Province: Muğla
Region: Aegean
Airport: Dalaman (27km and 15km respectively)
The Dalaman region is an area of breathtaking natural beauty, with lush cotton fields, fragrant orange groves, and a smattering of fascinating ancient sites. Although Dalaman is known primarily for its international airport which serves some of Turkey”s most popular resorts, the area itself is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. This popularity is set to increase with the arrival of impressive holiday villages in Sarıgerme and soon to be opened golf courses in the near vicinity.
Dalyan is home to the endangered Caretta Caretta species of turtle and accordingly the creatures have become a symbol of this attractive little resort. The town itself is situated on the stretch of water that connects Köyceğiz Lake to the sea, and it is by means of this waterway that Iztuzu Beach is reached via a regular boat service. The sandy beach is a nesting ground for turtles and as such is a protected area with no building allowed. Dalyan has managed to retain much of its unspoilt charm and ancient Lycian rock tombs overlook the resort giving it a sense of history and character. Tourist facilities include a number of predominantly small hotels, a range of restaurants, shops and a handful of bars.
Despite being a relative newcomer, Sarıgerme is quickly establishing itself as a popular family holiday destination, with a handful of large, mostly self-contained hotels and one or two more traditional pensions. The actual centre of Sarıgerme is pretty nondescript, but with plans afoot to turn this area into a golfer”s paradise, it is unlikely to remain so for much longer. The ancient city of Physilis was once located here and although the ruins are mostly buried in sand; those determined enough can find city walls and the remains of a Byzantine church.
Things to Do In and Around Dalaman
Once a significant trading port, the ancient city of Kaunos is accessed by way of a short boat ride from the resort centre. It is said to have been founded by Kaunos, the son of Miletus, exiled for having had an incestuous relationship with his twin sister. The city was part of the Kingdom of Rhodes, Bergama and then later the Roman Empire although it lost its importance as the harbour filled with silt. Remnants of these ancient times overlook the stunning Lake Sülüklü and include an impressive 33-row theatre, a church, roman bath and some city walls.
The Mudbaths of Dalyan have unsurprisingly become one of the areas top attractions, with countless tourists travelling from the neighbouring resorts of Marmaris and Fethiye to enjoy this unusual experience. The sulphur-rich baths are credited with alleviating the symptoms of rheumatic and dermatological conditions, and some even claim that the waters will make you look younger, although this has not been scientifically proven
With its picturesque lake-side setting, the town of Köyceğiz is certainly worth an inland detour. Still largely untouched by tourism, the main industry here is farming, with citrus fruit, olives, honey and cotton being among the main produce. A stroll around the shore of the lake is a must, as is stopping for a refreshing glass of local brew in one of the several tea gardens.
Adventure-seekers will enjoy rafting on the Dalaman River. The rapids here are suitable for beginners and more experienced rafters with a difficulty ratings ranging from 1 to 5 (depending on the time of year and the course taken).
The Dalyan Delta is haven for wildlife and has thus become a popular spot for Birdwatching.
Ekincik is a beautiful little cove and popular stopping point on the famous”Blue Cruise” route. Now accessible by road direct from Köyceğiz, there are a couple of small hotels here, but Ekincik is still more of a retreat than a resort.
Although there is nothing of real significance to see in Ortaca, the town is the transport hub of the area and those wishing to travel further a field can find a greater number of bus connections from here. The “Stork Garden” at Ley Restaurant in the village of Okçular is an interesting diversion. Visiting storks make the trees here their home for the summer and they are fascinating to watch
Shopping facilities in Turkey are excellent and the Dalaman area is no exception. There are a number of Weekly Markets, the largest of which takes place in Köyceğiz on a Monday. Dalyan also boasts a sizeable Saturday market and Sarigerme has a smaller, village market on a Sunday.
Those wishing to explore the stunning surroundings on foot will not be disappointed as there are several good trekking routes to choose from. A popular choice is the particularly scenic path from Gökbel to Iztuzu which takes about two to three hours to complete. A trek along the Kapıdağ Peninsula gives an ideal opportunity to explore the largely unexcavated ancient ruins of Kyra, Lissia and Lydia. There is some debate as to how far these settlements date back though there is evidence of Carian, Lycian and Byzantine architecture.
