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Dalyan is higly recommended for visitors to Turkey looking for a real taste of the country without having to go too far off the beaten track. It is still very much a traditional market town and the beauty of the conservation area in which it stands makes it unique in the mediterranean.. Here, where tourism co-exists with the traditional industries of fish-farming and cotton growing, there is something to suit everyone; a must for nature lovers with over 150 varieties of birds and the nestling grounds for the protected loggerhead turtles.. The ancient lycian rock tombs overlooking the town and the spectacular remains of the city of Kaunos then there is Turtle Beach - aarguably the best in Turkey, miles of unspoilt golden sand and clear warm sea to swim in.. With many restaurants offering inexpensive meals and undoubtedly the friendliest people you would ever wish to meet Dalyan has it all a quality holiday for quality visitors...
DALYAN
: A Heaven For Relaxation...
Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty and historical interest. The ancient city of Caunos 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 km east from the south of the channel. With fine crystal sand, shallow turquoise sea Iztuzu beach is the ideal seaside spot. Which 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. Twelve
years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the
endangered Loggerhead Turtles and the wildlife in this area led to
a campaign to designate the area for conservation. The village has
therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A heaven for relaxation
that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many
restaurants in which to try local Turkish cuisine, music bars and
shops. There are a couple of discos on the outskirts of the village
so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. A regular
dolmus service that runs to neighbouring resorts such as Fethiye and
Marmaris as well as surrounding villages.
In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and
contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgettable hospitality.
A resort that you will undoubtedly return to year after year.
THINGS TO SEE IN DALYAN
Along the channel of the delta from Köycegiz are The Sultaniye Thermal baths the water is 40 degrees C .The water has been used since Hellenistic times, first by the Carians then the Byzantines. The ruins from these buildings are now submerged .The waters which contain radioactive elements (harmless) and Hydrogen sulphur are believed to cure rheumatism, skin disorders, liver, spleen and bowel complaints, as well as being beneficial for nervous and digestive disorders. The Mud baths are also said to remedy rheumatism as well as cleanse and beautify the skin.Popular belief states that a mud bath will take ten years off you. Once you have covered yourself in the mud you then wait for it to dry in the sun. The sulphur pool in which you clean yourself after your Mudbath is also at a temperature of 40 degrees.
Caunos The
ancient city of Caunos stands midway along the channel. It grew
into a major area on the border between Lycia and Caria, the people
were said to be famous for their yellowish skin and eyes. Caunos
was said to be the son of Miletus and the Grandson of Apollo, he
is believed to have fled from the city due to unnatural feelings
between himself and his sister. The city sprawls over a broad slope
overlooking the sea and delta. At Caunos there is an Acropolis surrounded
by the city walls that are Byzantine, a theatre, four temples, an
Angora, Roman Baths, Palestra and a Cistern. The demise of the city
was due to the harbour that continually silted up which is now 5
km from the sea and marshland, and also disease due to malaria.
Rhodes purchased Caunos in the 2nd century, after many wars it went
back to Carian rule only to be given back to Rhodes in 88BC. Caunos
has a long and varied history and is well worth a visit. You can
visit Caunos at any time although it is advisable to avoid the midday
sun. First you will have to cross the Dalyan channel via rowing
boat then walk up to the city. Caunos can also be visited as part
of a day tour.
Iztuzu Beach Twelve
Km from the centre of Dalyan lies the five km long sandbar that
juts out from the main land into the Mediterranean. This site was
earmarked for development until it was brought to the authorities
attention that it was one of the last nesting grounds for the endangered
Loggerhead Turtle. A campaign with David Bellamy and a local woman
Kaptan June (Haimhoff) were successful in stopping the development
of Iztuzu Beach. Visiting times to the beach are restricted from
May - September when the Turtles are nesting. From 08.00-18.00 are
the open times so as not to interfere with the nesting habits of
these Turtles. Sunbeds and shade are available at the beach for
a small charge also cold drinks and snacks are served throughout
the day. You can reach Iztuzu by Boat or Dolmus, the boat winds
its way down the channel, through the rustling reeds to the open
tip of the beach.
The
Dolmus travels lakeside through beautiful winding roads down to
the Beach, this takes around 20 minutes, the boat will take approximately
40 minutes. Both ways are worth seeing ,each for a small charge.
Rock Tombs These
tombs are the resting place of the Kings of Caunos. They are carved
from the rock in the style of Lycian rock tombs. There are two types
of tomb to be found in Dalyan, simple chambers cut into the rock
face and more elaborate Temple tombs, there is also a large unfinished
tomb. Many tombs were built with false walls placing valuables behind
them so as to fool robbers, eventually this was to no avail as all
the Tombs were emptied of their treasures.
Rock tombs can be seen along the Lycian coast, Fethiye has some good examples of these Tombs, sadly of these Tombs including Dalyan are not accessible to the public due to the damage caused by visitors and their locations.
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