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Dalyan

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Overview

Dalyan is a neighbourhood of the municipality and district of Ortaca, Muğla Province, Turkey. Its population is 5,829 (2022). Before the 2013 reorganisation, it was a town (belde). It is located between Marmaris and Fethiye on the south-west coast of Turkey.

Dalyan achieved international fame in 1987 when developers wanted to build a luxury hotel on the nearby İztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle species. The incident created major international storm when David Bellamy championed the cause of conservationists such as June Haimoff, Peter Günther, Nergis Yazgan, Lily Venizelos and Keith Corbett. The development project was temporarily stopped after Prince Philip called for a moratorium and in 1988 the beach and its hinterland were declared a protected area, viz. Köyceğiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area.

Life in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan Çayı River which flows past the town. The boats that ply up and down the river, navigating the maze of reeds, are the preferred means of transport to local sites.

Facts

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia721 words

WBP editorial3

River‑side rhythms

Dalyan’s daily life is paced by the slow drift of the Dalyan River, a conduit for both locals and visitors. Early mornings see fishermen unloading fresh mullet and sea bass onto modest stalls, their silver scales glinting in the first light. The riverbanks host a modest market where handmade pottery and woven textiles are bartered, offering a glimpse into the region’s modest craft traditions beyond the usual tourist fare. As the day warms, riverboats pause for leisurely swims, and the scent of rosemary and pine wafts from nearby groves, inviting picnickers to spread blankets on the soft grass. This unhurried atmosphere contrasts starkly with the bustle of nearby coastal resorts, making the river itself the town’s most authentic attraction.

Beyond the mud: a culinary detour

While the therapeutic mud baths dominate guidebooks, the real culinary adventure lies in the modest tavernas tucked behind the river’s bends. Here, chefs specialise in grilling freshly caught fish over charcoal, seasoning with locally grown sumac and a dash of lemon zest harvested from orchard trees that fringe the floodplain. Seasonal dishes, such as lamb stewed with wild figs and rosemary, showcase the convergence of inland Anatolian flavours with coastal bounty. Ordering the house‑made yoghurt, thickened in copper cauldrons, provides a creamy counterpoint to the briny fare. Pair it with a glass of the region’s lesser‑known Rüşeyda wine, and you’ll experience a taste profile that is as distinct as the town’s riverside silhouette.

Seasonal timing for the discerning traveller

The optimal period to experience Dalyan’s quieter charm is the shoulder months of late April to early June, when the river swells just enough to support leisurely boat rides without the tourist surge of midsummer. During these weeks, the surrounding pine forests are verdant, and the wildflowers that carpet the floodplain—primroses, poppies, and fragrant sage—are in full bloom, providing a subtle perfume that lingers in the air. Nighttime temperatures dip to a comfortable 15‑18 °C, making it pleasant to stroll beneath the ancient Lycian tombs that overlook the town, illuminated by soft lantern light rather than harsh floodlights. This timing offers a more contemplative encounter with the landscape than the crowded July heat.

Introduction

Resort town in Muğla Province, Turkey For the village, see Dalyan, Ezine. For city of Dalian in China, see Dalian. This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: written in parts like a travel guide. Please help improve this article if you can. (February 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article is written like a personal reflection, personal essay, or argumentative essay that states a Wikipedia editor's personal feelings or presents an original argument about a topic. Please help improve it by rewriting it in an encyclopedic style. (February 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Neighbourhood in Ortaca, Muğla, TurkeyDalyanNeighbourhoodDalyan view seen from Lycian tombsDalyanLocation in TurkeyShow map of TurkeyDalyanDalyan (Turkey Aegean)Show map of Turkey AegeanCoordinates: 36°50′03″N 28°38′33″E / 36.83417°N 28.64250°E / 36.83417; 28.64250CountryTurkeyProvinceMuğlaDistrictOrtacaPopulation (2022)5,829Time zoneUTC+3 (TRT)Postal code48600Area code0252 Dalyan is a neighbourhood of the municipality and district of Ortaca, Muğla Province, Turkey. Its population is 5,829 (2022). Before the 2013 reorganisation, it was a town (belde). It is located between Marmaris and Fethiye on the south-west coast of Turkey. Dalyan achieved international fame in 1987 when developers wanted to build a luxury hotel on the nearby İztuzu Beach, a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle species. The incident created major international storm when David Bellamy championed the cause of conservationists such as June Haimoff, Peter Günther, Nergis Yazgan, Lily Venizelos and Keith Corbett. The development project was temporarily stopped after Prince Philip called for a moratorium and in 1988 the beach and its hinterland were declared a protected area, viz. Köyceğiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area. Life in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan Çayı River which flows past the town. The boats that ply up and down the river, navigating the maze of reeds, are the preferred means of transport to local sites.

Tourism

[edit] Lycian tombs near Dalyan across the Dalyan river Views from Kaunos acropolis Ancient Kaunos theater near Dalyan Above the river's sheer cliffs are the weathered façades of Lycian tombs cut from rock, circa 400 BC (36°50′1.09″N 28°38′3.16″E / 36.8336361°N 28.6342111°E / 36.8336361; 28.6342111). The ruins of the ancient trading city of Kaunos are a short boat trip across the river. The south of Dalyan on the Mediterranean coast, lies İztuzu Beach, near the village of the same name is a popular area for sunbathing and swimming. There are regular boat and minibus (dolmuş) services to the beach. Visitors should be aware of the wooden stakes in the beach to mark nesting sites. The road route is particularly scenic, offering views of Sülüngür Lake. In 2008 İztuzu Beach was proclaimed winner in the category Best Open Space (Europe) by The Times because of the eco-friendly exploitation of the beach. In 2011 Dalyan and İztuzu Beach were proclaimed Best Beach Destination of Europe by Dutch holiday assessment website Zoover.