Dalyan is small town on the south-western coast of Turkey. 25 km from the international airport Dalaman. Set in the center of a broad delta whose natural beauty remains unspoilt. Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty interest.
A CONSERVATION AREA
Dalyan means in Turkish: Enclosure of nets fixed on poles used for catching fish. Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the endangered Caretta Caretta Turtles and the wildlife in the area led to campaign to listed the area for conservation.
Since 1989 Turkey has taken steps towards the the conservation of wildlife. One and most important of protected area is Dalyan.
The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A haven for relaxation that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many restaurants in which to try Turkish cuisine, bars and shops. There are few discos out of town, so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgetable hospitality.
SIX KM'S OF GOLDEN SAND
Dalyan canal through which water circulates between the Mediterranean and Köyceğiz Lake winds its way to the sea, via a small network of lakes and waterways.
Through the rustling reed beds rising between 3-4 metres in heigh. With its mixture of salt and fresh water, this wetlands have become home to a vast number of fish and other waterlife. Many speices of birds which feed on them.
You meet to Mediterranean, after around 30-40 minutes wonderful boat travel. Dividing the delta is the İztuzu sandbar stretching for six km. With fine sand and turquoise sea.
You can reach to İztuzu beach by minibus too. The minibus travel lakeside through beatiful winding roads to the beach. It takes about 15-20 minutes. Both ways are worth seeing, each for a small charge.
SEE THE PROTECTED CARETTA
CARETTA TURTLES
The Caretta Caretta turtle is designated as threatened on the Federal Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species List.These turtles with their large heads and reddish brown shells come to Iztuzu Beach to nest from May to September. They have yellowish to white undersides and can measure up to 3-4 feet in length. The turtle reaches maturity around 15 years of age, they can weigh between 150 and 300 pounds.
Adult turtles are meeting in lake of Dalyan Delta few weeks before the female lays her eggs. They are feeding before sex. Famela chooses a boyfriend. Their sex takes some hours and other turtles stays far away. You can hear their sounds.
The Caretta Caretta Turtle, returns to the beach where they themselves hatched. The adult female may lay several clutches each season, usually she will lay eggs every two-three years.
ANCIENT ROCK TOMBS
Theses tombs are the resting places the kings of Caunos. They are carved in the style of Lycian rock tombs. There are two types of tomb to be found in Dalyan. Simple chambers, cut in to the rock face like a room and more elaborate temple tombs. Many tombs were built with false walls placing valuables behind them so as to fool robbers, eventually this was to no avail as all the tombs were emptied of their treasures.
Rock tombs can be seen along the Lycian coast, but best exemples of them in Dalyan.
FIVE THOUSAND
YEARS CITY OF CAUNOS...
The ancient city of Caunos grew on the border between Lycia and Caria. Caunos had a particular culture was an independent city state.
The city sprawls over a broad slope overlooking the sea and delta. At Caunos there is an Acropolis surrounded by the city walls, a theatre (which seats 1500 ), Four temples, an agora, shops, harbour, Roman bath and cistern, Some of ruins are still underground.
You can visit Caunos at any time. First you will have to cross the channel via a rowing boat, then 10 minutes walk to the city. Caunos can also be visited as part of a daily boat tour.
MUD BATHS AND THERAPEUTIC
SULPHUR SPRINGS...
Dalyan has many therapeutic hot springs. The waters which contain radioactive elements and sulphur are believed to cure rheumatism, skin, liver, spleen and bowel complaints, as well as being beneficial for nervous and digestive disorders.
The Sultaniye Thermal Bath which is famous in Turkey, the water is 40 degrees C. The water used since Hellenistic times.
The mud baths are also said to remedy rheumatism as well as cleanse and beautify skin. Once you have covered yourself in the mud, than you wait for few minutes to dry it. You clean yourself in the sulphur pool. Mud bath is also at a temperature of 40 degrees.
MICROLIGHT FLIGHTS
Since 2002, microlight flights fly over Dalyan. It's fantastic to fly with microlight and to see the whole Dalyan area from the sky as well as feeling the open and fresh air directly. Although well experienced and friendly pilots have a lot of daily flights, they are never boring to see this marvellous nature paradise everyday. Pilots are very professional and they will tell you all about the local area.
Company have got their private Microlight Airfield from where thay take off. The transfer to the Microlight Airfield which is 3 kms from Dalyan or from your hotel is free.
What can you see ?
• Dalyan delta
• Iztuzu beach
• Turtles and dolphins
• Caunos
• Amphitheatre
• Rock tombs
• Dalyan town
• Koycegiz Lake
