Dalyan is a holiday destination for those looking for something a bit special
The small town spreads along the river bank and faces magnificent Lycian rock tombs carved into the rock face. Hidden from view is the ancient city of Kaunos, once a thriving port. Boats ferry local people and visitors upstream to the clean waters of Koycegiz lake which is rich in birdlife and downstream, through the meandering reedy delta to the sandy arc of Iztuzu beach where loggerhead turtles can nest in safety.
The area surrounding Dalyan is a conservation area so no large or high rise hotels are permitted and there is no building allowed along or near the beach. Dalyan is a lively market town offering a wide choice of restaurants, bars, shops, boat trips and bike hire. A short drive away, activity such as horse riding, white-water rafting, trekking and scuba diving are available. The 6km sandy beach can be reached from Dalyan by a 15 minute bus-ride through spectacular scenery or by river-taxi. The sea is clear and warm.
Car hire is available for trips further afield to the classical sites of Ephesus, Priene and Aphrodisias for example, but there is plenty to do in and around Dalyan that don’t require a car trip. Taxis are plentiful and cheap.
