Making the most of Dalyan
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Dalyan is a town in Turkey's southern Mugla Province.
Ships use tenders at this port.
Dalyan stands in an environmentally protected area, one of the few surviving places of paradise with both natural beauty and historical interest.
The ancient city of Caunos, or Kaunos, is here, with ruins dating from the 3rd Century. Water moves through the Dalyan channel between the Mediterranean and Koycegiz Lake, flowing past the ancient Rock Tombs to the sea via small lakes and waterways and through reed beds 3 to 5 meters high. These fresh- and salt-water wetlands support vast numbers of fish and other aquatic life, as well as birds feeding on them, including Sparrowhawk, Crane, Kingfisher and Jay.
Getting around
Regular dolmus services connect neighbouring resorts including Fethiye and Marmaris with surrounding villages.
The Iztuzu sandbar divides the delta and extends 5 km east from the channel's south side. Iztuzu beach has fine crystal sand and shallow turquoise sea, and regular dolmus or boat services from Dalyan reach it. Endangered Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) have laid eggs here since the beginning of time, with nesting from May till October. At the far end is the Turtle Sanctuary, also known as 'Turtle Beach', where turtles are nursed in large tanks. This end…
Iztuzu Beach is accessible from Dalyan by regular dolmus or boat service. It has fine crystal sands and shallow turquoise sea and is where endangered Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) have laid eggs since the beginning of time, nesting from May till October. At the far end is a turtle sanctuary, known as 'Turtle Beach', with turtles nursed back to health in large tanks. This end is reached by dolmus (minibus) or car.
Visit the mud baths, which have a warm sulfur pool and make a good outdoor spa.
Money
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. Many shops and restaurants in coastal resorts and large cities take euros and US dollars, but take Turkish Lira if you plan to visit other parts of the country.