Dalyan ,

Dalyan is small town on the south-western coast of Turkey. 25 km from the international airport Dalaman. Set in the center of a broad delta whose natural beauty remains unspoilt. Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty interest.

Set inland on the banks of the Dalyan River, the village of Dalyan is a peaceful holiday backwater unspoilt by mass tourism. The romance of the place is heightened each morning as a fleet of gaily-painted boats chug off down the river carrying holidaymakers to the glorious sandy beaches at the mouth of the river delta. Starting from Dalyan Harbour the voyage through beds of bulrushes and pampas grass takes around 45 enjoyable minutes - the entire Delta is a protected National Conservation area and is home to over 100 species of birds along with no less than three varieties of turtle, including the Loggerhead.

          

Not everybody heads for the beaches each day, with many electing relax around their hotel pool, followed perhaps with an afternoon stroll along the river or village in search of a quiet spot to take lunch. Later, with the cooler evening air soothing sun kissed shoulders, you can once again walk the riverbank to settle in a waterside restaurant. The fish in Dalyan is quite excellent, especially when accompanied with a chilled beer as the setting sun sends shadows chasing through the nearby rock tombs. Make no mistake, if you need loud clubs open till late then Dalyan will disappoint, but we've found the main street through the resort provides more than enough bars and restaurants to keep your conversations fresh. Dalyan provides a holiday rich in peace and quiet, close to nature and with a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

                   

Dalyan means in Turkish: Enclosure of nets fixed  on poles used for catching fish. Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the endangered Caretta Caretta Turtles and the wildlife in the area led to campaign to listed the area for conservation.

Since 1989 Turkey has taken steps towards the the conservation of wildlife. One and most important of protected area is Dalyan.

The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A haven for relaxation that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many restaurants in which to try Turkish cuisine, bars and shops. There are few discos out of town, so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgetable hospitality.

SIX KM'S OF GOLDEN SAND

Dalyan canal through which water circulates between the Mediterranean and Köyceğiz Lake winds its way to the sea, via a small network of lakes and waterways. Through the rustling reed beds rising between 3-4 metres in heigh. With its mixture of salt and fresh water, this wetlands have become home to a vast number of fish and other waterlife. Many speices of birds which feed on them.

You meet to Mediterranean, after around 30-40 minutes wonderful boat travel. Dividing the delta is the İztuzu sandbar stretching for six km. With fine sand and turquoise sea. You can reach to İztuzu beach by minibus too. The minibus travel lakeside through beatiful winding roads to the beach. It takes about 15-20 minutes. Both ways are worth seeing, each for a small charge.

SEE THE PROTECTED CARETTA CARETTA TURTLES

The Caretta Caretta turtle is designated as threatened on the Federal Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species List.These turtles with their large heads and reddish brown shells come to Iztuzu Beach to nest from May to September. They have yellowish to white undersides and can measure up to 3-4 feet in length. The turtle reaches maturity around 15 years of age, they can weigh between 150 and 300 pounds.

Adult turtles are meeting in lake of Dalyan Delta few weeks before the female lays her eggs. They are feeding before sex. Famela chooses a boyfriend. Their sex takes some hours and other turtles stays far away. You can hear their sounds.

The Caretta Caretta Turtle, returns to the beach where they themselves hatched. The adult female may lay several clutches each season, usually she will lay eggs every two-three years.  

ANCIENT ROCK TOMBS

Theses tombs are the resting places the kings of Caunos. They are carved in the style of Lycian rock tombs. There are two types of tomb to be found in Dalyan. Simple chambers, cut in to the rock face like a room and more elaborate temple tombs. Many tombs were built with false walls placing valuables behind them so as to fool robbers, eventually this was to no avail as all the tombs were emptied of their treasures.

Rock tombs can be seen along the Lycian coast, but best exemples of them in Dalyan.

MUD BATHS AND THERAPEUTIC SULPHUR SPRINGS...

Dalyan has many therapeutic hot springs. The waters which contain radioactive elements and sulphur are believed to cure rheumatism, skin, liver, spleen and bowel complaints, as well as being beneficial for nervous and digestive disorders.

The Sultaniye Thermal Bath which is famous in Turkey, the water is 40 degrees C. The water used since Hellenistic times.

The mud baths are also said to remedy rheumatism as well as cleanse and beautify skin. Once you have covered yourself in the mud, than you wait for few minutes to dry it. You clean yourself in the sulphur pool. Mud bath is also at a temperature of 40 degrees.