About Dalyan

Dalyan, once a small fishing village, is a unique and magical riverside town tucked into the Aegean coastline. Unable to explain its strong magical pull, all who come here return again and again.

Activities

There are many activities available such as luxury boat trips, trekking through the mountains, cycling, jeep safaris, horse riding, bird watching, sunrise or moon light boat cruises for fishing or turtle watching, tours to various islands, luxury yacht charter, sailing, sea kayaking, white water rafting, diving & snorkeling in clear waters through caves and an abundance of marine life..

Landscape

Dalyan itself is compact and although surrounded by mountainous scenery is completely flat stretching only a mile in any direction from the centre, making everything accessible on foot. Framed by a glorious backdrop of pine clad mountains, reed beds and lakes the scenery is outstanding.

Dalyan Town

Dalyan attracts mostly independent travellers and is distinguished by the lack of package tourists, but there are still plenty of bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes. There is a local market on Saturdays selling local produce, clothing and tourist items which is a “must” while you are here to get some great bargains! The town has a bank, ATMs, a post office and supermarkets all within the town square.

Wildlife

The local beach is Iztuzu Beach, which has been voted the Best Beach in Europe and is arguably the most famous Turtle Breeding Beach in the Mediterranean. You can get to the beach by road (20 minute Minibus ride), or by local riverboat boat (waterbus 40 minutes), both routes pass through stunning scenery, but you may be lucky enough to spot a Turtle or a Kingfisher from the boat!

The River

The local boats can also take you upriver to Köyceğiz Lake (about 2 miles) where you can jump into fresh volcanic hot springs and natural mud baths. On the far side of the lake is the small town of Köyceğiz itself, which is very quiet, except on Mondays when the local market takes over the town centre.

The Kings' Tombs

You cannot fail to notice the Kings’ Tombs carved into the cliffs across the river opposite Dalyan town. These date back around 4-6,000 years, and are the only part of the ancient city of Kaunos that many visitors see. It is possible to cross the river (by boat) and walk to the city (about 3/4 mile) where you can lose yourself for hours pottering around the ruins. Many of our rental villas have views of the tombs, please ask for details.