Looking for the top things to do in Dalyan, Turkey? With it’s scenic river and ancient history, this charming town has plenty to offer!
If you’re looking for the top destinations on the Turkish Riviera, you’ve probably come across the town of Dalyan. It’s unique position on the coast means it’s surrounded by a river, mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most unique places to visit on the southern coast of Turkey.
I was lucky enough to visit Dalyan on a week-long gulet cruise along the Turkish Riviera, and I was very impressed with all this charming town has to offer.
Here’s the guide with all the best things to do in Dalyan, Turkey!
About Dalyan
Located in the Mugla province of southwestern Turkey, Dalyan is located along the Dalyan River that flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It’s famous for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and impressive ancient ruins.
The area has a rich history, having been inhabited by various civilizations throughout the centuries, including the Lycians, Romans, and Ottomans.
The town of Dalyan itself is a charming and traditional Turkish town, with narrow streets and colorful houses. And while the town is definitely worth exploring, many visitors love Dalyan for the unique activities and natural wonders it has to offer — like visiting a turtle beach!
How to Get to Dalyan
The closest major airport to Dalyan is the Dalaman Airport, which is about a 25-minute drive away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or take a shuttle bus to Dalyan.
There are also several bus companies that offer services to Dalyan from major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. You can check the schedules and book tickets online or at the bus station.
If you are already in Turkey and want to travel to Dalyan by road, you can take the D400 highway, which connects the town to other cities and regions in the country.
Finally, if you are traveling from nearby towns or resorts, you can also take a dolmus, which is a shared minibus taxi that operates on set routes and schedules. Dolmuses are a convenient and affordable way to travel in Turkey, and they run regularly between Dalyan and nearby towns like Ortaca, Dalaman, and Fethiye.
When to Visit Dalyan
The best times to visit Dalyan depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip!
The peak tourist season in Dalyan is during the summer months of June to September, when the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea and river are warm enough to go swimming. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, with higher prices, crowded beaches, and more tourists.
Although, I visited Dalyan in September and found that the town was bustling but not overwhelmingly crowded. And, the weather was perfect for all the outdoor activities that Dalyan has to offer!
If you prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of April to May and October to November can be a good time to visit Dalyan. During these months, the temperatures are milder, and the prices are lower than in the peak season. You can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities and attractions, but with fewer people around.
If you are interested in seeing the loggerhead turtles, the best time to visit Dalyan is from May to September, when they come to the Iztuzu Beach to lay their eggs.
Overall, Dalyan is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on your interests and travel preferences!
Things to do in Dalyan
Situated on the banks of the Dalyan River, which flows into the Mediterranean sea, Dalyan is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. Here are some of the top things to do in Dalyan!
Lycian Rock Tombs
One of the most famous sights in Dalyan is the Lycian rock tombs (also called the Dalyan rock tombs), which are carved into the cliffs overlooking the town. These well-preserved ancient tombs date back to the 4th century BC and were used to bury the Lycian rulers.
We were able to see the ancient Lycian rock tombs while on our river cruise – which felt like we were in an Indian Jones movie! — and also while we were in the town of Dalyan.
Iztuzu Beach
Dalyan is also known for its beautiful Iztuzu Beach, which is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (also known as Caretta caretta). The beach is a long, sandy stretch where the Dalyan River meets the Mediterranean Sea.
The beach is only accessible by boat, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery, crystal-clear waters, and views of the mountains and sea.
Boat tours for the beach leave from the town of Dalyan frequently. While I absolutely loved seeing the loggerhead turtles up close, I had mixed feelings about how many tour boats were there and even saw some of the tour guides feeding the turtles to get them closer to the boat for the tourists to see.
Overall, I would recommend a visit to Iztuzu Beach but please remember it’s a protected area, be mindful about visiting during peak season, and never feed the wildlife as this can change their natural behaviors.
Thermal Mud Baths
Dalyan is home to several natural mud baths, which are said to have therapeutic properties for the skin and joints. Visitors can slather themselves in the warm, mineral-rich mud and then rinse off in the nearby hot springs.
My skin felt smooth for days afterwards!
We visited the PELOiD Hamam SPA Masaj Salonu Dalyan, which cost about 50 TL (or about $2.50) per person. We were the only ones there and had the mud baths to ourselves! It’s less of a “bath” than I expected as you just slather mud on your skin and wait for it to dry in the sun before washing it off… but it was still a very unique experience!
If you’re looking for more of a bath, then check out the famous Sultaniye Hot Springs and Sultaniye Thermals and Mud Baths!
Dalyan River
The Dalyan River is a beautiful and peaceful waterway that offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Visitors can take a traditional wooden boat, known as a “kaiki,” down the Dalyan delta to explore the surrounding wetlands and spot rare bird species.
Our river boat tour allowed us to explore the Daylan river, take in the views of the Lycian tombs, and visit Iztuzu Beach. It really is the best way to explore Dalyan!
And on the other side of the river from the Mediterranean Sea is Lake Köyceğiz which we also visited on our Dalyan river cruise. The lake is very serene and surrounded by lush mountains… it was absolutely stunning!
Ancient City of Kaunos
Kaunos is an ancient city founded around the 10th century BCE by the Carian people. It was an important trading center and port during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
The city was situated on a hill overlooking the Dalyan River and was divided into two sections, the acropolis (upper city) and the harbor (lower city). The acropolis was the religious and administrative center of the city, while the harbor was the commercial and residential area.
One of the most impressive sites in Kaunos is the theater, which is located on the hillside above the harbor. The theater had a seating capacity of around 5,000 people and was used for theatrical performances and other public events.
Some of the other notable ruins in Kaunos are the Agora (or the marketplace), the Roman baths, the temple of Apollo, and the city walls.
Today, Kaunos ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of the city. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Daylan!
It is also a protected archaeological site, and ongoing excavations continue to reveal more about this ancient city and its people!
Local Cuisine
Dalyan is known for its delicious and traditional Turkish cuisine, which features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and locally grown produce.
The Dalyan River is known for its blue crabs which can be found at many of the eateries in town during the summer months.
There are lots of restaurants options around town, many of which offer outdoor seating with views of the river and the rock tombs.
I highly recommend La Boheme — the owners were so friendly, the outdoor terrace of the restaurant was beautiful with views of the Lycian tombs, and they had delicious food!
Where to Stay in Dalyan
While Dalyan is a popular day trip, there are also some great lodging options if you’re planning a longer visit.
Midas Pension: Just 10-minutes walk from town, this charming hotel has an ideal location right on the Dalyan River with gorgeous river and mountain views. The rooms are cozy and set in a beautiful garden setting, plus guests can enjoy a delicious Turkish breakfast on the riverfront each morning.
Dna Hotel Dalyan: This family-run hotel features updated, modern rooms, a large swimming pool and is located 5- minutes walk to the center of Dalyan. And, a traditional Turkish breakfast is served by the pool each morning.
Lindos Pension: Fancy sunbathing along the river? Lindos Pension is another wonderful riverfront hotel option! With sweeping views, a private beach area, and a close proximity to town, this hotel is great choice.
Dalyan Basar Hotel: Located in the center of town, Dalyan Basar Hotel has two pools, lovely rooms and is family-run with a friendly, welcoming staff.
Hotel Happy Caretta: This lovely hotel is another great riverfront option with incredible views of the iconic Lycian tombs. Guests love its lush garden setting and close proximity to town!
What to Pack for Dalyan
When packing for a trip to Dalyan, it’s important to consider the time of year you’re visiting and the activities you have planned. Here are some general packing suggestions for your trip!
- Light clothing: Dalyan has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential during the summer months, and layers are recommended for cooler evenings in the shoulder seasons.
- Swimwear + a towel: If you’re planning to visit the beaches, take a boat tour or visit the mud baths, don’t forget to pack your swimwear and a towel. I love this Turkish towel because it’s lightweight, easy to pack, and is quick drying.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Dalyan has many historical sites and outdoor activities, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Sandals or flip-flops are suitable for the beach, but closed-toe shoes are going to be better for exploring ancient ruins or hiking.
- Water shoes: If you plan to visit the mud baths, I would bring a pair of water shoes. I went barefoot and really wished that I had a brought some shoes that I could wear in the mud!
- Hair tie: Similarly, I would make sure to bring a hair tie if you have long hair and want to go in the mud bath without getting your hair full of mud.
- Sun protection: With its sunny climate, sun protection is essential in Dalyan. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up.
- Insect repellent: During the summer months, mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance. Pack insect repellent to keep them at bay — I like this Deet-free bug spray!
- Camera with zoom lens + GoPro: I’m so glad I brought my camera with a zoom lens so that I could get some great photos of the Lycian tombs which are pretty high up. I wished I had brought my water-proof GoPro so that I could’ve taken some fun photos in the mud baths though!
Overall, Dalyan is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and culture of Turkey. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient tombs, soaking in natural mud baths, or simply relaxing on the beach, there are tons of unique things to do in Daylan!
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