Hotels in Marmaris

Sitting on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is Dalyan, a small fishing town famous for its relaxed, traditional charm and unique historical sites. It’s surrounded by unspoilt greenery and inspiring scenery, cut gently in two by a wandering river. Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, holidays to Dalyan are perfect if you like your downtime to be low-key, laid back, and leisurely.

If you simply can’t have a holiday without a beach, then don’t worry! There are some beautiful sandy spots a short drive from central Dalyan, so you won’t need to compromise on your holiday.

Join the locals and jump into a water-taxi, which will take you on a laid-back cruise to the mouth of the estuary. The entire stretch is protected, partly due to the nesting loggerhead turtles that have made their home on Iztuzu Beach. However, there’s much more to this part of Turkey than meets the eye. It also houses some of the region’s treasures including the 9th-century remains of Caunus.

Things to do

Dalyan is an atmospheric and romantic destination with a rich history to discover. Take a river trip to see the vast, Roman theatre or the King’s Tombs of Kaunos. If natural attractions are more your thing, hop on a water taxi to Iztuzu Beach and watch endangered loggerhead sea turtles scraping their way along the sands. Once the sun’s slipped over the horizon, try some tasty mezes in a Turkish restaurant then pick a riverside bar for a glass of raki overlooking the water.

Mineral-rich mudbaths are one of the most popular attractions in Dalyan. Visitors are invited to take a dip in the muddy waters, covering from head to toe in the rejuvenating natural substance. The mud’s power is thought to reduce wrinkles and beautify the skin. To clean off, take a dip in the 40-degree sulfur pool and rinse away to reveal your newly refreshed skin.

Every Saturday, a market takes over the main streets. Have fun haggling with the local sellers for a fair price. The market stocks everything from locally grown fruits and vegetables to handmade clothing, so you’re sure to return home with a treasure in-hand. After a long morning shopping, stop off for some lunch and enjoy some traditional Turkish snacks while watching boats sail down the glistening river.

Interesting beaches

As the river curves and winds around tiny islands, it cuts beautiful bays into the land. So expect to find beautiful beaches in remote areas, some of which you might get to yourself!

Travel by boat along the water to find Iztuzu Beach, nicknamed Turtle Beach, for a long stretch of soft sand in a unique setting. The picturesque beach is a protected loggerhead turtle nesting reserve, which means it opens and closes at certain times. By day, you can relax here in the sun or shade beneath a fragrant pine backdrop. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for a dip or swim, so you can enjoy a perfect, peaceful beach day on your Dalyan holiday.

Loggerhead turtles

It’s almost impossible to visit Dalyan without running into a loggerhead turtle or two. Whether you meet one of the giants swimming in the sea or simply spot statues and images of turtles around the town, locals hold these impressive creatures in high regard.

Loggerhead sea turtles are endangered, but the protected areas around Dalyan mean things are looking up for the species. New laws and modifications to boats in Dalyan help keep the turtles safe too, so you don’t need to worry that you’re contributing to the problem when you visit.

History and culture

The once-working fishing town still has the harbour at its heart. A big part of Dalyan’s historical culture stems from the river, which flows through its thick natural surroundings. There are many things to discover nestled in the riverbank’s rich greenery, including the Caunos Tombs of the Kings on the western shore. Dalyan’s most admired feature, these ancient Lycian Tombs are carved into the rocky cliffside, an impressive sight to behold from a river cruise.

Kaunos is another must-see if you’re a history enthusiast visiting Dalyan. The ancient city ruins are just a short distance from central Dalyan, a place of mystery with many unanswered questions still surrounding it.

Food and drink

The small town of Dalyan offers lots of new dishes for foodie travellers to sample. And there are many restaurants and cafés scattered around serving up local specialities and some international favourites.

Whether you stick to the waterfront and enjoy casual eateries with beautiful views or wander deeper into Dalyan to find something unique, there’s something for everyone here. The town has a surprising number of restaurants for its size, so fussy eaters never need to worry about finding something tasty.

If you want to sample some of the best food in Dalyan, you can find plenty of locals’ favourite spots in the town centre. Turkish traditions mean meals often start with bread before moving onto cold starters, casseroles, kebabs, or grilled meat with rice, potatoes, and salad.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Dalyan is quite relaxed, although some of the bars stay open until the early hours, so you won’t be stuck for choice if you want to hit the down. Sofra Bar is a travellers’ favourite for karaoke and cocktails, a perfect place to drink and sing long into the night. Efe Cafe Bar boasts a large outside terrace and reasonably priced drinks, ideal for fun with friends or family.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Fethiye | Hisaronu | Icmeler | Istanbul | Izmir | Kalkan | Marmaris | Olu Deniz | Ovacik | Turunc

Experience a fascinating mix of ancient tradition, rich culture, and modern influences with your holidays to Fethiye. Located along Turkey’s exquisite Turquoise Coast, it’s littered with remains from the region’s Lycian past, with historical attractions such as the majestic Tomb of Amyntas, and Kayaköy ghost village.

For fans of the great outdoors, the rolling scenery provides plenty of adventure opportunities. You can watch professional paragliders catching some thermals on the mountain ridges and rocky outcrops, while the miles of unspoilt countryside attract horse-riders of all abilities. For beach-lovers, the resort is a short distance from one of the most famous beaches in Turkey, the dazzling Blue Lagoon.

Things to do

You won’t be stuck for things to do in Fethiye. Visit the Old Town, and any bargain-hunters in your party can get their haggling heads on! The twisting backstreets are lined with shops and stalls, selling everything from traditional Turkish rugs, to crafts and jewellery.

The markets are a bustle of trade and commerce, selling various goods, from handcrafted items to fruit and veg, so you’re sure to leave with something special in-hand. You’ll also find many quirky cafés and tavernas selling strong coffee and authentic Turkish meals, ideal for foodies wanting a real taste of Fethiye.

If you want to dive into the rich history of your destination, pay a visit to the towering Tomb of Amyntas, carved out of a cliff-face. Don’t forget your camera! The local scenery is picture-perfect, while some of the best attractions around are only a boat ride away. Don’t forget to visit the Blue Lagoon, considered the country’s most beautiful beach with warm, azure waters and spotless, silver sand.

Turquoise Coast

As part of the Turquoise Coast, Fethiye has some of the best weather anywhere in Europe, perfect for spending long days lounging around on the beach. The turquoise waters and powdery white sand resemble the beaches you might see in your dreams. The coast is almost impossible to avoid here, making this destination ideal for a beach-centric holiday at any time of year.

Head down to Calis Beach where you’ll discover a peaceful atmosphere and a pleasingly slow pace of life. Soak up some sunshine here and enjoy endless dips in the cooling water.

If you just can’t sit still, don’t worry! There are various water sports to enjoy along Calis Beach, so adventurers can get an adrenaline kick while the others relax. Whatever way you want to enjoy the Turquoise Coast, you’re sure to arrive home feeling rested and refreshed.

Great sightseeing

When it’s time to go sightseeing, there are many fascinating destinations close to Fethiye. If you love your history and mythology, don’t miss the Tomb of Amyntas. This Ancient Greek monument is carved straight into the cliffside, an impressive, towering example of Lycian architecture.

Similarly, the ancient ruins of Tlos are a fascinating ruin that you can reach in just 40 minutes from Fethiye. Letoon is another unique historic sanctuary, and an important spot to visit if you’re interested in architecture and archaeology. Explore these critical Lycian sites and discover the rich heritage of your holiday destination.

If you like to be active on your holidays, visit the impressive Saklikent Gorge, also known as the Hidden City. The gorge is the second biggest in Europe and one of the deepest of its kind in the world! Walk across the sturdy platform while white-water rapids rush below. Adrenaline-seekers can even enjoy river rafting with an experienced guide, a perfect way to see more of the natural landscape.

Kabak Koyu nature park is another must-visit if you want nature and adventure. Discover many hiking trails through the fragrant pine tree valley, winding down to the pristine beach below. Reward your efforts with a dip in the gemstone-blue waters, before reclining on powdery sand to soak up some rays.

Lovely old town

Back in town, wander through the cobbled streets of Fethiye’s old quarter, Paspatur. You’ll notice the traditional Turkish feel as you shop for souvenirs and stop at a local café for a drink or bite to eat. The Paspatur is a lovely place to spend an evening out, whether you’re looking to find local specialities to eat or welcoming bars to enjoy a night out.

Paspatur Market is an excellent place to visit if you’re searching for unique souvenirs, including fresh Turkish delight and deliciously sweet local honey.

Modern meets traditional

In 1957, Fethiye fell victim to a devastating earthquake, which dramatically changed the local landscape. Around 90% of public buildings were damaged or destroyed, which means the Fethiye you visit today has been almost entirely rebuilt over recent decades. The result is a clean, attractive destination with lots of streamlined architecture and hints of the city’s ancient past, which can still be spotted around the old town and beyond.

Food & drink

Fethiye is practically packed with great places to eat and drink, with something to satisfy every taste and appetite among the pretty streets. Head up the coast road, Karagözler, for a choice of eateries with picture-perfect harbour views. Paspatur, Fethiye’s old town, is also home to lots of traditional food spots for a bite on-the-go or something more substantial. Pull up a chair on a restaurant terrace, sit back, and watch the world go by. Or grab a Turkish kebab to snack on while you wander around Fethiye for an authentic and delicious experience.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Dalyan | Hisaronu | Icmeler | Istanbul | Izmir | Kalkan | Marmaris | Olu Deniz | Ovacik | Turunc

Holidays to Icmeler in Turkey are perfect if you want to enjoy the quieter side of life. Popular with families looking for laid-back days on the beach and couples who want leisurely meals by night, this beautiful beach resort offers everything you could want to kick back and relax.

Much lower-key than its vibrant neighbour, Marmaris, it started life as a small fishing village. It’s blossomed into a sophisticated holiday destination, while still retaining bucket-loads of its original charm. The beach offers golden sands and blue seas and is maintained by the locals, who are fiercely proud of what is the resort’s greatest draw. In town, you’ll find a good selection of shops and some superb, authentic restaurants.

For a real taste of Turkey, try out one of the ‘lokantas’, also known as ‘tradesmen’s restaurants’, where the locals go for quick, convenient and home-cooked food. If you’re on holiday in Icmeler with the kids, the resort is within easy reach of Marmaris’ top attractions, such as the Atlantis Waterpark.

Things to do

Icmeler’s beach is spectacular with dark, golden sand, and is backed by a leafy promenade. Ideal for those travelling with little ones, the shore shelves gently into the sapphire seas, giving them plenty of opportunity to splash about. If you can bear to tear yourself from your sun lounger, the resort has plenty up its sleeve to see and do.

The midweek markets are the perfect hunting ground for those looking to bag a bargain, while kids will love a day out at Atlantis Waterpark, popular with all ages for its water slides, wave pool and mini-golf. In the evenings, pick a family-friendly bar for after-dinner drinks and, if the raki is working its magic, join in with the karaoke.

History and culture

Once a small fishing village, its customs are still celebrated throughout this charming small town. From its whitewashed buildings to its picturesque harbour, Icmeler has created a good balance between its traditional roots and a modern tourist resort.

Holidaymakers only recently started visiting the picturesque resort just 20 years ago. The surrounding towns began to get more attention because of the growing popularity of its bustling neighbour, Marmaris. Today it’s a great basecamp for visiting some of Turkey’s most popular historical sites like the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and the 16th century Marmaris Castle.

Lovely beaches

Enjoy a day at the resort’s Blue Flag paradise and bask in the unspoilt beauty of this long, golden beach. Like any great beach in Turkey, you’ll come across thrilling water sports and excellent snorkelling spots that’ll keep you entertained for hours. Or if you prefer, relax on a sun lounger underneath a shady umbrella. There are plenty of beachside restaurants and bars to refresh after an afternoon on the sand.

If you fancy a walk, you can take a stroll through the lush, green mountains to take in the stunning views of the coast. For those early risers, you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunrise that glistens as it’s reflected off the shimmering water.

Exciting nightlife

Once the sun comes down the town comes alive with an array of bars and restaurants that stay open late into the evening. Sit back and enjoy the sunset as you dine on a traditional Turkish feast. After a delicious meal, the waterfront is a popular after dark hotspot as it’s where you’ll find live music, karaoke, entertaining shows and lots of opportunities to dance. If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, head to Marmaris, which is only 15 minutes away, to find vibrant nightclubs and music bars.

Icmeler Location

If you’re wondering “where is Icmeler in Turkey?”, the answer is that you’ll find it on Turkey’s south-western coast, about 8km from Marmaris and roughly an hour and a half’s drive from Dalaman Airport. Surrounded by perfumed pine forests and with a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped bay, this superb resort is for those who want to enjoy the quieter side of Turkish life, but with access to the bars and nightlife of nearby Marmaris for a kicking night out.

In the air and under the water

Beyond the pine forests on the Icmeler map you’ll find a mountain range which is popular with hikers, horse-riders, and cyclists. Ölü Deniz’ Babadağ mountain is the setting for the region’s Air Festival, which sees paragliders launching themselves from rocky outcrops and taking to the skies. Ölü Deniz is also home to one of the area’s greatest secrets: the Blue Lagoon. Wreathed in powder-soft sands and with clear, blue waters, it offers perfect conditions for scuba-divers and snorkellers.

Neighbouring Marmaris

Look on the Icmeler map and you’ll find that Marmaris is just across the bay. While it’s easy to walk there from Icmeler’s buzzing promenade, it’s even more fun to catch a water-taxi and head over to Marmaris in a few minutes.

Where is Icmeler in Turkey?

As part of the famous Turkish Turquoise Coast, Icmeler’s beach is ideal for families and couples looking to spend some quality downtime together. Clean and safe for even timid toe dippers and
tiny tots, the beach is maintained by the locals who are fiercely proud of this stunning part of the Turkish coastline. Book your break in the spring or autumn for the best sightseeing weather, or in the summer for some serious sunbathing. When you get back, if anyone asks you “where is Icmeler in Turkey?”, the only decision you’ll have to make is whether to tell them, or to keep it a secret!

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Antalya | Bodrum | Dalaman | Dalyan | Fethiye | Hisaronu | Istanbul | Izmir | Kalkan | Marmaris | Olu Deniz | Ovacik | Turunc