Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable destination for your next vacation? Do you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility and charm of a small town? Do you love nature, history, and culture? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely consider visiting Dalyan Turkey, a hidden gem of the Mediterranean that will surprise and delight you with its diverse and captivating attractions.
Dalyan is a town located in the southwest of Turkey, on the banks of the Dalyan River that connects the Köyceğiz Lake and the Mediterranean Sea. The town is famous for its stunning scenery, rich history, and friendly atmosphere. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the ancient ruins, take a boat trip, or enjoy the local cuisine, Dalyan has something for everyone.
How to Get to Dalyan
The easiest and fastest way to get to Dalyan is by flying to Dalaman Airport, which is about 30 km away from the town. Dalaman Airport is well connected to many domestic and international destinations, such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Athens, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. You can find cheap flights to Dalaman Airport by using Bing's flight search tool.
From Dalaman Airport, you have several options to reach Dalyan, such as:
- By taxi: You can find taxis outside the airport terminal, which will take you to Dalyan in about 30 minutes. The fare is around 150 TL (about 15 USD) and you can negotiate with the driver before you get in. Make sure to have some Turkish Lira with you, as most taxis do not accept credit cards.
- By shuttle bus: You can book a shuttle bus service online or at the airport, which will take you to Dalyan in about 45 minutes. The fare is around 25 TL (about 2.5 USD) per person and you can pay by cash or credit card. The shuttle bus will drop you off at the main bus station in Dalyan, where you can walk or take a taxi to your accommodation.
- By car rental: You can rent a car at the airport or online, which will give you more flexibility and convenience to explore the area. The drive to Dalyan is about 30 minutes and the road is well maintained and signposted. You can find car rental options and compare prices by using Bing's car rental search tool.
When to Visit Dalyan
The best time to visit Dalyan depends on your preferences and interests, as the town offers different attractions and activities throughout the year. However, generally speaking, the most popular and pleasant time to visit Dalyan is between April and October, when the weather is warm and sunny, the sea is calm and clear, and the nature is lush and colorful.
Here are some pros and cons of visiting Dalyan in different seasons:
- Spring (April to June): This is a great time to visit Dalyan if you want to enjoy the mild and sunny weather, the blooming flowers, and the fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also witness the nesting season of the endangered loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs on the Iztuzu Beach. The downside of visiting Dalyan in spring is that the sea might be too cold for swimming and some attractions might be closed or under maintenance.
- Summer (July to September): This is the peak season for visiting Dalyan, as the weather is hot and dry, the sea is warm and inviting, and the town is lively and festive. You can enjoy the beach, the boat trips, the outdoor activities, and the nightlife. You can also see the baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. The downside of visiting Dalyan in summer is that the town might be too crowded and noisy, the prices might be higher, and the heat might be unbearable for some people.
- Autumn (October to November): This is another great time to visit Dalyan, as the weather is still warm and sunny, the sea is still pleasant for swimming, and the town is less crowded and more relaxed. You can enjoy the changing colors of the nature, the harvest season of the local produce, and the cultural events and festivals. The downside of visiting Dalyan in autumn is that the days might be shorter and the nights might be cooler, and some attractions might be closed or under maintenance.
- Winter (December to March): This is the low season for visiting Dalyan, as the weather is cold and rainy, the sea is rough and murky, and the town is quiet and sleepy. You can enjoy the cozy and peaceful atmosphere, the lower prices, and the local hospitality. You can also explore the historical and cultural sites, such as the rock tombs, the ancient city, and the mosque. The downside of visiting Dalyan in winter is that the town might be too dull and boring, the activities and services might be limited or unavailable, and the transport might be less frequent or reliable.
Where to Stay in Dalyan
Dalyan offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste, from luxury resorts and villas, to cozy hotels and apartments, to budget-friendly campsites and hostels. You can find the best deals and compare prices by using Bing's hotel search tool.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Dalyan, based on our personal experience and online reviews:
- Luxury: If you want to splurge and treat yourself to a luxurious and comfortable stay, you can choose from some of the top-rated resorts and villas in Dalyan, such as:
- Dalyan Resort: This is a 4-star resort that offers spacious and elegant rooms, a large outdoor pool, a spa and wellness center, a restaurant and bar, and a private beach area. The resort is located on the riverfront, with stunning views of the rock tombs and the mountains. The resort also provides free shuttle service to the Iztuzu Beach and the town center.
- Villa Gokbel: This is a 5-star villa that offers a private and exclusive stay, with a fully equipped kitchen, a living and dining area, a private pool, a garden and terrace, and a barbecue area. The villa is located on a hilltop, with panoramic views of the sea, the lake, and the forest. The villa also provides free Wi-Fi, parking, and bicycles.
- Mid-range: If you want to enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay, you can choose from some of the best-rated hotels and apartments in Dalyan, such as:
- Dalyan Terrace Hotel: This is a 3-star hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms, a rooftop terrace, a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and a library. The hotel is located in the town center, within walking distance to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and airport shuttle service.
- Dalyan Palmiye Apart Hotel: This is a 3-star apartment hotel that offers spacious and modern apartments, with a kitchenette, a balcony, and a seating area. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a garden, and a snack bar. The hotel is located in a quiet and green area, close to the river and the market. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, parking, and bicycle rental.
- Budget: If you want to save money and have a fun and adventurous stay, you can choose from some of the best-rated campsites and hostels in Dalyan, such as:
- Dalyan Camping: This is a 2-star campsite that offers tents, bungalows, and dormitories, with shared bathrooms and facilities. The campsite also has a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge area. The campsite is located on the riverbank, with a beautiful view of the rock tombs and the mountains. The campsite also provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and kayak rental.
- Dalyan Hostel: This is a 2-star hostel that offers private and shared rooms, with air conditioning and lockers. The hostel also has a kitchen, a common room, and a terrace. The hostel is located in the town center, near the bus station and the market. The hostel also provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and laundry service.
Things to Do in Dalyan
Dalyan is a town that offers a variety of things to do and see, from natural beauty, to historical wonders, to cultural delights. You will never get bored or run out of options in Dalyan, as there is something for everyone and every mood. Here are some of the best things to do in Dalyan:
- Explore the Dalyan River and the Dalyan Delta: One of the most popular and enjoyable things to do in Dalyan is to take a boat trip along the Dalyan River and the Dalyan Delta, which are part of a protected natural area that hosts a rich biodiversity and a stunning scenery. You can hop on a boat from the town center or the riverside, and cruise along the winding waterways, admiring the views of the mountains, the forests, the fields, and the wildlife. You can also stop at some of the attractions along the way, such as the rock tombs, the ancient city, the mud baths, and the turtle sanctuary. A boat trip in Dalyan is a relaxing and rewarding experience that you should not miss.
- Visit the Iztuzu Beach and the Dalyan Turtle Sanctuary: Another must-see attraction in Dalyan is the Iztuzu Beach, also known as the Turtle Beach, which is a 4.5 km long sandy beach that stretches between the sea and the river. The beach is one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered loggerhead turtles, which come to lay their eggs between May and October. The beach is also a beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea, as well as to watch the turtles and other marine creatures. You can also visit the Dalyan Turtle Sanctuary, which is a rehabilitation center for injured or sick turtles, where you can learn more about these amazing animals and their conservation efforts. The beach and the sanctuary are accessible by boat or by car, and they are open to the public from 8 am to 8 pm, except during the nesting season, when they are closed at night to protect the turtles.
- See the Dalyan Rock Tombs and the Kaunos Ancient City: If you are interested in history and culture, you should definitely visit the Dalyan Rock Tombs and the Kaunos Ancient City, which are two of the most impressive and fascinating historical sites in Dalyan. The rock tombs are carved into the cliffs on the opposite side of the river, and they date back to the 4th century BC. They are the resting places of the kings and nobles of the ancient Lycian civilization, and they are decorated with elaborate reliefs and inscriptions. The rock tombs are best viewed from the river or from the hilltop, where you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the delta. The ancient city of Kaunos is located about 3 km from the town center, and it was once a thriving port city that was founded in the 9th century BC. The city was abandoned in the 15th century AD, and it is now a vast archaeological site that reveals the traces of different civilizations, such as the Lycians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Byzantines. You can explore the ruins of the city, such as the theater, the acropolis, the temples, the baths, the churches, and the walls, and imagine how life was like in the past. You can also visit the museum, which displays some of the artifacts and information about the city and its history. You can reach the rock tombs and the ancient city by boat or by car, and they are open to the public from 8 am to 7 pm, with a small entrance fee.
- Take a Dalyan Boat Tour and a Dalyan Mud Bath: If you want to have some fun and adventure, you should try a Dalyan Boat Tour and a Dalyan Mud Bath, which are two of the most popular and enjoyable activities in Dalyan. A boat tour is a great way to explore the river and the delta, as well as to visit some of the attractions, such as the beach, the sanctuary, the tombs, and the city. You can choose from different types of boats, such as traditional wooden boats, modern speed boats, or private yachts, and you can also customize your itinerary and duration. A boat tour in Dalyan is a memorable and exciting experience that you will never forget. A mud bath is a fun and relaxing way to pamper yourself and your skin, as well as to experience the natural healing properties of the mud and the thermal springs. You can find several mud bath facilities along the river, where you can cover yourself with the warm and smooth mud, which is said to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects. You can also soak in the hot and mineral-rich water, which is said to have therapeutic benefits for various ailments, such as arthritis, rheumatism, and skin problems. A mud bath in Dalyan is a rejuvenating and refreshing experience that you will love.
- Relax at the Dalyan Thermal Springs and the Dalyan Mosque: If you want to unwind and relax, you should visit the Dalyan Thermal Springs and the Dalyan Mosque, which are two of the most serene and peaceful places in Dalyan. The thermal springs are located near the mud baths, and they are natural pools of hot and mineral-rich water that emerge from the ground. The springs are surrounded by lush and green vegetation, and they offer a soothing and tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy the warmth and the comfort of the water, as well as the views of the river and the mountains. The springs are open to the public from 8 am to 8 pm, with a small entrance fee. The mosque is located in the town center, and it is a beautiful and elegant building that was built in the 19th century. The mosque is a place of worship and prayer for the local Muslim community, and it is also a place of interest and respect for the visitors. You can admire the architecture and the decoration of the mosque, as well as the calm and spiritual ambiance. The mosque is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, except during the prayer times, and you should dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
Conclusion
Dalyan Turkey is a hidden gem of the Mediterranean that offers a variety of things to do, see, and experience, from natural beauty, to historical wonders, to cultural delights. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the ancient ruins, take a boat trip, or enjoy the local cuisine, Dalyan has something for everyone. Dalyan is a town that will surprise and delight you with its diverse and captivating attractions, and it is a destination that you should not miss.
