Dalyan (Mugla) travel guide
Dalyan (Mugla) Tourism | Dalyan (Mugla) Guide
You're Going to Love Dalyan (Mugla)
A peaceful town surrounded by an environmentally protected area in the southern Mugla Province, Dalyan offers an escape from city living. With baths, riverside trails, and a laid-back vibe, it's a must for any lover of tranquility.
The area is a major draw for history buffs. Kaunos, an important sea port dating back to the 10th century BC, is located near Dalyan, while lakes, Roman ruins, and fantastic rock tombs dot the Dalyan landscape.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Dalyan (Mugla)
1. Lycian Rock Tombs
The spectacular rock tombs lining the Dalyan channel are a must, both for their beauty as well as their significance.
2. Iztuzu Beach
The nearby beach boasts shallow turquoise waters and loggerhead sea turtle nesting grounds, and is home to the Kaptan June Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation.
3. Roman Ruins
From a large palaestra to mighty temples, the architecture buff will have plenty to take in.
4. Kaunos City Walls
Over 4,000 years old, these mighty walls were built along with the city of Kaunos and represent solid Hellenistic construction technology.
5. Mud Baths
In use since ancient times, the towns mud baths have a warm sulfur pool and offer great outdoor relaxation.
What to do in Dalyan (Mugla)
1. The Stony Silence Of An Economic Giant
With local women handling the oars, a quick rowboat trip from Dalyan and a short climb leads to the archaeological treasures still being unearthed in Kaunos. This once opulent, bustling center of commerce between the Mediterranean and Aegean seas dates from the 4th century, and represents an astonishing multi-cultural tapestry of Persian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine influences. In addition to the acropolis, Kaunos' key sights include elaborate, cliff-side, rock-cut tombs with imposing facades typifying the Greek Hellenic tradition, as well as extraordinary Roman baths, a 6th-century Byzantine church, a number of both Greek and Roman temples, and a magnificently-preserved, 2nd century amphitheater that seated 5,000 spectators. Offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside, Kaunos is home to some of the most varied wildlife in Turkey.
2. Ah, Feel The Mud!
About ten minutes upriver from Dalyan, the Sultaniye Thermal Baths is a place to apply the "beauty mud" and then relax and rejuvenate in 105-degree thermal sulphuric pools. Unlike Turkish baths that cater to tourists, Sultaniye is where locals have made a pilgrimage since the baths were first used during the Hellenistic period. According to those same locals, who visit the mineral-rich baths for their curative properties, applying the "beauty mud'' takes 10 years off your age.
3. A Nesting Ground For The Loggerhead
A breeding ground each year for some 300 nests of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, Iztuzu Beach is a three-mile strip of land that forms a natural barrier between the sea and the fresh water Dalyan River delta. The soft sands of "Turtle Beach" are open only during summer's daylight hours, offering an idyllic spot for swimming and sunning. Environmental rules, such as no pets or vehicles, are in effect, and beach-goers are kept well clear of the nesting zones, where the female Mediterranean loggerhead has come to lay her eggs since the beginning of recorded time.
4. An Environmentalist's Vision Realized
Hundreds of loggerhead and green turtles injured by boat propellers, nets and fishhooks have been saved thanks to the efforts spurred by British environmentalist June Haimoff, aka Kaptan June. Her Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation is headquartered at the south end of Iztuzu Beach, where a dozen or so sea turtles can usually be seen convalescing in the tanks. Kaptan June's original hut has been renovated and returned to the beach as both museum and information center.
5. Dazzlingly Beautiful Dalyan
Rimmed by a mountain range and inundated with lush wetlands, diverse flora, reed beds, marshes and coastal habitat, the Dalyan delta is a nature lover's wonderland. Flying fish, terrapins, tortoises and more than 125 species of birds, including kingfishers, storks and herons, are endemic to the region. Dalyan's colorful fleet of tour boats offer unforgettable glimpses of natural beauty, culture and history.
1. The Stony Silence Of An Economic Giant
With local women handling the oars, a quick rowboat trip from Dalyan and a short climb leads to the archaeological treasures still being unearthed in Kaunos. This once opulent, bustling center of commerce between the Mediterranean and Aegean seas dates from the 4th century, and represents an astonishing multi-cultural tapestry of Persian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine influences. In addition to the acropolis, Kaunos' key sights include elaborate, cliff-side, rock-cut tombs with imposing facades typifying the Greek Hellenic tradition, as well as extraordinary Roman baths, a 6th-century Byzantine church, a number of both Greek and Roman temples, and a magnificently-preserved, 2nd century amphitheater that seated 5,000 spectators. Offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside, Kaunos is home to some of the most varied wildlife in Turkey.
2. Ah, Feel The Mud!
About ten minutes upriver from Dalyan, the Sultaniye Thermal Baths is a place to apply the "beauty mud" and then relax and rejuvenate in 105-degree thermal sulphuric pools. Unlike Turkish baths that cater to tourists, Sultaniye is where locals have made a pilgrimage since the baths were first used during the Hellenistic period. According to those same locals, who visit the mineral-rich baths for their curative properties, applying the "beauty mud'' takes 10 years off your age.
3. A Nesting Ground For The Loggerhead
A breeding ground each year for some 300 nests of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, Iztuzu Beach is a three-mile strip of land that forms a natural barrier between the sea and the fresh water Dalyan River delta. The soft sands of "Turtle Beach" are open only during summer's daylight hours, offering an idyllic spot for swimming and sunning. Environmental rules, such as no pets or vehicles, are in effect, and beach-goers are kept well clear of the nesting zones, where the female Mediterranean loggerhead has come to lay her eggs since the beginning of recorded time.
4. An Environmentalist's Vision Realized
Hundreds of loggerhead and green turtles injured by boat propellers, nets and fishhooks have been saved thanks to the efforts spurred by British environmentalist June Haimoff, aka Kaptan June. Her Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation is headquartered at the south end of Iztuzu Beach, where a dozen or so sea turtles can usually be seen convalescing in the tanks. Kaptan June's original hut has been renovated and returned to the beach as both museum and information center.
5. Dazzlingly Beautiful Dalyan
Rimmed by a mountain range and inundated with lush wetlands, diverse flora, reed beds, marshes and coastal habitat, the Dalyan delta is a nature lover's wonderland. Flying fish, terrapins, tortoises and more than 125 species of birds, including kingfishers, storks and herons, are endemic to the region. Dalyan's colorful fleet of tour boats offer unforgettable glimpses of natural beauty, culture and history.
Where to Eat in Dalyan (Mugla)
Dalyan has many Turkish restaurants as well as many Mediterranean eateries. Cagri Pide and Pizza Restaurant is popular with locals. The Begonville House Restaurant is a well-known mid-range option that sells burgers, pasta dishes, and local cuisine. A quick meal costs about ₺15 in Dalyan.
When to visit Dalyan (Mugla)
While the weather is moderate around the year, winter can see heavy rains. Thus, spring, summer, and fall make the best times to visit. If you're in town for the sea turtles, nesting season runs from May to October.
How to Get to Dalyan (Mugla)
Plane
Dalaman Airport (DLM) sits just 40 minutes away from town and sees flights from many international destinations. Taxis are there to take travelers into town for about ₺100. A bus runs from the domestic terminal for about ₺20.
Car
Dalyan is located just off the D400 highway, which runs northwest to Izmir and southeast to Antalya.
Bus
Most buses connect to Ortaca, which is just eight miles east of the city. You can then take a dolmus minibus into town. The trip from Izmir should take six hours and cost about ₺80.
Airlines serving Dalyan (Mugla)
Where to stay in Dalyan (Mugla)
The best places to stay are located around the river. The Hotel Portakal and the Keysan Yunus Hotel are both comfortable options offering scenic views.
Where to stay in popular areas of Dalyan (Mugla)
Most booked hotels in Dalyan (Mugla)
How to Get Around Dalyan (Mugla)
Public Transportation
Dalyan is very small and there is no official public transport, but minibuses (dolmus) operate; a ride to beach costs about ₺12.
Taxi
Water taxis charge ₺15 to go from the town to the beach. Standard taxis charge between ₺10 and ₺15 for most trips in town.
Car
It's possible to rent cars in Dalyan. Prices vary, but average around ₺65 a day for an economy model.
The Cost of Living in Dalyan (Mugla)
Shopping Streets
The town is known for its handicrafts. In the town center, you can find stores that sell handmade Turkish slippers. Prices vary wildly from shop to shop. The Saturday market in the market square is also a must for produce and crafts. If you're looking for a dress in town, expect to pay ₺80.
Groceries and Other
Grocery stores in town include Dia and M Migros. The cost of a loaf of fresh bread is about ₺2, while a dozen eggs come out to ₺5.50.