Known for its lazy river vibes, resplendent archeological ruins, and therapeutic natural mud baths, Dalyan is a town growing in popularity with visitors coming for the sunshine along the Turkish Riviera.
Add in the nearby sand beach, an oasis for turtle watchers, and its prime location between some of the region’s best beach towns, and you have the perfect place to base your travels.
My partner and I spent a fair bit of time exploring Dalyan and its surroundings. We found it to be a wonderful contrast to some of the more hyped-up resort towns in the region. It also has the advantage of being a super relaxing spot!
This is a short guide to Dalyan, including the major highlights, nearby day trips that should be on your radar, and how to embrace the town’s slower pace.
Here are 9 wonderful things to do in Dalyan, Turkey.
TAKE IN THE VIEWS ALONGSIDE DALYAN STRAIT
A long, wooden promenade sits on the eastern bank of the slow-flowing Dalyan Strait. This is where the sleepy town comes alive and people gather for a lively atmosphere. It’s also the perfect place for a morning or evening stroll.
You’ll first want to head south towards Dalyan’s most iconic sight, the Kaunos Tombs of the Kings. Carved into a craggy mountainside, the photogenic burial chambers are a must-see. They overlook the town from the opposite side of Dalyan Strait and share a glimpse of the region’s Lycian past.
For a closer look, you can hop on a rowboat and cross the river, but the vast majority of spectators end up at the viewing platform near Kaunos Kral Cafe. Here you’ll get the best visibility of the site, with a scenic picture of the rock tombs above towering reed grass.
The promenade follows the strait for another hour or so until it reaches the northern ferry boat crossing. Along the way, you’ll pass a bevy of boat tour operators, meandering cats, and the small, quaint Dalyan Mosque.
Feel free to stop and ask one of the captains about details if you plan on taking a boat trip during your stay. While most follow a typical route, a more tailored experience is possible too. When you’re done walking, pop into one of the several cafes and restaurants that line the water.
HEAD TO IZTUZU BEACH
For years people have come to Dalyan to explore the Dalyan Strait by boat and view the ancient ruins, however, its proximity to the sea is often overlooked. A short trip away is the beautiful Iztuzu Beach, an expansive, welcoming sandy peninsula known for its sea turtles.
To get here, you have two options, a quick minibus ride or a boat cruise to the end of the wetlands. Boats can be hired at the docks lining the riverbank, while buses leave from the main terminal (maps) near the mosque and main square.
Bus Ride To Iztuzu Beach | I ended up taking the bus, because, not only was it cheaper, but I could explore the beach at my own pace. You can purchase a round-trip ticket from the driver, and the bus leaves often, especially in the summer months. In the shoulder season, there are far fewer routes, however the driver should let you know the time of the last returning bus.
When you arrive at the beach, you’ll have the opportunity to set up shop at a hired sunbed or find you’re own spot on the sand. The further away from the parking lot you head, the more space you’ll have to yourself.
Of course, you’ll have to make sure you’re located in a designated area. Iztuzu Beach is a turtle-nesting beach, with loggerhead babies making the long journey to the sea from May through August. If you’ve come here to see the little ones, these are the best months for watching. Although it should be noted that July and August are specifically known as prime observing times.
The beach is also home to a small cafe with limited food options and a basic, but necessary turtle sanctuary. For a tough, but rewarding hike, head up the mountain behind the center to the Radar Hill Viewpoint. At the top, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of Iztuzu Beach, the calm lagoon behind it, and the asymmetrical marshlands.
POP INTO THE TURTLE RESCUE CENTER
Situated at the southern end of Iztuzu Beach, the Sea Turtle Research, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Center is one of the most interesting things to do in Dalyan. It’s run by DEKAMER, an organization carrying out scientific research and conservation programs. They also regularly monitor the beach and turtle-nesting activities in the area.
The center has two sections: a rehabilitation portion and a small museum dedicated to previous and ongoing projects. Walking around the property, you’ll notice large plastic pools housing injured turtles.
Most are recovering from injuries of some sort, with boat propellers causing the vast majority of the wounds. While it’s heartbreaking to see the cracked shells, which often lead to buoyancy issues for the turtles, it’s nice to know the volunteers there care so deeply. Don’t hesitate to ask questions when visiting, they are happy to answer and provide knowledge on the turtles’ current situation.
A LOCAL LEGEND
As you stride up to the turtle center, you’ll notice a bright blue building known as Kaptan June’s Hut.
This was a sort of original ‘office’ for June Haimoff, an English environmentalist, who along with others, successfully campaigned to preserve Iztuzu Beach.
Dalyan was her home for many years and the preservation of unique species of flora and fauna, as well as the area’s environmentally protected status, can partly be attributed to her.
If you want to learn more about the sea turtles in Dalyan, volunteering projects, or current research, have a look at the DEKAMER website.
TAKE A BOAT TRIP ON THE DALYAN STRAIT
Just about every Dalyan itinerary involves a cruise along the winding Dalyan Strait. Boats are lined along a large portion of the wooden promenade, with sellers chirping away at almost everyone passing by.
If exploring the water is something you’re interested in, make sure to talk to one of them. You’ll find a few different variations of tours, but they overwhelmingly follow a common route. This includes an easy-going ride up and down the river, with gorgeous views of the Lycian tombs, a tasty meal, and a couple of stops at each end.
Those stops include an extended break at Iztuzu Beach (although I suggest visiting on your own as well), and a rest at the revitalizing mud baths. Here you’ll have a short time to dip into the sulfur pools and embrace the minerals.
Tours starting from Dalyan are difficult to find online, so if you’re already there I recommend talking to the boat tour operators either in person or with your hotel/accommodation.
When coming from places like Marmaris, Fethiye, or Sarigerme, you have the option to join a pre-booked group here with Viator or here with GetYourGuide.
WANDER THE DALYAN SATURDAYMARKET
I had three consistent things I did during my time in Dalyan; walk the riverside daily, pet a cat every time I went out, and visit the Dalyan Saturday Market (maps) on the weekends.
I spent three Saturdays in the quiet “river town” and, without fault, I was there. I found during my travels through Turkey, that the cheapest and best way to get fruit and vegetables was from local farmer’s markets. Dalyan’s, while quite small, has everything you could ask for.
Most of the accommodation options in town are apartments or a combination aparthotel. They offer a place to cook, usually with all the included utensils. And, while I did explore the local food scene, I often found myself cooking meals in my rented flat.
The market appears at the corner of 229 Sk. and Iztuzu Cd. and pops up every Saturday. Besides local produce, you’ll find a range of household items, clothes, olive oils, spices, and cheeses.
Everything hides beneath a shaded canopy, which is a welcomed relief from the heat. It was also a refreshing sight to see most items priced, while I’m not opposed to haggling, it often leads to stressful situations. With that being said, most vendors are friendly and know a bit of English, so feel free to say hello and ask questions!
EXPLORE THE ANCIENT CITY OF KAUNOS
Considered an important seaport in generations past, the ancient city of Kaunos is, in my mind, a must-visit in Dalyan. Also going by the name Caunos, the excavated ruins are perched on a small hill by the Dalyan Strait and nearby Iztuzu Beach’s lagoon.
While the previously mentioned rock tombs are considered a part of the historical city, they are separate from the larger site altogether. The main archeological complex is to their south and is a place worth exploring for those interested in history.
Fun Fact | The people of Kaunos used to be known as “unhealthy” due to having a greenish complexion from malaria.
Expect to wander around the principal area for at least a few hours. It’s a beautiful setting, with pathways weaving through nineteen different points of interest. Goats often roam between the structures and, at least in the spring, the site feels nearly empty.
The standouts, in my opinion, were the remnants of the Domed Church, the well-preserved Roman Bath House, and the magnificent Kaunos Theater with its panoramic sights of the sea. The carved stones in the waterfront Roman Basilica and neatly arranged Circular Building were also wonderfully interesting.
Entry | Kaunos is open daily from 8:30 am – 8:00 pm, with the ticket office closing at 7:30 pm. The entrance fee is €3.
How To Get There From Dalyan | There are two ways to cross the strait from the town. The first is to grab a rowboat near Saki Restaurant for a few euros. They tend to only be available in the peak season and will take you directly across the river. From there you’ll have a fifteen to twenty-minute walk. The other is to take the public Dalyan-Caunos ferry boat (maps) at the end of Maraş Cd. This is what I did and it cost under 50 cents each way. The walk to Kaunos from the opposite terminal is around ten minutes.
ENJOY TEA OR A MEAL AT A WATERFRONT CAFE
As mentioned before, the waterfront is teeming with restaurants and cafes. Most everything can be found here, including British pub-type food and local cuisine. Restaurants in general, tend to have a ‘fresh catch of the day’ menu and a traditional Turkish breakfast option.
There are essentially two types of waterside establishments in Dalyan, those with views of the tombs, and those without. Either way, expect a chilled-out ambiance and possible turtle spottings. Here are some recommended eateries (take into account that some of these will be seasonal):
Restaurants with a view of the Kaunos Tombs of the Kings | For an upscale experience with a wonderful atmosphere check out La Boheme Dalyan. There are a handful of wonderful cafes along Maraş Cd, including Sakli Bahce Breakfast and Tea Garden and Aktaş Cafe. Mümkün Plant-based is a great vegan and vegetarian option.
For nice outdoor tea spots with advantageous views head to Belediye Çay Bahçesi or Kaunos Kral Cafe.
Although you can’t see the tombs from there, Dream Kitchen is worth a visit in the northeast banks. As a bonus, I’ll add Luz Latin Food and Cocktails, it’s on Maraş Cd, but not on the waterfront.
FIND ALL THE FRIENDLY CATS
Like most of Turkey, Dalyan is teeming with friendly cats. You’ll find them almost everywhere, from relaxing on the riverboats to wandering beneath your legs near the waterfront.
For some of you, this will feel like a dream. I often found myself counting how many four-legged friends I could see on my evening river walks. It became a fun activity to keep my mind occupied and my mood happy.
I can almost guarantee you’ll spot a few dozen while walking around town. People treat the animals very well here, and it’s obvious with how well-fed and nicely groomed they are.
Looking to help out some of the local animals? Besides buying food and leaving it out in the neighborhood bowls, there’s a donation box in the courtyard beside the Migros supermarket in town.
If this feels more like a horror than a dream, don’t worry the cats tend to keep to themselves. They are much too busy lounging with their canine counterparts or exploring the shady pathways on the banks of the river.
TAKE A DAY TRIP
Dalyan makes a great base while exploring this part of the Turkish Riviera. There are plenty of amazing day trips, all within an hour’s drive from the picturesque town.
From idyllic Mediterranean beaches to lazy riverside villages, and magnificent ancient ruins, you’ll stay busy for days if you want. The real question is which place fits your style of travel. Here are a few options worth looking into:
Fethiye | A bustling port city with seemingly endless possibilities. Wander up the hill to capture iconic views from the Amyntas Rock Tombs. Experience turtle hatching season, or just lounge around at Çalış Beach. Take a trip to the eerie ghost town of Kayaköy or sunbathe in the blue lagoon along the beaches at Ölüdeniz.
I’ve been a huge ever since an extended month-long stay and highly recommend a visit. If you want some more information to help you make the best of a day trip here, check out my ‘Detailed Guide to Fethiye.’
Akyaka | The small coastal village is all about embracing Turkey’s slower pace. A trip here is reminiscent of Dalyan, with the primary activity being a short river cruise down crystal clear waters.
Marmaris | A beach resort town that attracts visitors from all over the world. If you’re traveling with family, you can look into going to the city’s large aquatic park. Not your thing? Then head to the beach or wander through the new, fanciful bazaar.
Göcek | If you’re a fan of yachts, this might be the place for you. There are 5 marinas here, with boats offering charters to the surrounding islands.
Köyceğiz | This typical Turkish village lies along the shores at the opposite end of the lake from Dalyan. It’s a peaceful place with trails heading into a nearby forest filled with endemic sweetgum trees.
While it would be advantageous to have a car, all these places can be visited by public transport from Dalyan.
HOW TO GET TO DALYAN
Most roads to Dalyan lead through Ortaca, a small city around thirty minutes away. If you are arriving from Fethiye, Muğla, or Marmaris, you’ll have to change buses here.
The Ortaca to Dalyan route has several times it leaves throughout the day. I found it difficult to find anything about route times online, so if you want more details make sure to ask at the stations.
Alternatively, to get to Dalyan by plane you’ll go through Dalaman Airport. The buses going through Dalaman are normally the Fethiye to Ortaca route.
The bus station in Dalyan is no more than a drop-off point at the end of the roundabout near the mosque. If you have any questions about how to get places, feel free to ask the drivers, they tend to be very friendly (and helpful).
WHERE TO STAY IN DALYAN
- Midas Pension & Lindos Pension | Beautiful waterside hotels located near the tombs.
- Dna Hotel Dalyan | Hotel with a pool in the quiet northern part of town.
- Grandma’s Garden | Centrally located studio apartments with shared pool.
For more options check here.
