About Dalyan
The Dalyan Delta is one of Turkey's most wondrous natural phenomena. At the head of the delta lies Lake Koycegiz, a large mystical lake that many years ago formed a natural harbour. Over time, silting has created a warren of reed-covered streams that meander through the town of Dalyan, past the Carian cliff tombs and ruins of Kaunos and on to the fabulous golden sands of Iztuzu beach. 
The region has been a designated wildlife sanctuary since the mid-1980s resulting in the delta being home to all manner of flora and fauna. The conservationists' main efforts have been focussed on Iztuzu beach, which remains one of the last remaining natural nesting sites for Loggerhead sea turtles. Their success in keeping the developers at bay has ensured that the turtles have the beach to themselves at night, with the lights of Dalyan town a long way distant.
The entire region is a paradise for walkers, with endless treks winding along the riverbanks, through the reed beds and up into the surrounding mountains. Another fantastic way to discover the region is by boat. River boats are readily available from the town and provide the opportunity to head upstream to Lake Koycegiz, choosing to stop perhaps at Sultaniye Thermal Baths or the simple mud baths.
From here the boat returns past Dalyan and on past the amazing examples of Carian cliff tombs which lie just around the headland from the fascinating ancient Carian city of Kaunos that was founded around 9th century bc. When here, we recommend you climb to the top of the acropolis - the view is well worth the effort. Finally you come to Iztuzu beach where six kilometres of glorious golden sands are yours to enjoy with a vista uninterrupted by human intervention. The beach is rarely if ever crowded.
The selection of restaurants and bars, many of them on the waterfront, is wide and the quality excellent. The shopping in this market town is also varied and interesting.
Dalyan is ideally suited both to those who wish to relax in glorious surroundings and also those wanting to explore the delta and further afield. Exploration of the local area and also the coast beyond is simple. The port of Gocek is only a thirty-minute drive away, and an hour-and-a-half in one direction takes you to Fethiye, with Marmaris and the Bozburun Peninsula taking the same time the other way.
The Dalyan village is based on a river, surrounded by lush green fields breaking into spectacular mountain ranges. On the opposite side of the river is the ancient city of Caunos that is debatably the second greatest archaeological site in Turkey. Only 10% of the city has been unearthed and every year more and more treasures are discovered. The area around Dalyan has some of the widest variety of wildlife to be 
found in Turkey, including some species of birds not found elsewhere in the world. The weather in Dalyan is dry and warm all summer, yet we have many large rivers that flow all year round, being fed by underground springs. A short tranquil boat ride away is a four kilometer long beach that is home to the rare Caretta Caretta turtles. With the views, history, culture, wildlife, water and sea topped off by the warm local hospitality, Dalyan is a true world beater of a holiday destination.
