Spring slowly exiting through the backdoor and we are welcoming the famous Dalyan summer. Sun, blue sky, afternoon sea breeze and comfortable evening temperatures.
Welcome to the site of Dalyan.
The name Dalyan comes from the Turkish word for a fishing trap and you'll soon see why that fits so perfectly! With an abundance of marine life, Dalyan lies along the route that bass, mullet and sea bream take to the Köyceğiz Lake to spawn. On their return to the ocean, they are trapped in the dalyans laid out. Hotels in Dalyan span the length of the beautiful Dalyan River, providing visitors with a range of comfortable accommodation options, and a variety of water activities to be enjoyed during a memorable Dalyan holiday.
Besides being a prime tourist destination, the area is also immensely fertile. This agricultural area produces copious amounts of fine cotton and a number of types of vegetables and fruits. As a visitor, you may enjoy exploring the sellers wares at the weekly farmer's markets in Dalyan. Held every Saturday, this market is the hub of trade for villagers who travel several kilometres to come here to sell their produce.
The deltaic region in the Mugla province lies on the south-western Mediterranean belt and is untouched by the package group tourist trade that has swamped much of the rest of the Mediterranean. Visitors here like to think of this as their little secret while locals treasure it as their piece of paradise. While there are a number of Dalyan tours visiting this amazing stretch of land, it remains largely untouched. It isn't just scenic beauty that draws people here - the history of the Caunos dates back a good 5000 years and keeps the avid historian mesmerised.
Nature presents the traveller with many options for things to see and do in Dalyan. Bird watchers will have the opportunity to spot species they would rarely dream of finding in any other part of the world. Adventure seekers and the more active can wander along the channels that weave their way through the delta or head to the waterfront for some sea sports. Other Dalyan highlights include sitting back and relaxing at the award-winning hot springs or indulge in some alternative therapy at the mud baths which are believed to have healing powers.
Legend has it that Apollo's son Milletos, who was also the King of the Caria, had twins - a boy called Caunos and a girl called Byblis. These children grew up and fell in love and had a child together. When Milletos found out he is supposed to have expelled Caunos, who then built a new city at the border to Caria. This border town is said to have faced what is now modern-day Dalyan. Byblis ended her life by throwing herself off a hill in the area and some say that the reeds that cover much of the Dalyan delta are symbols of her hair and the water running between them, her tears. Stay in a Dalyan hotel to experience the magical history of this historic town.
Caunos has existed since 1000 BC and has enjoyed a rich and unique cultural history. The people traded figs, salted fish, salt and slaves. The ancient city stood upon a hilly area like a sentinel by the delta and the sea. Many hotels in Dalyan afford you exquisite views of the ancient acropolis, four temples, a theatre, an agora, a harbour, shops, Roman style baths and a cistern. The ruins that remain underground are yet to be explored fully. There are many tours in Dalyan that explore the rich history of this area.
Quite unlike a typical resort town, Dalyan still retains its old world charm and rural feel. With its strong roots, magical surroundings, warm people and generous hospitality, Dalyan holds a special place in every visitor's heart. Dalyan hotels exude Turkish charm and hospitality. Find the right accommodation for your Dalyan holiday using our interactive map of Dalyan.
Conservation is a big part of the tourism industry here and eco friendly methods and awareness campaigns are a big part of the Iztuzu and Caretta Caretta conservation effort. No one who visits Dalyan should leave here without making the journey down the winding waterways that lead up to the turtle beach. Take a Dalyan tour gliding in a boat down the 4km stretch of reed-lined waters; you could get lucky and sight some unusual birds and animals in their natural habitat. Another faster route to the sandbar that makes up Iztuzu beach is by dolmus - be warned, it isn't as much fun though. The pine forests form a scenic backdrop to the beach and the crystal clear waters of the sea. Also make time to visit the Sultaniye thermal springs.
The town of Dalyan is set by the banks of the river of the same name that winds its way from the Koycegiz Lake to the Mediterranean Sea. Across the river from Dalyan is the centuries old city Caunos.
The Lycian rock tombs, that the area is famous for, are carved from stones set atop cliffs that tower over Dalyan. These historic tombs can be seen from almost every hotel in Dalyan, and many city tours take you to explore the ancient wonder. They are believed to have been built around 400AD. Another set of ruins from Kaunos - which was a major trading hub - is also just a short boat ride away.
To the south of the town of Dalyan set on an especially idyllic stretch of the Mediterranean coastline is the award-winning turtle beach, also called Iztuzu (it was declared the world's best beach in 1995). The village of Iztuzu nearby has benefited greatly from the tourist trade and sees a steady influx of sun seekers, snorkelling enthusiasts, adventure enthusiasts and eco tourists. Buses and boats ferry people to the beach from Dalyan. While the boat ride is spectacular, even the road route is quite scenic since it passes the Sülüngür Lake.
Once you reach the beach take care not to poke around in the sand and do not stick umbrella poles in areas marked by wooden signage. These signs indicate turtle nesting areas and ignoring the warnings could mean destruction of these precious nests of the rare species Caretta Caretta. These loggerhead turtles have been on the planet for 95 million years, but human life has encroached on their natural habitat and is driving them to extinction. The sites are protected and watched closely by several animal protection agencies.
A Caretta Caretta festival is held each year between June and July for a four day period. During this time you can enjoy a taste of local culture at its vibrant best. Be prepared for more crowds than usual during this time. It is advisable to book your Dalyan accommodation in advance during the festival period. Watch performances, visit exhibitions and maybe even get involved in some competitions that are organised for the festival.
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