Turkey Retreats

Dalyan  

Sitting just inland from Turkey’s southwest shores, a coastline dubbed the Turkish Riviera, the red-roofed fishing town of Dalyan enjoys an idyllic setting beside the Dalyan River amid fruit orchards and forests.

While the town is a popular holiday spot, it exudes traditional charm and has much to offer, from riverside restaurants to a bustling Saturday market, souvenir shops, and bars. The surrounding area is rich in history, nature, and beauty.

Topping the agenda are the Lycian King’s Tombs, a string of cliff-cut facades dating from around 400 BC which can be viewed from riverboats or pathways, and the ruins of the ancient port of Kaunos.

Close by, too, are the revitalising mud baths at Lake Koycegiz, also accessible by boat. Finally, there’s Iztuzu Beach, a ribbon of gold perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Reached by minibus or boat from Dalyan, the sands here are home to protected loggerhead turtles, which lend it the nickname of ‘Turtle Beach’ - their nesting grounds are marked-out and should be treated with reverence.