About Dalyan
Dalyan is a laid-back town in the Ortaca district of Muğla, set on the river that links Köyceğiz Lake to the sea. Boats threading through the reed beds are both its everyday transport and its trademark. Across the water, temple-fronted royal tombs carved high into the cliffs above ancient Kaunos glow in the late-afternoon light. Where the river meets the sea, İztuzu beach is one of Türkiye's key nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles and is strictly protected. The whole area lies within the Köyceğiz-Dalyan Specially Protected Area, rich in birdlife and wetland habitats.
The classic outing is a full-day river boat trip that strings together Kaunos, the mud baths or the Sultaniye hot springs, and İztuzu beach. Shorter river cruises and sunset trips are also on offer. At Sultaniye, on the shore of Köyceğiz Lake, a soak in the thermal pools after a mud bath is a favorite way to unwind. Nature lovers can add birdwatching and a visit to the sea turtle rescue center at İztuzu. Through TurTalebi you can browse tours from local Dalyan firms and book securely by card.
Dalyan Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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All ToursTop Things to See
Kaunos Rock Tombs
Carved into a sheer cliff above the river, these temple-fronted tombs are Dalyan's most famous view. Boats pass right below them, and across the river you can explore the theatre and baths of ancient Kaunos.
İztuzu Beach
This long sand spit, with the sea on one side and the river on the other, has shallow, clean water that families love. It closes to visitors at night to protect nesting turtles, so keep away from marked nests.
Sultaniye Hot Springs
On the shore of Köyceğiz Lake, these thermal springs are said to have been used since antiquity. Relaxing in the warm pools after a mud bath is a classic Dalyan ritual.
Dalyan Mud Baths
Coat yourself in mud from the riverside pools, let it dry in the sun, then rinse off in warm water. It is messy, fun and one of the most photographed stops on any river trip.
Köyceğiz Lake
The broad lake that drains through the Dalyan river is framed by sweetgum forests and the quiet lakeside town of Köyceğiz. Its shores are good for gentle walks and birdwatching.
River Boat Trips
The most natural way to see Dalyan is by boat through the winding, reed-fringed channels. Along the way, there is a good chance of spotting herons and other waterbirds.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
Dalyan's season runs from April to the end of October. July and August are very hot, which makes river trips with swim stops at the beach especially welcome. Loggerhead turtle nesting and hatching take place over the summer months. May, June and September offer warm but not stifling weather and a quieter river, while spring is excellent for birdwatching. In winter the town is very quiet and boat services are reduced.
Getting There
Dalaman Airport is only about half an hour away by road, which makes Dalyan easy to reach even for short breaks. A short road connects Dalyan to Ortaca, where most long-distance buses stop. From town you can reach İztuzu by road or by river boat. Marmaris and Fethiye are each roughly an hour to an hour and a half away, so day trips from both are common.
Practical Tips
- Wear an old swimsuit to the mud baths, since the mud can stain fabric and the showers afterwards get busy.
- At İztuzu, set up umbrellas only in the permitted zone and never touch the marked turtle nests in the sand.
- Visit Kaunos in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and bring water with you.