Dalaman Mini Guide
Dalaman in a Nutshell
Dalaman is a town in the province of Mugla in Turkey and is situated between the resorts of
Marmaris and
Fethiye. It is an area of natural beauty with many archaeological finds. Probably the main attraction is the Gocek Bays that are popular with yacht owners and for day cruises exploring the Turquoise Coast.
How do I get to Dalaman?
It is fairly easy to find a flight into Dalaman Airport especially from Europe. An alternative option would be to fly into
Istanbul and take a connecting flight from there. From the airport you can take a taxi into the town or drive using the D555 route. Car hire is a really good option there as there is so much to see in the Dalaman region and public transport can be limited.
I am a History Buff, What can I see?
If you like a bit of history, visit the village of Cogman 30km outside of the town. You will see the ancient ruins and tombs scattered on the hillside at the City of Horses or Hippokome. You could also visit the ancient cities of Kyra, Lissa and Kalynda.
I’ve Heard its Good for Nature Lovers…
You will love the beaches, Sarsala beach is the nearest but there are lots of little inlets with tiny beaches like La Voz and Kille for you to discover. Dalyan is 35km away from Dalaman and there you will find Iztuzu Beach where loggerhead turtles return every year to lay their eggs. The Lake Region is close by too, there are 4 lakes connected by canals and you can see 300 different species of plants.
I Like an Active Holiday, Will it be too Quiet?
The Dalaman region is perfect for an active holiday as everything is there, from biking to trekking to climbing and kayaking, you can’t get bored there. A must do is to take the water raft trip down the Dalaman River for an exciting day out.
What if I Want to Relax?
Take a Blue Cruise boat trip and discover all the small coves from Sarsala to Tasyaka on the Kapidag Peninsula. You can relax and sunbathe or try a bit of snorkelling. Experience the thermal waters at Kapi Kargin and Incebel, they are supposed to have healing powers. At the Therme Maris Hotel, you can take a dip in a mud bath or soak in the sulphurous water pools for maximum effect.
Where Should I go When I’m Hungry?
Sadirvan Restaurant and Village is a popular with locals and tourists alike, especially for breakfast and then fish dishes in the evenings, avoid Sundays unless you have already made a reservation. Nil Restaurant is friendly and offers local style food. The restaurant is named after the Nil turtles that live in river there, you may be offered some bread to feed them! Many restaurants are outside of the town and will provide transport for you to and from your accommodation.
Can I See Something Unusual?
Just outside the airport you will find a train station now being used as a state farm building. The station and tracks are over 100 years old and have never seen a train! It was built by accident, when plans and materials got mixed up for 2 projects, the station which was meant to be in Alexandria in
Egypt and a hunting lodge, planned for Dalaman. It was deemed too expensive to ship all the materials back, so the projects where still built in their wrong destinations instead.