Dalyan is located between Marmaris and Fethiye, on the south west coast of Turkey. The town became well known on the international front, for its population of the endangered Caretta Caretta, Loggerhead Sea Turtles. These turtles have existed for over 95 million years and the International Animal Protection Organisation monitor and protect the turtles at this site. The beach is closed when the turtles lay their young.
Above the rivers sheer cliffs, you will find the Lycian tombs, believed to be cut from rock around 400 AC. A short trip on a boat across the river will take you to the 9th century BC ruins of Kaunos. This ancient trading city had a culture that reflected both the Lycian and Carian kingdoms. These ruins can only be reached by boat and include tombs, a theatre, acropolis, baths, a basilica and defensive walls. Another highlight of Dalyan are the mud baths.
SURROUNDING AREAS IN DALYAN
KOYCEGIZKoycegiz is a small town set inside a natural reserve. The unique environment is being preserved as a wildlife and nature sanctuary. The town’s survival revolves around the Dalyan River, with the locals preferred means of travel being via boat. The farming town is known for its crops of citrus fruits, olives, honey and cotton. There is also a small waterfall 7kms out of town. The town is a good base spot for daily trips through Dalyan.
IZTUZU BEACHVoted most beautiful beach in the world in 1995, this beach lies south of Dalyan, on the Mediterranean coast. The beach has a sandbar, which separates it from the Dalyan River, making it a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Wooden stakes on the beach mark Turtle nesting sites.
SULTANIYE HOT SPRINGS AND MUD BATHSThe hot springs of Dalyan contain mildly radioactive minerals, including calcium, sulphur, iron, nitrates, potassium and other mineral salts. These minerals are said to be good for both the skin and conditions such as rheumatism. The temperatures of these baths sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius. There are opportunities to give yourself a mud baths, in the smaller mud/sulphur pools just before the Dalyan River joins the lake.