Dalyan

 

Welcome to a natural historic heaven on earth! Dalyan is located within a natural broad delta packed with history and wildlife. The area became famous because of the Loggerhead Turtles that nest on the nearby beach and the subsequent fight to save the area from development. However there is more to Dalyan than Loggerhead Turtles, in particular ‘twitchers’ will be kept busy with the array of birds that have made Dalyan their home, including a large population of storks that nest all around the town often atop electricity poles. As well as Loggerhead Turtles the area from Dalyan to Dalaman is home to the largest population of Nile Turtles in the world!

The area is one of natural beauty and one of the best ways to see this is on a round trip to and from the famous beach. Leave early in the morning on the Dolmuş boat service to the beach. Firstly you’ll see the Rock Tombs that overlook Dalyan, home to the long-dead Kings of Kaunos; you then enter the labyrinth of reed-lined passages that make up the delta. Here you see swallows and kingfishers sweeping around the reeds, dragon flies also dance alongside the boat and if you’re lucky you may just spot a Turtle!
Arriving at the beach you’ll notice the lack of buildings as construction in this area is banned with the strict exception of the changing cabins. As you stroll along the beach you can look back at the delta and see some of the traditional fish traps still in use, these called ‘Dalyan’ and its from these that the town inherited it’s name. Also you’ll be able to see the tracks made by Turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. The pine-clad mountains and small perfectly still ponds greet you at the end of your walk where you can join the Dolmuş bus service back to town along tree lined roads and past the impressive Sülüngür Lake.

Link to slideshow



Dalyan is also well known for the Mud Baths which are a popular spot on the many tours that visit the area daily. Although not scientifically proven the mud is said to improve ones skin and remove wrinkles, certainly the waters at the nearby springs have been established with healing properties for skin complaints, respiratory problems and rheumatism.

There has been a settlement in the area for thousands of years and the ancient city of Kaunos is a must see, in particular the Kings Tombs carved in the cliff face overlook the town and are an ever present feature of the town. The ancient city was used in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times and used the Dalyan Delta as its natural harbour. Today we can see many buildings such as the Roman Theatre which has been used in recent years for live outdoor performances from Opera to the whirling dervishes. Legend has it that Apollo’s son Miletos had twins, a boy named Kaunos and a girl named Byblis. Byblis confessed her un-brotherly-love to Kaunos and he subsequently fled and formed this city in his own name. Heartbroken Byblis fled to the mountains where she jumped from a high rock killing herself, the Nymphs feeling sorry for her transformed her into a Waterfall and it is said that the Dalyan Canal is formed from her tears.

The town of Dalyan has plenty to offer with many shops, bars and restaurants, there are even a couple of night clubs for dancing the night away. The town is, however, largely for relaxation and the most popular restaurants line the waters front where guests can watch the boats leisurely sail past or marvel at the Tombs, especially when lit at night. The market is held on Saturdays and has the usual supply of fresh fruit and vegetables being sold alongside the best quality ’urm’ designer wear.

Nearby are the villages of Gökbel, Okçular, and Eskiköy where the touches of tourism are barely noticed and Turkish farming life continues as it has for many years.












To read more about what others have to say visit the forum holidays section.

Article written by Pete, link to his Dalyan site :