Dalyan Bucket List: 11 Must-Have Experiences in Dalyan
If you're looking for a quiet and relaxing beach holiday, Dalyan is the place to be. The sleepy village on Turkey's southwest coast is perfect for those looking to get away from it all, but also has lots of fun things to do!
Here are 10 must-have experiences in Dalyan:
Take a 4x4 Jeep safari to Iztuzu Beach.
Iztuzu Beach is a beautiful beach that offers great swimming, a great place to have lunch and is also a good place for fishing.
Jeep safari tours are the best way to reach Iztuzu Beach as it can take up to an hour by foot.
Hire a boat for the day and explore the Dalyan delta.
Hire a boat for the day and explore the Dalyan delta. The delta is an area of water, mud flats and reeds which is home to many species of bird. It’s also a great place for swimming, as there are no currents so you can just relax and enjoy yourself in its warm clear waters.
The Dalyan Delta is a protected area where boats are not allowed to enter unless they have been granted permission by the authorities.
Kayak through the famous Dalyan canyons
Kayaking is a fun way to explore the canyons. It’s also a great way to see the wildlife, such as herons and egrets, which live in the reed beds that line the water’s edge. You can even get close enough to touch them! And you’ll have ample opportunity to look at the beautiful landscape all around you.
Kayaking is another great way for an adventure traveler to experience Dalyan visually without getting wet feet!
Visit the Ghost Town of Kaunos, where you'll find beautiful Lycian tombs in a Turkish ghost town overlooking the lake.
Kaunos was a city in ancient Lycia, located in modern-day Dalyan, Muğla Province, Turkey. It was founded by Greek colonists from Phocaea as Kydonia around 650 BC. The name Kaunos means "hill" or "rock". According to ancient authors and inscriptions, the city had been established 26 times under various names: Telmessos (7 times), Makaranda (3 times) and Kydonia (19 times). For a short period, it was also named Pagus Hellenic.
Kaunos is known for its temple of Zeus, perched on top of an acropolis overlooking the lake which is quite spectacularly placed on a hillside overlooking Lake Küçük Kaynarca (Lake Lycian).
Take a mud bath at Sulungur Lake
A mud bath is an ancient ritual to relax and detoxify your skin, body and mind. The mud draws out the toxins from deep in your skin and helps soothe tired muscles after a day of exploring Dalyan.
To get to Sulungur Lake, take a boat across the river from Dalyan Beach Club or rent a kayak at one of the area's many rental shops (with no prior experience required). You can also catch a ferry that runs between Dalyan Beach Club and Ölüdeniz every 15 minutes during peak seasons.
Sunbathe on Iztuzu Beach - and keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles!
Iztuzu Beach is a popular destination for swimmers, sunbathers and nature lovers. Located at the northern end of Dalyan, Iztuzu Beach stretches for six kilometers along a beautiful sandy coast with a backdrop of shady pine trees. Swimming here is safe as there are lifeguards on duty to watch over bathers during the hottest hours of the day (10:00-17:00). The water temperature ranges between 20ºC and 29ºC throughout summer.
As well as being an ideal place to swim or sunbathe on its own merits, Iztuzu Beach is also worth visiting because it's home to loggerhead turtle nests (the largest number in Turkey) that lay their eggs here between May and July each year. Locals believe that if you see a turtle nest here you will have good luck in love!
Soak in the ancient city's thermal mud baths at Sultaniye Hot Springs
Turkey's ancient city of Dalyan is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the country. In addition to its gorgeous beaches and glorious sunsets, it also offers an abundance of natural wonders. One of the most unique experiences in Dalyan is soaking in its thermal mud baths at Sultaniye Hot Springs. This experience can be enjoyed by both young and old, as well as anyone who wants to relax with friends or family while learning more about Turkish history and culture.
Go to Ekincik Bay, Kargicak Bay or Aşı Bay and enjoy the view
For a sunset to remember, head to Ekincik Bay, Kargicak Bay or Aşı Bay. These beautiful bays are the best places to see the sunset in Dalyan. You can go swimming at Aşı Bay, Kargicak Bay and Ekincik Bay.
Go to Yuvarlakçay or Toparlar Waterfall and swim in its cold waters!
It is an experience you must have! There are plenty of waterfalls and rivers to enjoy swimming in, but nothing compares to Yuvarlakçay or Toparlar Waterfall.
Yuvarlakçay Waterfall: Located near Dalyan, this waterfall is a dream come true for any swimmer who wants to cool down on a hot summer day. The cold water here makes it the ideal place for swimming. You can also take a boat tour while enjoying your time here.
Check out Rock Tombs of Amos, which are carved into limestone cliffs by Kaunos kings
The Rock Tombs of Amos are carved into limestone cliffs by Kaunos kings. They're a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they're located in Dalyan, which is just about 10 minutes away from the beach resorts.
The tombs are basically caves with some sarcophagi tucked inside them. They're pretty cool to explore—you can swim in the cave pools or hike around the area to get an even better look at the site.
Go to Radar Hill and watch Dalyan from a bird's eye view!
Even though it is a difficult climb, it is worth going to Radar Hill and watching Dalyan from a bird's eye view. You will not only get to see Dalyan but also the lake and river as well. It is important to note that Radar Hill is situated in an area surrounded by trees, so it would be best if you wear comfortable clothing and shoes while climbing up there.
Dalyan is one of Turkey's hidden gems - and here's why you need to visit!
Dalyan is a beautiful place, and it's definitely one of Turkey's hidden gems. It's the perfect place to visit if you want to unwind and get away from it all for a bit - or spend some time with friends or family!
There you have it! 11 of Dalyan's must-have experiences. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or just a little bit of everything in between, we hope this list has given you some ideas on how to plan your trip.
