Explore the Beauty of Dalyan: A Traveler's Guide to Nature and History

İrem Uğur
Onedio Member
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There are many places called Dalyan in Turkey, but the most well-known of these is undoubtedly Dalyan Neighborhood in Muğla Ortaca. Even though it is referred to as a neighborhood, it is actually a tourism area in its own right. Named after the fish catching area in the region, Dalyan has recently become a favorite of vacationers. There are many points intertwined with history and culture here. There is no limit to what you can do in Dalyan, one of the best places for vacationers.

In this content, you can find curious information about Dalyan.

Information About Dalyan

Dalyan, a neighborhood of Muğla's Ortaca district, is one of the most touristic neighborhoods of recent times. There are many places named 'Dalyan' in Turkey. Therefore, even if it is confused, Dalyan in Mugla Ortaca is one of the most well-known places in Turkey. 

The Dalyan Delta, which connects Lake Köyceğiz to the Mediterranean Sea, used to be a town. Named after the fish catching grounds in the area, it is one of Turkey's most important reed areas and the entire delta is under special environmental protection. It is also an important stopover for migratory birds.

Iztuzu Beach, where the Dalyan Canal reaches the sea, is a very important place where Caretta Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs. This 5 km long beach is a natural part of the delta. The water sources feeding the delta consist of natural springs around Köyceğiz and Dalaman Stream. 

Dalyan is known not only for its natural beauties but also for its historical formations. The ancient city of Kaunos, the capital of the Kingdom of Kaunos, which is located at the same time as the Lycian Civilization dating back 2500-3000 years, is located here. It is known that the ruins of this historical area are in very good condition. Therefore, it is frequently visited by travelers in Dalyan.

Tourism in Dalyan

Tourism in Dalyan started in the 1980s. At that time, it became a favorite place especially for caravan and camping vacationers, environmentalists and bird watchers. In the 90s, the number of tourists and service places started to increase.

In the beginning, it was possible to meet travelers from almost all countries of Europe in Dalyan. Later, German and Dutch tourists started to concentrate. In the 2010s, Dalyan became a place where mainly the British bought a place and thus villa tourism started.

Dalyan, whose population grows more and more with increasing migration every year, has recently started to lose its naturalness due to the intensive construction of villas and pools. The view of protected animals has also changed more negatively in recent times. 

Before tourism, Dalyan's most important sources of income were fishing and agriculture. Especially cotton and citrus agriculture are very important here. In terms of fishing, mullet, sea bream and sea bass are consumed here.

How to get to Dalyan?

You have many alternatives to go to Dalyan. Although there is no direct intercity bus service here, you can come to Ortaca and come to Dalyan by minibuses within 15-20 minutes.

The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport. There are direct and connecting flights from many parts of Turkey. The distance between the airport and Dalyan is about 28 kilometers. You can get here by Havaş and MUTTAŞ.

The distances between Dalyan and the surrounding city centers and district centers are as follows:

  • 12 kilometers to Ortaca

  • 20 kilometers to Koycegiz

  • 67 kilometers to Fethiye

  • 90 kilometers to Marmaris

  • 126 kilometers to Kalkan

  • 160 kilometers to Kas

  • 31 kilometers to Sarigerme

  • 270 kilometers from Antalya Center

  • 320 kilometers to Izmir

  • 870 kilometers to Istanbul

  • 710 kilometers to Ankara

Things to do in Dalyan

Dalyan offers countless activities thanks to its places to visit and see. Here tourists can spend their vacation to the fullest. The activities you should definitely do in Dalyan are as follows:

  • Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear sea.

  • Take public daily tours or private boats to beaches, bays and lakes.

  • Take a journey into the past in the ancient city.

  • Volunteer for the protection of Caretta Carettas.

  • Visit the places and souvenir shops in the center of Dalyan.

  • Watch the Nile Turtles that arrive every morning at 8 am.

  • Cross the side bays by canoe.

  • Climb the scenic hills.

  • Take a mud bath.

  • Go to the hot springs.

  • Catch spectacular sunrises.

  • Explore cycling and hiking routes.

  • Stay in Tiny Houses.

Places to visit in Dalyan

There are many places to visit in Dalyan. The ones we say you must see and important information about some of them are as follows:

  • Kaunos King Tombs

  • Kaunos Ancient City

  • Iztuzu Beach

  • Radar Tepe Viewpoint.

  • Sultaniye Hot Springs

  • Sülüngür Lake

  • Koycegiz Lake

Kaunos King TombsKaunos

There is no clear information about how these tombs, which are identified with Dalyan, were built. Since this is a very steep slope, it is thought to be more difficult to build than other rock tombs. It is stated that there are normally 167 rock tombs here. The most famous of these is the group of six seen in the photo. You cannot go close to these tombs, but it is enough to watch their splendor from afar. You can also choose a boat tour for a closer look.

Adress: Çandır, Köyceğiz Muğla TR, 48840 Ortaca

Kaunos Ancient City

This place is not very well known. In fact, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2014, but it has not yet become as famous as the rock tombs. Kaunos Ancient City is on the opposite side of Dalyan. It is possible to get here by boat and ferries. When you get off, you can walk 10-15 minutes to the city.

Adress: Dalyan, 48800 Ortaca/Köyceğiz/Muğla

Iztuzu Beach

Iztuzu Beach is a place where everyone who comes to Dalyan stops by. This place is known for its clean sea. The beach has every facility from sunbeds to showers, toilets and cabins.

Adress: Çandır, 48800 Ortaca/Muğla

Radar Tepe Viewpoint.

There are many places to enjoy the view in Dalyan and one of the most famous ones is Radar Tepe Viewpoint. You can take unique photos on this hill overlooking the beach on one side and the sunset on the other.

Adress: Gökbel, 48600 Ortaca/Muğla

Sultaniye Hot Springs

Sultaniye Hot Springs are very famous in Dalyan. Boat tours also visit these places. In this way, you can also enjoy the hot springs on your tour.

Adress: Ekincik, 48800 Köyceğiz/Muğla

Sülüngür Lake

One of the most enjoyable sunsets in Dalyan is Sülüngür Lake. Here, those who take their food and drink set up on the edge of the village and enjoy themselves. Since the lake is used by the fish cooperative, it is forbidden to enter the lake or fish here. This lake is also a spawning spot for Nile Turtles.

Adress: Gökbel, 48600 Ortaca/Muğla

Other Beaches in Dalyan

  • Kargicak Bay

  • Bacardi Bay

  • Ekincik Bay

  • Vaccine Bay

  • Sarigerme Beach

Food and Drink in Dalyan

If you want to have something to eat and drink when you come to Dalyan, here are a few places you can visit:

Kargıcak Bay

Kargicak Bay is one of the most famous establishments here. In fact, Kargıcak is a bay and Kargıcak Bay is the only establishment here. Kargıcak Bay, one of the most qualified places in Dalyan, stands out with its DJ performances and delicious cocktails. Therefore, you can come to this establishment in the bay to have fun at night and enjoy the sea during the day.

Adress: Gökbel, Kargıcak Koyu, Kargıcak Sokak No:41, 48600 Ortaca/Muğla

Kaunos Çay Bahçesi

This establishment, where you can go for a tea against Kauonos, is one of the best in Dalyan. Especially when visiting Dalyan, you can take a short break for the day here.

Adress: Dalyan, 48600 Ortaca/Muğla

Saki Restaurant

Saki Restaurant, which you can choose to have dinner by the river, is a friendly and smiling family-run restaurant. There is no menu here. You eat whatever is served that day. The homemade appetizers are said to be extremely successful. There are also options for special diets such as vegan and vegetarian.

Adress: Dalyan, Geçit Sk. No:15, 48600 Ortaca/Muğla

Dalyan Hotels

There are many establishments where you can stay in Dalyan. Accommodation facilities also stand out with their facilities. Here are a few of the businesses where you can stay:

Dalyan Live Spa Hotel

This 56-room spa hotel features a daily breakfast buffet, a large pool and a wide range of amenities. The rooms are equipped with wifi, air conditioning, minibar, TV, hair dryer.

Adress:Dalyan, No:26, Maraş Cd., 48600 Ortaca/Muğla

Number: 02522844477

Nova’s Riverside Lodge

Nova's Riverside Lodge is a Tiny House concept. This triangular house is ideal for honeymooners or other couples. All facilities are available inside the houses. If you want to have a vacation in the comfort of your own home, you can choose this place.

Adress: Çandır, 48800 Köyceğiz/Muğla

Other Places You Can Visit While You Are In Dalyan

If you have decided to spend your Muğla vacation in Dalyan, we have listed other places you may want to go while you are here:0

  • Marmaris

  • Akyaka

  • Fethiye

  • Yuvarlakçay