Dalaman holidays

Q: Which resort is best for nightlife – and which for a quiet break?

Marmaris is the go-to resort for nightlife, while Turun and Dalyan are better options if you’re looking to unwind. İmeler sits somewhere in the middle, with seafront restaurants and bars without the same late-night pull as Marmaris.

Best hotels in Dalaman

Things to do Currency

Dalaman holidays put you on Turkey's southwest Turquoise Coast, where one airport opens up to a variety of resorts from lively to laid-back. Dalaman Airport (DLM) serves Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Dalyan and several smaller resorts, so holidays to Dalaman can feel very different depending on where you stay – from an All Inclusive beach hotel to a quieter bay or somewhere with more going on after dark. With roughly a four-hour flight from the UK, short transfers to most resorts, and sunshine from May to October, it’s a part of Turkey that keeps people coming back. See our Turkey holidays for more places to stay. Every Dalaman holiday is ATOL protected, so you can book with confidence.

Why choose a Dalaman holiday?

A Dalaman holiday gives you several very different resorts from one airport. Marmaris is the place for busy waterfronts and bigger hotels, Icmeler, Calis and Turunç move at a gentler pace, Ölüdeniz pairs the Blue Lagoon with Babadağ Mountain, while Dalyan swaps beachfront hotels for riverboats and wildlife. Across the region you’ll find sweeping beaches, sheltered bays, a top line-up of All Inclusive hotels, with a season running May to October and easy transfers that mean your holiday starts sooner. The pine-covered hills that reach down to the coast also give this part of Turkey a greener feel than many other Mediterranean beach destinations.

Which Dalaman resort is right for you?

The resort you choose shapes the kind of trip you’ll have. Some are built around long beaches and busy waterfronts, while others are better if you’d rather spend your days on a boat or your evenings somewhere more low-key.

Marmaris

Best for: Groups, families and holidays with more going on
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 1 hour 20 minutes

Marmaris is the largest resort in the area, with a long promenade, a busy marina, and plenty of places to eat, drink and spend the evening. It’s also where you’ll find many of the region’s larger All Inclusive hotels. Take a look at our Marmaris holidays for lively nightlife and a buzzing harbour promenade.

Icmeler

Best for: Families and couples
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes

If Marmaris sounds a little too busy, Icmeler is usually the next place people look. The sheltered bay, pine-covered hills and relaxed seafront make it somewhere you’ll soon get your bearings. Check out our Icmeler holidays for a quieter bay with calm, family-friendly waters.

Turunç

Best for: Couples and quieter breaks
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 2 hours 30 minutes

Getting to Turunç means following a winding coast road before the bay comes into view. Once you’re there, life centres around the beach, the harbour and finding somewhere to eat overlooking the water. See our Turunç holidays for a laid-back village feel away from the crowds.

Fethiye

Best for: First-time visitors and exploring the area
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 50 minutes

Fethiye feels like a real Turkish town as much as a holiday resort. The working harbour, marina and market give it a more local feel, while Ölüdeniz and Çalis Beach are both close enough for a day trip. Take a look at our Fethiye holidays for a working harbour town packed with local charm.

Çalis Beach

Best for: Families and slower-paced beach holidays
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 1 hour

People drift down to the promenade before dinner, then stay to watch the sun disappear behind the bay. The long, flat seafront is made for family strolls, whether you’re pushing a buggy or heading back from the beach.

Ölüdeniz

Best for: Scenery, couples and families
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes

The Blue Lagoon is what brings many people here, but you’ll soon find yourself looking up as well as out, with paragliders floating down from Babadağ throughout the day. Sheltered water makes swimming a favourite with families. Discover our Ölüdeniz holidays for that famous Blue Lagoon and paragliding views.

Hisarönü and Ovacık

Best for: Value and hilltop stays
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 1 hour

Set in the hills above Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü and Ovacık often feel a bit cooler on summer evenings. Hisarönü has more bars and restaurants, while neighbouring Ovacık is more of a laid-back choice. Compare our Hisarönü holidays and Ovacık holidays.

Dalyan

Best for: Nature and couples
Approx. transfer from Dalaman Airport: 30 minutes

Dalyan doesn’t have a resort beach of its own – but İztuzu Beach is only a boat trip away, along with reed beds, Lycian rock tombs and the town's mud baths. The river shapes the rhythm of the day, giving Dalyan a different feel from the nearby beach resorts. Explore our Dalyan holidays for river cruises, ancient ruins and turtle-spotting beaches.

Dalaman town

Best for: Late arrivals and early flights

Dalaman town is where most holidays to Dalaman begin. While the beaches and larger resorts are further along the coast, it’s a practical place to stay if you’re arriving late or flying home early.

Dalaman All Inclusive holidays

You'll find most Dalaman All Inclusive hotels in Marmaris, Icmeler and Fethiye, with plenty of choice depending on how you like to holiday. Marmaris has a strong run of beachfront resorts right on the water, along with adults-only hotels for couples who'd rather skip the kids' clubs. Icmeler and Fethiye lean more towards family villages, with pools, kids' clubs and entertainment built around younger guests. Some people like to fill every day with trips, while others are happiest lounging by the pool from the moment they arrive. Check out our All Inclusive Marmaris holidays, Icmeler All Inclusive holidays or All Inclusive Fethiye holidays if you'd rather have meals and drinks covered for the whole trip

Family holidays in Dalaman

Family holidays in Dalaman are all about calmer beaches, fewer “Are we nearly there yet?” moments, and hotels designed with kids in mind. Families with little ones often head for İçmeler, Çalış Beach or Turunç, while Ölüdeniz’s sheltered lagoon is a popular spot for a swim. Many hotels also have pools, kids’ clubs and entertainment, leaving less for you to organise. See our Icmeler holidays, Turunç holidays and Ölüdeniz holidays for more low-key coastal alternatives nearby

Cheap & last-minute holidays to Dalaman

Cheap and last-minute holidays to Dalaman are often easier to come by if you’re flexible about when and where you travel. Marmaris and Icmeler have plenty of hotels, so they’re often the first resorts people check when a last-minute break suddenly becomes an option. Booking earlier gives you more choice, but it’s always worth keeping an eye on last-minute Marmaris holidays and cheap Icmeler holidays.

Things to do in the Dalaman area

The Dalaman area has tons to see beyond the beach. One day might be spent watching paragliders drift over Ölüdeniz, the next taking a boat to Butterfly Valley or İztuzu Beach, cooling off in Saklıkent Gorge or staying by the promenade for sunset at Çalis Beach. Patara Beach is another favourite for a day out. Check out our pick of things to do in Dalaman to plan day trips and excursions before you go.

Dalaman vs other Turkey gateways

The Dalaman area makes sense if you haven’t settled on one type of holiday. Along Turkey’s greener southwest Turquoise Coast, one airport serves everything from Marmaris and its bigger All Inclusive hotels to slower-paced spots like Icmeler, Turunç and Dalyan. Bodrum holidays are centred around the peninsula, while Antalya is better known for larger All Inclusive beach resorts.

Best time to go to Dalaman

The Dalaman holiday season runs from May to October, with warm weather throughout the summer and into early autumn. July and August bring the hottest temperatures and the busiest resorts, while May, June, September and October are often a better fit if you’d rather swap peak-season crowds for a little more space. Flights from the UK to Dalaman Airport take around four hours, with most resorts an easy drive from the airport.

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10-26 ℃

To make the most of the higher Turkish temperatures, book your Dalaman holidays between July and August.

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4 hours

Flights land at Dalaman International Airport, which is about five miles from the centre of town.

Map of Dalaman

Dalaman is best for...

Quiet Nights Out: Ideal for couples and families, the nightlife is relatively low-key, with bars and restaurants preferring traditional Turkish music and dancing over thumping club tunes.

Nature lovers: Spot nesting caretta caretta (loggerhead) turtles bobbing in the water at the Marina.

Families: Take the kids sliding down the octopus arms at Atlantic Waterpark in Marmaris.

Getting around Dalaman

Near the airport: Dalaman is a busy transport hub. You’re close to Dalaman International Airport, while a quick taxi ride will get you into the centre in just a few minutes. Save money by sharing a cab with your fellow travellers.

By minibus: Once you’re in the town centre, getting around is easy. You’ll find plenty of minibuses (dolmus) which run throughout the city. The otogar (main bus station) is in the city centre.

Fast facts for Dalaman

Language: The primary language spoken is Turkish. Although the locals understand basic English, pack a phrasebook or download an app to try out a few basics like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your Sterling for Turkish Lira before jetting off on your holidays here.

Local time: Dalaman is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Dalaman Airport. The transfer time to Dalaman is between 1.5 hours and 2 hours 40 minutes.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Dalaman is 4 hours.

Visas and health: If you’re a British Citizen and you’re travelling to Dalaman for a holiday, you will not need a visa unless you are planning on staying for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. If you need any more advice on Turkey visas, or entry requirements - please visit FCDO website for the latest guidance.

Holiday destinations related to Dalaman:

Events in Dalaman

Folk dancing: Take your holidays to Dalaman in May and you’ll be expected to join in with the celebrations at the Marmaris International Maritime And Spring Festival. Marmaris comes alive with every street hosting a different event. Expect everything from sporting contests to photography exhibitions and boat-building battles. Don’t forget to leave some time to see the sandcastle competition on the beach.

Sail away: October sees Marmaris International Race Week hitting the waves. You’ll see world-class yachts from around the world competing against each other in the most colourful regatta this side of the Mediterranean!

Turtle festival: Nearby Dalyan hosts the Caretta Caretta Festival, in honour of the local Loggerhead Turtles, with traditional songs and high-octane water sports.

Up in the air: In October, the Ölüdeniz Air Games in October fill the skies with multi-coloured hang-gliders, parachutes and microlight aircraft gliding from the top of the Babadağ mountain onto the lagoon below.

Dalaman safety and security

For up to date advice on travelling to Dalaman, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/safety-and-security

Dalaman weather

Temperatures: 10°C -26°C

As with the rest of Turkey, Dalaman enjoys hot summers and mild winters. If you want to get some sightseeing under your belt on your Dalaman holidays, the spring temperatures are cool enough to make it comfortable, hovering in the low twenties. However, if it’s heat you want, head over during the summer months, when the mercury climbs up to the low thirties. September through to November offers warm weather, while the winter sees conditions cool into the mid-teens.

More hotels in Dalaman

Popular Dalaman holiday resorts

MarmarisMarmaris holidays combine beach days with a resort that’s still buzzing long after the sun goes down. It sits on the Dalaman coast, one of the standout spots for Turkey holidays. It’s wrapped around a long sandy bay where you’ll find All Inclusive resorts, Self Catering apartments and hotels for every kind of holiday.

Olu DenizBacked by pine-covered mountains and home to the country’s famous Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz holidays have blossomed into one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. However, while there’s plenty of opportunities to laze the days away on a Blue Flag beach and soak up some sunshine, holidays here offer much more than a just chance to top up your tan.

DalyanSitting 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.

FethiyeExperience 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.

IcmelerHolidays 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.

KalkanIf you’re looking to treat your family or your better half to a little slice of luxury, then book one of our holidays to Kalkan. Once an idyllic fishing village, this holiday resort is now a mixture of old-school Turkish charm and modern, high-end hotels.

HisaronuOnce a quiet, mountainside village, Hisarönü, Turkey, bears all the hallmarks of a laid-back holiday haven. However, looks can be deceptive. While the destination has retained much of its old-school Turkish charm, it’s a buzzing holiday destination with plenty of things to see and do.

OvacikIf you’re looking for peace, quiet, and a warm slice of Turkish hospitality, book your holidays to Ovacik this year. There are plenty of resorts in the area, such as Hisarönü, renowned for their noisy nightlife. Ovacik offers downtime that’s much more laid-back and relaxed, making it an ideal choice for families or couples looking to unwind.

TuruncOnce a sleepy little fishing village, Turunc Turkey has claimed its rightful place as one of the county’s most desirable holiday destinations. Set against a backdrop of pine-scented forests and mountains, and perched on the edge of a horseshoe-shaped bay, holidays to Turunc Turkey are for travellers who want to enjoy the slower pace of Turkish life.

Places similar to Dalaman to visit

Antalya RegionAntalya is one of Turkey's most popular regions with Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 13,103 guests booking a holiday here over the past year. Home to long stretches of coastline, ancient ruins, and a huge choice of All-Inclusive resorts, it offers real variety whether you're after relaxation or a bit of sightseeing along the way.

BodrumBodrum holidays are some of the most popular Turkey holidays on offer, giving you more than one way to spend a week on the Aegean coast. From lively resorts and family-friendly bays to stylish waterfront towns, holidays to Bodrum can look very different depending on where you stay.

IzmirThe lively port city of Izmir is situated on Turkey’s spectacular western coastline. It’s the third biggest settlement in the country, and has been a significant port on the Aegean Sea since ancient times. Today, Izmir holidays will take you to a cosmopolitan place, complete with a buzzy harbour, modern boutiques and a glorious pier built by none other than Monsieur Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame).

FAQs

Where is Dalaman and how long is the flight?

Dalaman is on Turkey’s southwest Turquoise Coast, with flights from the UK taking around four hours to Dalaman Airport. Most people fly here for the surrounding resorts, including Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Dalyan and Turunç.

Is Dalaman a resort or just an airport?

Dalaman is an airport town and gateway to Turkey’s southwest coast, rather than a beach resort. After landing, most people travel on to coastal resorts such as Marmaris, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Dalyan.

Which Dalaman resort should I choose?

Choose Marmaris if you enjoy being in the middle of it all, Icmeler or Turunç for a quieter bay, Fethiye for exploring, Ölüdeniz for the Blue Lagoon, and Dalyan for riverside stays. Hisarönü and Ovacık are inland above Ölüdeniz, often with better value and cooler evenings.

Is the Dalaman area good for All Inclusive holidays?

Yes. The Dalaman area is a good choice for All Inclusive holidays, with most options in Marmaris, İçmeler and Fethiye. Marmaris has many of the larger beachfront hotels, while İçmeler and Fethiye combine family-friendly stays, adults-only hotels and places where you can easily head out beyond the hotel.

Is Dalaman good for families?

Yes, Dalaman is good for families, particularly in Icmeler, Çalis Beach, Turunç and Ölüdeniz. Look for calmer bays, hotels with pools and kids’ clubs, and shorter transfers if you’re travelling with little ones in tow. Ölüdeniz’s sheltered lagoon is a good pick for more confident swimmers.

Which resort is best for nightlife – and which for a quiet break?

Marmaris is the go-to resort for nightlife, while Turunç and Dalyan are better options if you’re looking to unwind. İçmeler sits somewhere in the middle, with seafront restaurants and bars without the same late-night pull as Marmaris.

How far are the resorts from Dalaman Airport?

Most Dalaman resorts are around 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes from Dalaman Airport. Dalyan is around 30 minutes away, Fethiye around 50 minutes, Çalis Beach around 1 hour, Marmaris around 1 hour 20 minutes, Icmeler around 1 hour 30 minutes and Turunç around 2 hours 30 minutes.

When is the best time to go to Dalaman?

The best time to go to Dalaman is between May and October, when Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is warm enough for beach holidays. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while May, June, September and October usually bring warm days, better value and more space.

Are there cheap or last-minute holidays to Dalaman?

Yes. Cheap holidays and last-minute holidays to Dalaman are easier to find if you’re flexible on your travel dates and resort. Marmaris and İçmeler often have more hotels to choose from, making them good places to check first.