Dalyan Guide

Dalyan is a charming and tranquil town nestled beside the Dalyan River (Ancient Calbis River), which connects Köyceğiz Lake to the sea. It’s located within Muğla’s Ortaca district, about an hour away from Fethiye and 12 kilometers off the main road. With its rich history, stunning nature, sea, lake, and overall beauty, Dalyan is truly a unique holiday destination that captures your heart from the moment you arrive.

The history of Dalyan dates back nearly 3,000 years. The town gets its name from the traditional “dalyan” fishing method practiced in its natural channels for centuries. In ancient times, the area was known as the city of Kaunos, but today it bears the name Dalyan.

Dalyan’s present-day landscape is the result of tectonic movements occurring over millions of years. Its lush forests, vegetation, and diverse wildlife make it one of the world's rare ecosystems. The eastern and western sides of the town are covered with dense forests, and while one side of the land is surrounded by saltwater from the sea, the other is bordered by freshwater from the lake. Adding to its charm are the healing thermal waters that bubble up from underground.

Until the 1990s, Dalyan was mainly known by a handful of writers, including the famous Turkish author Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, also known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus. By the late 1990s, it had gained recognition as one of Turkey’s most beloved tourist destinations. However, because it’s designated as a protected natural area and a nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, new construction is strictly limited. As a result, Dalyan remains largely untouched, offering a peaceful escape, especially for nature and history lovers.

As you enter the town, you’re greeted by the ancient Lycian (Carian) rock tombs magnificent structures carved into cliffs that have stood for thousands of years. One of the first things you should do upon arriving is arrange a boat tour with a local fisherman, who will take you to the area’s key sites. Your first stop should be the mud baths, just a 10-minute boat ride away. Rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and sulfur, the mud is said to have healing properties for the skin and makes for a fun, rejuvenating experience.

A 30-minute boat ride through the Dalyan River surrounded by birds and, if you're lucky, turtles takes you to the world-famous İztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach. This 5.4-kilometer-long sandy stretch is one of the few remaining nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles and is strictly protected by the Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature. When you arrive at the beach, you’ll find signs with important guidelines on how to use the beach without disturbing the turtles. Thanks to the local community's activism, a hotel that was once under construction here was demolished to protect the turtles. Pets are not allowed on the beach for the same reason.

Another fascinating feature of İztuzu Beach is that it’s one of the world’s few beaches bordered by both freshwater (from the river) and saltwater (from the sea). After a refreshing walk along the shore, you can choose your spot for a swim either in the sea or the river.

Dalyan is a haven for nature and history enthusiasts seeking an unspoiled getaway. Although it’s not highly commercialized, the town hosts thousands of local and international tourists every year. While its population is around 8,000 to 10,000 residents, it nearly triples during the spring and summer months.

Dalyan’s hotels are generally tucked into lush green surroundings and offer spectacular views of the sea and lake. Some are only accessible by boat just a 10-minute ride from the town center. Many of these hotels feature their own swimming pools, and some even have separate pools for children, babies, and adults.

Helpful Tips:

When enjoying the mud baths, be sure to cover your entire body with mud, let it dry under the sun, and then rinse off in the sulfur pool.
Remember that İztuzu Beach is a protected area due to the sea turtles’ nesting grounds, so it's important to follow all posted guidelines.
Did you know? In ancient times, people believed that the higher your tomb, the closer you were to the gods hence the dramatic rock tombs carved high into the cliffs for kings and nobles.