalyan is known for its baths, riverside trails, pomegranate breeding and laid-back vibe.

The Iztuzu beach in Dalyan is one of its most visited attractions as it is a natural breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. This vast sandy beach contrasts perfectly with the crystal blue waters, making it the ideal sunset point of the region. In addition, the Sultaniye hot springs, located right across the Koycegiz Lake, are mud baths with therapeutic properties. After soaking in the sun on a boat cruise and exploring ancient city ruins, grab a seat by the river to bask at Dalyan's best-known sight: the Tomb of the mighty king in Kaunos carved out of the cliffs that add a golden glow at sunset.

Dalyan's authentic sleepy riverside character makes it a perfect retreat for people who want to escape mundane lives. Situated in the Dalyan Delta, it is the city where green meets blue, offering mesmerizing sceneries of the waters. Dalyan offers tranquillity through its vistas and country-style living!

Must Know Before You Travel to Dalyan

  • Regular buses and ferries connect Dalyan with Marmaris and Fethiye.
  • Boat trips to nearby islands can be booked on the spot via travel agents available in all corners of the city. These ferries usually leave from the main river. Since a lot of boats go to and fro Dalyan, make sure to negotiate the prices. 
  • Luxury accommodations are available around the lake and the city center.
  • Budget stays are only available around the city center.
  • Dalyan’s most popular feature are the Lycian Rock Tombs that overlook the town.The best way to reach these tombs is via a water taxi, that will give you a nice view of the vistas around. These taxus usually leave from the town center.
  • The Iztuzu Beach, a grand attraction, is located 7 miles from Dalyan. One can travel to Iztuzu via a dolmus or ferry.
  • Regular trips from Dalyan across the mountain are made by the local dolmus (mini buses) that will drop you off close to Kaptan June's Rehabilitation Center on the southern side of the beach.
  • The locals mostly moves around Dalyan by boats rather than on foot
  • Dalyan is small and walkable. You don’t need a car if staying in the city center as mini buses and boats are available to most of the tourist places. You can also rent bikes in Dalyan starting at TL 15 per day.
  • Renting a car is very affordable and convenient in Dalyan. It will also make it easy for you to visit Fethiye, Oludeniz and Marmaris for a day trip. All of these towns are 1 to 1.5 hours from Dalyan.
  • Shacks, sunbeds and umbrellas are available at local beaches starting at 9 TLs.
  • Day excursion mini buses leave Dalyan for Yuvarlak Cay, a mountain forest stream that offers a serene escape from the city.

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Nightlife in Dalyan

The rock tombs, the mosque in the town's center and the riverside promenade light up post-sunset and make for the most enchanting sight in Dalyan. However, the city enjoys a laid-back nightlife scene with riverside restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy a lavish dinner till late at night. The bar street in Dalyan does offer some nightclubs for DJ and dance parties. Moonlight tours in Dalyan are quite famous, where you can have dinner in the middle of the lake under the stars!

Shopping in Dalyan

Dalyan boasts a vibrant shopping experience at night when the streets along the riverside come to life, beaming with shops offering leather and linen products, fine jewelry, trinkets, rugs, carpets and spices. The weekly market of Dalyan is hosted on Saturdays around the post office building in the city center. The Carpet Weavers' Association, located outside of Dalyan, boasts a vast selection of carpets and rugs from all over Turkey and is an excellent place for visitors specifically interested in buying carpets or rugs. Mugla's arasta bazaar is a network of narrow lanes where artisans, including renowned blacksmiths, labor and traders, meet. Around 90 kilometers from Dalyan, this interesting market is usually hosted on Thursdays.

Suggested Itinerary for Dalyan

Day 1: Visit the Iztuzu beach for a stunning sunrise. Post this, you can go on a tour of the Lycian Tombs. Take a rejuvenating Mud Bath and relax for a while. The most common method of getting to the sulfur pools and mud baths, on the opposite side of Lake Koycegiz, is by boat, these mud baths typically take up an entire day. Next, stroll around the stunning Dalyan river for a beautiful sunset.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the historical city of Kaunos and visit the Liza Cavus Thermal and Sulunger Lake on your way back.

If you have more days in Dalyan, you must try hiking on one of the popular trails, such as the Dalyan Eco Trail.

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