Things To Do In Dalyan

Updated 4 March 2020 | by Lara McComish

River boat in Dalyan

Dalyan is a pretty little Turkish town sat snug on the Dalyan River. Often overlooked for its neighbours Marmaris and Fethiye, we'd say it's about time you discovered Dalyan town. Let's start by exploring the best things to do in Dalyan; a riverside resort perfect for the entire family. 

1. Sink into a mud bath

Mud bath

Have a sulphur-rich soak at Sultaniye Thermals and Mud Baths. Start your treatment in high spirits by first taking a boat across Lake Köyceğiz, it's an idyllic way to get there and a thrilling experience for children. On arrival, lather up and then lay back and let all that natural goodness sink in. The kids will have a giggle at you donning mud-hued war paint.

2. Explore a turtle beach

Iztuzu Beach near Dalyan beach

Round up your little explorers for a family holiday trip to see the loggerhead turtles at Iztuzu Beach. The southside is home to a sea turtle reserve, so you can enjoy the sun side by side these shelled beauties, but don't forget to cover up yourselves in the summer - this beach gets hot, hot, hot!

3. Visit the Lycian Tombs

Lycian Tombs in Kaunos near Dalyan

The learning needn't stop while the kids are on holiday in Turkey. Take them to the Tombs of the Kings; these amazing tomb structures carved right into the riverside rockface in the ancient city of Kaunos. Folklore has it that the Lycians placed their dead in high places so that they could be brought to the afterlife. 

4. Discover Kaunos

Amphitheatre ruins in Kaunos near Dalyan, Turkey

Plan a day exploring historic Kaunos. Mentioned above for its famous tombs, Kaunos was an ancient city and today is largely made up of some remarkable archaeological city ruins. You'll already have ticked off the Lycian Tombs, thanks to this handy guide. Some others to check out are the magnificent Greek-inspired amphitheatre and the fountain house by the main harbour. Your little history geeks will be in awe!

5. Shop at the markets

Gözleme pastry from the markets

Spend a Saturday of your holiday at the Dalyan Saturday market. This small market offers an eclectic selection of goods, including local honey, bags and of course, gözleme; a traditional savoury pastry treat the kids will crave for the rest of the holiday. A must visit to pick up souvenirs for your kids' friends and perhaps some authentic Turkish spices for yourself too. 

Make your holiday base one of our villas in Dalyan