Dalyan, Muğla

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Dalyan is a beautiful unspoilt area of South West Turkey, a small fishing village situated on a river delta. Only a short trip by either river or road 'dolmuş' (shared taxi) takes you through the 'dalyan' (timber fishing weir) to a lovely sandy beach and the Mediterranean sea; or to the right from Dalyan, the hot springs, mud baths and lake.

The beach

4km long, Iztuzu beach (a.k.a. 'Turtle Beach') was not only 1995's "best beach in the world", it is now a protected nesting ground for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle ('caretta caretta'), and as such is not accessible during certain hours in order not to disturb the eggs.

turtle
Caretta caretta on 'Turtle Beach'

The river

Dalyan River is famous for its maze of reedbeds and was the setting for the 1951 movie, The African Queen. Clearly visible from the town are the Lycian rock tombs, and a bit further up are the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos.

tombs
The Lycian Rock Tombs

The lake

Köyceğiz Lake is popular with wintering waterbirds and at its deepest (30m) is an ideal place to swim off the side of your gulet. The original village of Köyceğiz has been totally submerged under the lake since an earthquake some 350years ago. Accessible from the lake, are the Sultaniye thermal springs and mud baths.

Sultaniye thermal springs and mud baths