Dalyan is famed for its river that runs below the ancient city of Caunos, joining up to the beautiful Turquoise Sea and famed Iztuzu beach. However, there's so much more to this town than its coastal position.
You'll find ancient ruins and natural wonders aplenty, spanning rock-cut tombs and crumbling acropolises, while those who love to get in the water can jump in the hot springs or visit the turtle conservation foundation. Back on land, you can enjoy delicious Turkish food and shop for bargains in the weekly market.
Its slightly higher altitude and mountain surroundings also mean you'll enjoy a respite from the stifling Turkish summer - expect to be bathed in plenty of sunshine but with added protection from any harsh winds.
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Dalyan first came into the public consciousness in 1986, when conservationists prevented a hotel being built near İztuzu Beach - the same beach where loggerhead turtles are hatched every year. Since then, it's become an increasingly popular tourist spot, with turtles used as source of inspiration for many local souvenirs - you'll even find a turtle statue in the town centre!
Boasting everything you'd need from a coastal resort town, including shops, restaurants and a welcome helping of history thrown in, Dalyan offers an all-round holiday experience for couples, families, and groups of friends alike.
With our luxury Dalyan villas, you'll be at the heart of it all. But if you're hoping to explore more of this beautiful country, you can check out our full collection of holiday homes in Turkey.
Due to its position hugging the Turquoise Coast, Dalyan is often reduced to its sun-kissed beach - known for the nesting loggerhead turtles that come ashore each summer. However, there's so much more to this town than sand and sea.
Still staying on the water, you can take a boat trip between Lake Köyceğiz and İztuzu Beach, meandering through the winding inlets of the Dalyan River and passing sheer cliffs etched with the staggering Lycian-style Kings’ Tombs.
Other ancient ruins and natural wonders jostle for your attention, including the ruins of Kaunos. The remnants of this ancient port city date back to 9BC, and include a crumbling theatre, public bathhouse and acropolis.
You can also choose to explore your natural surroundings by hiking the new network of ECO Trails that weave through the Dalyan delta. Connecting the region’s lagoons, lakes, wetlands, rivers, forests and beaches, it's a wonderful day out for walkers and cyclists alike.
And for a relaxing experience less ordinary, head to the mud baths and hot springs on the shoreline of Lake Köyceğiz. They're thought to have therapeutic properties, but whether you believe that or not, covering your limbs in mud is sure to prove unforgettable!
Traditional Turkish food is a blend of Central Asian, Middle Easter and Balkan cuisine, with recipes crafted, perfected and passed down through many generations. Due to its fertile coastlines, you can expect to dine on brilliantly fresh fruit and vegetables, while a drizzle of olive oil is never far away when mezze is on the menu.
Start your day with menemen, a national favourite that sees scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers and plenty of spice. When it comes to lunch, there are so many Turkish breads to try, including simit. Typically sold at street food carts across Istanbul, but bleeding its way into the surrounding regions, this is similar to a bagel in texture but incorporates sesame seeds for added crunch.
Carb lovers can also indulge in a pide, which is an Ottoman version of pizza. The boat-shaped flatbreads are baked and topped with anything you like, though cheese, peppers, egg and sausage are common.
Of course, when you're staying near the coast you should absolutely try some freshly caught fish. Keep an eye out for the catch of the day, while balik ekmek is great for eating on the go - it literally means 'fish bread', seeing a grilled mackerel fillet sandwiched inside a bun.
And for dessert? Our top pick will always be baklava - bite-sized pieces of layered filo pastry that are filled with chopped nuts and then drizzled with honey. Give halka tatlisi a go if you're after something more substantial - they're a Turkish take on churros, though be warned: one may lead to another...
To find out more, read our blog on the best places to eat in Akyaka and Dalyan.
Great for kids: Mezze plates are great for kids to try lots of different things at once - they may just find a new favourite.
Great for teens: What teen wouldn't love a town that's main emblem seems to be the turtle? Classic Instagram fodder galore!
Take a tour: You'll find many boats lined up along the river prepared to give you a ride. Never accept the first price offered though - haggling is part of the culture here.
The colourful weekly market isn't just great for trying local foods - it's also the perfect place for scooping up some bargain souvenirs. Artisan ceramics, scarves and other crafts are yours for the picking.
Dalyan boasts an abundance of natural beauty and history to uncover, but you may find that you want to venture away from the town throughout your villa holiday. While the surrounding region is certainly one of Turkey's most relaxing, there are several towns and villages worth adding to your trip wish-list.
Want to extend your trip further? We offer holiday homes to rent across Turkey, covering areas such as Kalkan, Islamlar and more.
If you want to really live like the locals, head to Faralya. For the most part untouched by tourism - though it's quietly gaining a reputation among celebrities as a welcome hideout - this sleepy spot is great for an afternoon wander.
This small resort village is widely known for its Blue Lagoon - a natural marvel that's part of a protected national park. While it can get busy, you'll also find impressive mountains towering above you, holding ample possibilities for those who love hiking and taking in panoramic views from the top.
This compact village is so small you can walk from one end to the other in half an hour! However, it's the blue flag beach that draws visitors, with sun beds offered free of charge and a wealth of restaurants and bars backing onto the sand. Grab your swimsuit and snorkel - crystal-clear waters await.
Potentially a little far for a day trip, the seaside town of Kaş is sits on the site of the ancient Antiphellos - you'll still find ruins here today dating all the way back to 4BC. With so much history to uncover, including multiple Lycian rock tombs, it may be worth an overnight stay in this area of white-washed homes.
Between April and October, daily flights connect most UK airports with Dalaman. The flight time is around 4 hours. Dalyan is then a 40 minute journey away by car, with taxis also available - though it's best to book in advance.
Ferries also run from Marmaris to the outskirts of Dalyan, and smaller boats then continue on to the village.
Hiring a car in Dalyan is certainly worthwhile if you're looking to explore some of the other towns and villages nearby. We'd suggest getting yours at the airport, but also booking in advance when it comes to the busier summer season.
There's no official public transport in Dalyan. However, dolmus buses run regularly, taking you to and from the beach. They don't have an official route, so you'll just have to head to one of the main roads and hail one down as you see them.
Keep in mind that dolmus literally means 'stuffed', so they will get busy!
Taxis can take you to and from the airport, but are less common around the town. However, due to its position among various waterways, you'll instead find water taxis available that can ferry you to the beach.
The best way to get a real feel for Dalyan and its various local charms is by walking. So, head to the beach, pop on some sensible shoes and enjoy a stroll along the seafront before sampling some authentuc cuisine from the family-run restaurants nearby.
