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Dalyan Information
Dalyan has become the destination of choice for discerning travelers to the south coast of Turkey not only during the summer season, but all winter long as well. Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving locations that is like a paradise, being an area of great natural beauty and historical interest. Due to the efforts of Greenpeace and the Turkish Government, Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles, so big efforts have been made to conserve the area's amazing natural beauty. If you are a discerning traveller, there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour and spectacular scenery to delight in when staying in Dalyan. Centrally located to other major south coast resorts, Dalyan is the perfect place to stay while making day-trips and other forays for a few days time.
Getting There
You can get flights to Dalaman, the nearest regional airport which is 40 kilometers away from Dalyan. By taxi it is an easy 30 minute drive. Airport is served by many operators such as ThomsonFly, FlyThomasCook, EasyJet, Turkish Airlines, and Onur Air. Transfers are easily arranged on-line and there are frequent bus connections from Ortaca mid-way between Dalaman and Dalyan.You'll need to take a taxi to Ortaca to catch a mini-bus on to Dalyan, so it's far easier to just have the taxi take you on into Dalyan. Tourists from the UK have to buy a Turkish multiple entry visa at the point of entry costing £10 (Bank of England Notes Only) which are valid for 90 days entry and visits of up to 90 days.
Getting Around
A regular dolmus service that runs to neighbouring resorts such as Dalaman, Sarigerme, Fethiye and Marmaris as well as surrounding villages. There are numerous car and motorbike rental agencies as well. Holiday transportation and airport transfers can be arranged by our hotel staff.
What To See
The ancient city of Kaunos lies here with its ruins dating back to the 3rd Century. The Dalyan channel through which water circulates between the Mediterranean and Koycegiz Lake winds its way down past the ancient Rock Tombs to the sea, via a small network of lakes and waterways. Through the rustling reed beds rising between 3 and 5 metres in height. With its mixture of fresh and salt water, these wetlands are now home to a vast number of fish and other water life, as well as the birds of many species which feed on them, species such as the Sparrow hawk, Crane, Kingfisher and Jay. The Stork is also native to this area migrating here at the end of March to nest until the end of August. Dividing the delta is the Iztuzu sandbar stretching for 5 kilometers east from the south of the channel. With fine crystal sand, shallow turquoise sea Iztuzu Beach is the ideal seaside spot. It can be reached by regular dolmus or boat service from Dalyan. This is also the beach where the endangered Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) have returned to lay their eggs since the beginning of time. The nesting time being from May till October. Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also an extremely enjoyable experience and transport is easily booked in Dalyan. Just outside Koycegiz is the Palmiye Arboratorium. Founded by a physician from Istanbul who has collected and raised over 900 species of palms it is an exquisite collection that bears an afternoon enjoying.
Things To Do
Day trips on the river to Iztuzu Beach and beyond to more distant beaches such as Asi, Bakardi, and the beach at Ekincik via boats. Every monday there are boat trips available that will take you across Koycegiz Lake where you can experience the weekly open market with a stop at the Sultaniye Mudbaths and an onboard BBQ lunch before returning to Dalyan late in the afternoon. The Lykian rock tombs that house the kings of Kaunos, and at the Kaunos site itself, the remains of this once large port can be seen, including a theatre, temples, churches and baths. Beach BBQs are also a favourite and can be booked through a tour operator or your hotel. The boat trips are immensely popular, as are jeep safaris, mountain biking, sea kayaking, paragliding, fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and more. For trekkers there are numerous trails through the mountains and surrounding area. Day trek guides can be arranged by the staff at the Dalyan Queens Hotel. One noteworthy trek is through the mountains to Ecincik Bay where a boat picks you up for a beach barbeque and returns you via boat to Dalyan late in the afternoon. The Dalyan Queens Hotel does weekend Cabaret Shows, Turkish Entertainment Nights, Game Nights, and offers Belly Dancing and Bridge lessons.
Food And Drink
There are approximately 25 restaurants in which to try local Turkish cuisine as well as International dishes. Maras Mah is the main shopping district lined with shops and in the town center is a new ultra modern shopping center with upscale stores. There are a couple of discos in the town center of the village so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. Sports bars and in-hotel bars abound including some with live music. The Dalyan Queens Hotel provides light snacks in the Q-Bar and dining on the rooftop restaurant. Weekly Cabaret Shows are offered during season and nightly activities scheduled both during the season and through the winter months. Midnight boat cruises on Koycegiz Lake offer on-board dining with an evening under the stars.
Gay Turkey Travel Guide
Information for gays in the major cites and towns of Turkey
Dalyan Queens Hotel - Dalyan
Gay Friendly Accommodation in Dalyan - Turkey
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