Koycegiz Ekincik Hotels

Offering a quiet and peaceful holiday with its lush and untouched nature and deep blue sea, Köyceğiz hotels offer quality as well as comfort. Most of the Köyceğiz hotels are located close to the seaside. The hotels that are not close to the seaside are located a little further inland and within walking distance to the sea. Apart from these hotels, you can also find Koycegiz hotels located in the forest in slightly higher areas and overlooking the sea. No matter which region you stay in Koycegiz hotel, you will have a quiet holiday intertwined with nature and overlooking the sea. Many of the Köyceğiz hotels close to the sea also have a pool. Offering every opportunity to its guests, Köyceğiz hotels are also preferred especially by families with children. Köyceğiz hotels, which generally serve in boutique and small hotel style, are very busy especially during the summer vacation season starting from April. Therefore, it is useful to make a reservation before spending your vacation in Köyceğiz. 

When to Visit Köyceğiz?

Köyceğiz is most popular during the summer months, making the best time to visit between May and October. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the lake or the sea. The swimming season around Köyceğiz Lake and nearby coastal areas usually runs from late May to late October. However, the ideal time to visit depends on your preferences and the activities you want to enjoy. If you're seeking a more peaceful atmosphere, spring or autumn would be perfect.

How to Get to Köyceğiz?

By Bus: Most major bus companies offer routes to Muğla city center. From there, you can take local transportation to Köyceğiz.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport, located about 30 minutes away from Köyceğiz by car.
By Car: If you're driving, you can take the İzmir - Aydın Highway, continue toward Muğla, then head through Gökova to reach Köyceğiz.

Approximate road distances:

• Muğla – Köyceğiz: 60 km (1 hour)
• İstanbul – Köyceğiz: 800 km (11.5 hours)
• Ankara – Köyceğiz: 625 km (approx. 9 hours)
• İzmir – Köyceğiz: 270 km (3 hours 40 minutes)
• Bursa – Köyceğiz: 595 km (8 hours)

Top Places to Visit in Köyceğiz

• Köyceğiz Lake: Ideal for walking, dining, and cycling.
• Kaunos Ancient City: Accessible via boat from Köyceğiz or Dalyan, famous for its rock-cut tombs and amphitheater.
• Sülüklü Lake: A former harbor now transformed into a serene lake.
• Sultaniye Hot Springs: Dating back to Roman times, believed to have healing properties.
• Akköprü Bridge: Built by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
• Ali Paşa Mansion and Fountain: Historical landmarks from the 1800s.
• Local Ottoman-style Houses: In the town center, perfect for photography.
• Sweetgum Forests: These trees are endemic to the region and offer healing aromas.
• Boat Tours: Explore Dalyan, Ekincik Bay, and more via daily boat trips.

Shopping in Köyceğiz

Local Markets: Find organic produce, homemade jams, olive oil, honey, and more.
Handicrafts: Local ceramics, carpets, and glasswork reflecting traditional styles.
Antique Shops: Explore vintage jewelry, objects, and furniture in nearby shops.

Things to Do in Köyceğiz

Boat Tours: Cruise around the lake, sunbathe, or swim.
Lake Beaches: Relax by the lake, swim or enjoy water sports.
Nature Walks: Visit natural parks and trails near the King’s Tombs and Sultaniye.
Fishing: Enjoy peaceful moments by the rivers and lake.
Taste Local Cuisine: Try seafood and regional dishes at lakeside restaurants.

A Brief History of Köyceğiz

Köyceğiz has roots dating back to ancient civilizations like Lycia, Caria, and Rome. It was a significant trade hub, especially during the Roman Empire, which also saw the rise of agriculture and livestock in the area. The Byzantines built churches and monasteries here, and the Ottoman Empire maintained its importance as an agricultural and trade center. With the growth of tourism in the second half of the 20th century, Köyceğiz became a peaceful getaway thanks to its natural and historical charm.

What is Köyceğiz Famous For?

Yuvarlak Çay: A cold stream fed by underground springs, flowing into Köyceğiz Lake. Perfect for cooling off and dining nearby.
Kaunos Ancient City: A site from the 6th century BC featuring a grand amphitheater and stunning rock tombs.
Kaunos Rock Tombs: Carved into cliffs around the 4th century BC by the Carians. The tombs are visually striking and historically rich, and some are accessible by hiking.

Where to Swim in Köyceğiz?

Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach): A 4.5 km long beach known for its crystal-clear waters and Caretta carettas (loggerhead sea turtles) that lay their eggs here.
Sarıgerme Beach: 37 km from Köyceğiz center, with a Blue Flag sea, sand lilies, and water sports.
Ortaca Beaches: Nearby beaches include Akkaya Beach and Ekincik Beach, which offer beautiful and quiet coastal spots.

Must-Do Activities in Köyceğiz

• Swim, sunbathe, or go on a boat tour to explore Ekincik and Dalyan.
• Witness turtles laying eggs on Iztuzu Beach.
• Take scenic walks or bike rides along Köyceğiz Lake.
• Taste local dishes, especially fresh mullet fish.
• Explore Kaunos Ancient City or unwind in Sultaniye thermal springs.
• Capture stunning photos by the lake and historical streets.
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at sunset by the lake or sea.

Koycegiz Food & Beverage Suggestions

Köyceğiz culinary culture has traces of Aegean and Mediterranean cuisines. Olive oil dishes, fish and seafood, salads and various herbs are at the forefront. Vegetables and herbs are also organic as they are grown in the highlands in the region. In salads, wild herbs such as radicchio, thistle, mallow, sorrel, tekesakalı, and honey are generally used.
Local delicacies are usually made using eggplant and broad beans. If you want, you can taste raw anchovies, mullet in tiles, sılcan yogurt and thyme tea.
In addition, the flavor of mullet fish caught from the lake in the region is also very famous.  Those who want to fill their stomach with one of the special flavors of Koycegiz, we especially recommend you to try Trout in Stew.  This dish prepared with the region's own fish enchants fish lovers. Cleaned trout are cooked in casseroles in wood ovens. You can find stewed trout in the restaurants around Yuvarlak Çay.