Dalyan is a town in Muğla Province located between the well-known districts of Marmaris and Fethiye on the south-west coast of Turkey. The town is an independent municipality, within the administrative district of Ortaca.Dalyan is 25 km from the International Dalaman Airport. Set in the center of a broad delta, whose natural beauty remains unspoilt. Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty interest.
Dalyan achieved international fame in 1986 when developers wanted to build a luxury hotel on the nearby İztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle species(carretta carretta). The incident created major international storm when David Bellamy championed the cause of the conservationists. The development project was stopped and the beach is now a protected area.
Life in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan River which flows past the town. The boats that ply up and down the river, navigating the maze of reeds, are the preferred means of transport to all the local sites.People come for its setting on the placid Dalyan Çayı (Dalyan Creek), for the dramatic Lycian tombs hewn into the rockfaces that dominate the town on the west bank of the river, for the ruins of ancient Roman city of Caunos, and for broad İztuzu Beach, a natural nesting-ground for carretta carretta (loggerhead turtles). Upsteam, on the shore of placid Köyceğiz Lake, are the Sultaniye hot springs, with their therapeutic (or at least fun) mud baths.
So what does Dalyan have to offer?
Historical sites, such as the Kaunos Rock Tombs ,Sandy Beaches, the world famous Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach , A lively Market , A wealth of Nature , Mountains , Lakes , Rivers , Birds ,Turtles , mudbath, Friendly hospitable people…
Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village. Since 1989 Turkey has taken steps towards the conservation of wildlife. One of these protected areas is Dalyan. The discovery of the endangered Caretta Caretta Turtles and the wildlife in the area led to campaign to listed the area for conservation. The Caretta Caretta turtle is designated as threatened on the Federal Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species List. These turtles with their large heads and reddish brown shells come to Iztuzu Beach to nest from May to September. They have yellowish to white undersides and can measure up to 3-4 feet in lenght. The turtle reaches maturity around 15 years of age, they can weigh between 150 and 300 pounds.
The mating takes place a few weeks before the female lays her eggs. The Caretta Caretta Turtle usually returns to the beach where they themselves hatched. The adult female may lay several clutches each season, usually she will lay eggs every two-three years.
The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A haven for relaxation that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many restaurants in which to try Turkish cuisine, bars and shops. There are few discos out of town, so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early.
Dalyan has many therapeutic hot springs. The waters which contain radioactive elements and sulphur are believed to cure rheumatism, skin, liver, spleen and bowel complaints, as well as being beneficial for nervous and digestive disorders. In The Sultaniye Thermal Bath which is famous in Turkey, the water is 40C degrees . The water has been used since Hellenistic times. The mud baths are also said to remedy rheumatism as well as cleanse and beautify skin. Once you have covered yourself in the mud, then you have to wait for few minutes to dry it. You clean yourself in the sulphur pool. Mud bath is also at a temperature of 40C degrees.
If you get the opportunity to see beautiful Dalyan, do not forget to visit the ancient city of Caunos in which there is an Acropolis surrounded by the city walls, a theatre, four temples, an agora, Roman baths and cistern.
Change Money in Dalyan
It’s wery easy to change all currency from the isbank or from other change offices. And there are too many cash machine alternatives to take and change money.
Shops in Dalyan
Shops in Dalyan are open from 09:00 to midnight (officially) – but most of the times much longer. The shops in Ortaca offer much more variety. You can take a minibus-dolmus with 5.-TL to go to the Ortaca city center.
PTT in Dalyan
The post office (PTT) is in the centre of town and operates an efficient mail service, letters arriving Europe approx. 4-10 days after posting.
Public Phones in Dalyan
The phones are cheapest to use at the post office and operate using cards bought from inside.
Internet in Dalyan Center
Our Murat Pasha Mansion offer you free wi-fi internet for all your accommodation.
However there are many internet cafes in Dalyan that are relatively inexpensive to use (a couple of Lira per hour). Don’t expect the same speed as on your broadband connection at home!
Crime and emergencies
Please take the usual precautions. Use the hotel safes, keep your wallets in an inside pocket and do not leave any valuables unattended.
Taking pictures in Dalyan Area
Do not take pictures of Military Zones or Military objects, airport or inside museums. It is OK to take pictures at Caunos.
Some local people in villages may be offended if you take their picture. Please do ask before you take a picture.
What to wear in Dalyan?
Only some t-shirts and swim wears are enough for your Dalyan trips.
Sun protection in Dalyan
If you are not used to fierce sunlight, it is wise to wear sun protection cream, a sun hat and sunglasses. Even in may!
Mosques in Dalyan
Headscarves should be brought by women for visiting mosques.
Important! Remember that you must report anything stolen or lost to the local police or Jandarme and get a report before you can claim on your insurance.
