Dalyan places to see & things to do
Kaunos Ancient City
Located within Dalyan's Çandır Village, Kaunos Ancient City is one of Turkey's oldest settlements, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List. Founded by the legendary king Kaunos, who held economic power in the region during ancient times, the city unveils 3,000 years of history through its rock tombs, bathhouse, agora, a 5,000-seat ancient theater, basilica, 1,300-year-old mosaics, and its sacred temple.
Kaunos Rock Tombs
According to ancient belief, the higher the tomb, the closer one would be to the gods. The construction of the rock tombs is speculated not to have been completed due to the invasion of Alexander the Great or the Persians. The Dalyan Rock Tombs, with their independent appearance carved into the mountain, are a sight worth seeing, though the tools and methods used for their creation remain unknown.
Iztuzu Beach
Dalyan's natural wonder, İztuzu Beach, stretches 5,400 meters from the base of Radar Hill to Dalyan Bay. This fine-sand beach is ideal for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Carettas) to lay their eggs. Boats take visitors to the western side, known as Dalyanağzı Beach, while the eastern side, İztuzu Beach, is accessible by road. Each side has its distinct features, with facilities at both ends. İztuzu Beach is home to Turkey's first and only Sea Turtle Research, Rescue, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Center, operational on-site.
Access to the beach is restricted from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM between May and September to protect the sea turtles, leaving the beach entirely to the turtles and their guardians during these hours.
Dalyan is home to nearly 180 different bird species.
Sultaniye Thermal Springs / Mud Baths
Located 4 kilometers from Dalyan, the 2,000-year-old Sultaniye Thermal Springs and mud baths, historically known for healing and sought by those pursuing immortality in mythology, function as a thermal treatment center. Situated at the foot of the Immortal Mountains, the thermal spring maintains a temperature of 39-40 degrees Celsius year-round. The therapeutic mud baths alleviate rheumatic pains, joint calcifications, and improve blood circulation. In the Roman period, the thermal springs were transformed into a comprehensive hospital. According to sources, an inscription at the hospital's entrance read, 'No death can enter here in the name of the gods,' giving rise to the name Immortal Mountains.
Sultaniye Thermal Springs, equipped with indoor and outdoor pools, are accessible by passenger boats departing from Köyceğiz and Dalyan. The mud in Sultaniye is not only beneficial for various ailments and skin conditions but is also referred to as "beauty mud" for its skin tightening properties.
Eco Trails: The hiking, walking and cycling routes connecting Ancient Caria to Lycia
Routes are known as the ECO Trails. Situated in the Köyceğiz-Ortaca-Dalaman districts, these long distance paths focus on ecotourism, emphasizing the conservation of nature for future generations.
The routes, meticulously curated by Dalyan Tourism, Culture, and Environmental Conservation Association, intricately follow the theme of "water" as the essence of life. These paths not only create awareness about the diverse and often endangered species that thrive on it but also emphasize the importance of preserving this vital element for the well being of our planet. By utilizing ancient paths and trails from a time when humanity had not yet disrupted nature, these trails provide a unique opportunity to connect with the past and appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the natural world.
After three years of dedicated effort, Dalyan Tourism, Culture, and Environmental Conservation Association have successfully established and marked a 470 km walking route and a 740 km cycling route. This initiative aims not only to promote ecotourism but also to contribute to the conservation of natural habitats and the protection of endangered species. The project stands as a testament to the commitment of the association towards sustainable tourism and environmental preservation.
