Dalyan (translated means FISH TRAP) is a small fishing town situated on the riverside close to the Mediterranean sea
Dalyan (translated means FISH TRAP) is a small fishing town situated on the riverside close to the Mediterranean sea. It is surrounded by lush green fields breaking into spectacular mountain ranges and has plenty of natural and historical sites to offer. Dalyan Mud baths
Sailing east from the town harbour with one of the local fishermen in his boat. Sailing along the curvy and bendy river watching the wildlife in their natural surroundings the small boat will arrive at the famous mud baths of Dalyan.
These have been visited by the likes of Sting, Dustin Hoffman and other famous artists. This is where tourists can wallow like hippopotamuses covering themselves from head to foot in beauty mud, which not only cleanses and tones the skin but is said to remedy rheumatism and has anti aging properties.
After allowing the mud to set it is removed in a natural clear water sulphur pool at temperatures of around 40 celsius leaving a refreshed and relaxed body and believed to make people look 10 years younger.
Lycian Rock Tombs
Heading west towards the Mediterranean sea following the gentle flow of the river you will see the magnificient view of the ancient Lycian rock tombs of Kaunos. Set amongst the mountain side these are the very same tombs which appeared in the film ''The African Queen''.
The tombs built by the Carians are the most splendid examples of Lycian type funerary architecture in Turkey. However the original occupants of the tombs is unknown but are assumed to have been Caunian noblemen and rulers, in most cases they were vacant and reused in Roman times.
Dalyan beach
Thinking about what has just been seen and unsure what is up ahead the small boat tranquilly moves through the reed labyrinth towards the distant sounds from the waves of the Mediterranean. Eventually arriving at a 4km stretch of long beach (Iztuzu) home to the rare Caretta Caretta Turtles also known as the giant Logger heads which lay their eggs deep into the sand year after year.
The beach is one of the few remaining locations in the med that has the right conditions for the turtles to reproduce. It is permitted to enter parts of the beach at certain times of the year. However tourists can sunbathe under rented sun shades and choose between bathing in the freshwater lagoon on the riverside or the salty water of the med sea.
Today the mouth of the river is a nature reserve and its prohibited to stay overnight.
With the views, history, culture, wildlife, water and sea topped off by the warm hospitality, Dalyan is a wonderful place to visit and explore.