If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to put life on pause for a moment, Dalyan can do just that. This little town is a slice of authentic Turkey. There are mountain views and pine forests for scenery and the town itself is flat and easy to get around. The main street is home to a variety of restaurants, boutique souvenir shops and a few bars, all of which are guaranteed to wrap you up in the relaxing aura of Dalyan.
Dalyan
Boats regularly depart from the riverfront, which can then take you on a short trip to Iztuzu beach. This glorious spread of golden sand is the home to the rare caretta caretta (also known as the very cute loggerhead turtles). These are perhaps the main attraction in this area, and one that has helped to preserve the serenity and traditional culture of Dalyan too.
Like much of Turkey history plays a huge part in the environment of Dalyan and the Dalaman region as a whole. The river is even overlooked by ancient Lycian style tombs that are carved into the rock face. If this is something that interests you about the places you visit, then there are the ruins of the ancient city of Cuanos to keep your intrigue quenched. Close to Dalyan you can reach this sight by boat, or foot if you’re feeling energetic. Although only partly excavated the remains are still extensive, and include a theatre dating from the 2nd century BC, Roman baths, the temple of Apollo and Agora and a marketplace.
Lastly, if the sun bathed lull of Dalyan’s atmosphere isn’t enough to relax you, the thermal springs and mud baths of Ilica and Sultaniye surely will. With a reputation for their health giving powers these activities are also great fun. No doubt you’ll get a few giggles out of the mud baths in particular (and they say that laughing is the best medicine, after all).
Many chose to visit Dalyan on a day trip by boat, but if you decide to stay here there is a variety of accommodation, including self catering or a range of hotels. Some of these are traditionally built to blend with the Turkish environment, whilst others rest their foundations on the magical riverfront. One things for sure, at only a thirty minute trip fromDalaman airport you won’t have long to wait before your holiday here can begin.