Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey / Turkish Aegean / Dalyan
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| | | | Review by Ameenah Darbar from Ealing
Dalyan was a beautiful idyllic place to be, surrounded by mountains at every view. There was plenty to do and the local boats would take you where you wanted to go. It was very clean, the locals were more than friendly and really looked after us. They love children and were very attentive towards them in a lovely way. We felt safe the whole time and walking to our villa in the dark also felt safe. It had everything you could need in town and along the little coca cola shops going into town. Food was lovely and cooked very well with a seperate kids menu. Plenty of souvenir shops, that you be spoilt for choice, although I would wait for the Saturday market before buying in the shops if you are on a budget! It was perfect for a romantic break for two or for a holiday with the family. Will definately be going back in the future!!!
Review by Karen Durrant from Poulton le Fylde
A truly wonderful destination, with friendly, welcoming people who cannot do enough for you. Our holiday was late in the season, and the area was relatively quiet, just what we required. The activities offered, island cruises, boat trips, mud baths,etc were very good value. Eating out was very inexpensive, and vegetarians were well catered for. Our first, but definitely not our last trip to Turkey.
Review by susan Brett from Foxley
Dalyan is a magical place with a multitude of things to do and see, theres a laid back nightlife suitable for people of all ages. Day trips and excursions are what Dalyan is about ranging from ancient ruins to turtle watching ( I still cant believe how big they were ) the mud bath and hot springs is an absolute must.
Review by gary and danielle humphries from swindon
we wanted a break where we could relax and try a variety of different foods,and dalyan was ideal.dalyan was perfect for what we was looking for,it was warm weather,very freindly and a great atmosphere.cheap beer and the food was amazing.
already planning a trip for next year.
Review by Jenny Meloy from Hythe
Lovely area , good easy access restaurants with wheelchair, unspoilt but should stop building now. Beach lovely also unspoilt.
Review by Lisa Bragg from Bury St Edmunds
Dalyan has a great boat co-operative. It's well worth getting together with friends to hire a private boat for the day. We found this to be much less expensive than you would think and one of the highlights of our holiday. Also - try the Turkish pizza called Pide - its excellent! Everyone was very friendly. Although Dalyan is quite obviously a tourist detination, it's quite low key compared to other resorts. Highly recommended.
Review by Angela Thorne from Southend on Sea
Dalyan is a friendly laid-back river resort serviced by many local boats which will take you to the beach and beautiful lake. There are many restaurants and bars together with local greengrocers and supermarkets which makes Dalyan a great destination for those wanting to "self-cater" or eat out (or a mixture of both). The weather is spectacular - 35 degrees in September and the cooling afternoon breeze is very welcome. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with only a 4 hour flight from Gatwick then give Dalyan a visit - you will not be disappointed.
Review by Damien Olley from Canterbury
Dalyan is arguably the nicest holiday destination we have visited. The scenery is wonderful and the river cruise to the beach is a wildlife adventure all by itself. We saw kingfishers, turtles, heron every time we went. The people could not have been friendlier, the food was wonderful and everything was such good value. We will be returning next year which is something we have never done before!
Review by roger williams from milford haven
Dalyan is a beautiful part of Turkey which is also enhanced by the overwhelming friendliness of the local people, add to this the lovely climate and it makes one wonder why we are not spending more time there.
Review by Colette ODonnell from Corby
Dalyan is the perfect place to go if you want to have the choice of relaxing in the sunshine or getting out and about to see some beautiful natural and historical sites. The location puts it within a couple of hours drive of some great places to visit and the transport is nice and cheap too. The local people are very friendly and they haven't yet got the hang of touting you into their bars and restaurants which means walking down the street isn't a nightmare! There are lots of dogs and cats about but they are harmless and friendly, although if you like animals you may find yourself throwing your scraps for them!!
Review by Ian Goode from Bisley
Dalyan is very laid back and in a stunning setting. There is no need to hire a car because there is so much to do locally and via booking the extremely good value day trips. In fact the overall holiday exceeded expectations and amazingly it didn't hurt the wallet too much either!
Review by Ian Damarell from Forest
We love Dalyan - it is busy without being too hectic, and the surrounding countryside and waterways are enchanting. Plus the Turkish people are just wonderful - friendly, happy and never too pushy.
Review by Phill Stoker from Manchester
Dalyan was a real find. Quiet, affordable, good range of eating places, lots to do and still more activities we could do on another visit. We had the most relaxing holiday in ages. Plenty to keep the kids interested, with loads of trips to take up or just catch a boat/bus to the beach and enjoy the warm sea. Will definately be returning soon.
Review by tony bond from nottingham
Dalyan was very pleasant - very hot in August but with a helpful afternoon breeze. Best activities: chartering a boat to explore neighbouring coves in a relaxed way for swimming, snorkelling, photography (with barbecue on the boat!). Excellent eating out (unusually for us as vegetarians familiar with France). Hired a car to visit ancient sites at Patara, Letoon, Tlos and Xanthos (in order of preference). Didn't like Istuzu beach: heavily commercialized, unpleasant sand (whatever they claim), no shade. Best beach visited: Patara - but don't have high expectations if you're used to North Cornish coast!
Advice: don't vegetate: go to Saklikent; get out on early morning boat trips in marvellous light (but avoid watching dran river turtles eating raw chicken fed by tourists!); and give your camera a workout at ancient sites for architecture, landscapes and wildlife.
Review by Jacky Welch from Enfield
Love Dalyan. Friendly people. loads of good restaurants . Riverside Restaurants have good views of Rock tombs. Great boat ride to the beach. lots of available excursions if you want them. Market day (Saturday) enjoyable and great fun. Buy local produce or genuine fakes cheap as chips as the locals would say.Can not wait to return.
Review by Martin McCracken from Nuneaton
Dalyan is a gem of a place. big enough not to be boring but small enough to be friendly and welcoming. Scenery is beautiful and unspoilt. Fantastic holiday destination.
Review by Carole Clarke from Hebburn
Dalyan is a beautiful place where you can relax amongst some wonderful scenery.
Review by amanda calveley from Birkenhead
Dalyan has everything for all ages! beautiful scenery you just cant beat hiring a boat for the day and leisurely seeing the sights on the river, beach and the lake wonderful restaurants with some of the best fish dishes we have had but also offering plainer food for the less adventurous 16 year old in our party!! We cant get over how friendly everyone is and nothing is too much trouble We had our favourite bars and the younger members spent most of their time at the sofra bar which provided several memorable nights out on the Karaoke and thanks to the great staff always playing their taste in music (and sometimes ours too!) meant they enjoyed their holiday also We have fallen in love with Dalyan and have recommended it to several of our friends one of whom went this year and is going back also next year and another who has already booked for next June!! Perhaps I should have been selfish and kept this delightful little place a secret but I really cant stop singing Dalyans praises Roll on Summer 2010!!
Review by Sam Howson from Ashbourne
This was our 2nd visit to Dalyan, it is a great resort for families and couples. Over 200 restaurants in the town they will suit every budget and all tastes! You can choose quiet bars and drink cocktails lazing on cushions or busier bars with music and sport. Catch the rowboat over to Kaunos and explore the ruins and the rock tombs and you must do the sunset tour over to the lake, mud baths and thermal spa. The beach can be reached either by boat gliding through the reed beds or by dolmus, both are a great way to travel if you go on the dolmus you can visit the turtle rehabilitation centre and see the great work the university are doing to help preserve Caretta Caretta. The market on Saturday is loud, busy and great fun. Other recommendations are the 12 island cruise and hiring a boat and having a sunset BBQ-bliss. We hope you enjoy Dalayan as much as us- See you next year!!!!
Review by david allen from sudbury
The holiday to Dalyan was our 6h and in a nutshell the area people food everything cannot be reccomende enough,once you go here you wont go anywhere else.There is no hard sell from the locals it is not an expensive resort and whatever you want to do you can if you want to find it.There are even 2 night clubs but i have yet to see any problems with drunks or here excess noise from them. best sumarised as try it and you will love it
Review by norma lambie from glasgow
Dalyan was a jewel of a place, beautiful scenery wildlife and calm way of life. The people were exceptionally helpful, friendly and adored children. They went out of their way to oblige you - a fantastic place for a holiday.
Review by Sherry Falaise from Barking, Essex
Dalyan is a very friendly place with good value restaurants, lovely scenery and an inexpensive place to stay.
The river trips are very good and an enjoyable experience to get to the beach.
Review by kirsty donaldson from edinburgh
Dalyan offers a great balance of unspoilt turkish charm and tradition along side great shopping, bars, restaurants and clubs. It is a place that has something for everyone. Everyone makes you feel so welcome!
Review by Derek Salloway from Breaston Derby
Dalyan is the nearest place to paradise that I can imagine. It is situated on a river with the rock tombs of some ancient civilisation overlooking it and which contains some picturesque restaurants mounted on platforms over the water. The area contains something for everyone from turtle watching to river trips to the turtle beach, to mud baths,safari trips and water rafting, perusing through the markets in Dalyan and other resorts nearby.The scenery is breath taking, the beaches are both long and very clean. Try taking the 12 island boat tour, swimming from the boat,enjoying a meal and having a really relaxing day and later shopping and perhaps visiting one the many bars and resturaunts. The people are warm and very friendly but their attitude to the street dogs leaves much to be desired. Some sort of control is required to the number of dogs patrolling the streets and maybe the castration of the dogs and the neutering of all the bitches would help the problem. Overall, Dalyan is so laid back and such a beautiful part of the world that I would recomm end that everyone should make at least one visit in their lifetime.
Review by CHRIS REX from BASILDON
DALYAN IS IDEAL FOR A RELAXING -HOLIDAY NEAR A RIVER .WITH A LOCAL SATURDAY MKT .AND WITH MANY GOOD EATING PLACES . NICE TOWN SQUARE RECENTLY BEEN MODERNISED . WERE YOU CAN SEAT WATCH THE BOATS COME IN AND SEE THE ROCK TOMBS -TO KANOS . RESTURANT CEYHAN OPPOSITE TOMBS IS VERY NICE -THEY ALSO HAVE LARGE TURTLES THAT COME UP TO THE RIVER BANK AT CERTAIN TIMES .
GREAT EVENING PLACE SUNRAY LOUNGE FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN GREAT SURROUNDINGS . OTHER EATING PLACES TO GO ARE "LEY LEY" -BOTANIC GARDENS {GREAT VALUE} AND BOTH HAVE LOVELY SEATING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRIVATE EVENINGS. I,AM SLIGHTLY BIASED AS MY DAUGHTER AND HER ENGLISH BOYFRIEND HAVE LIVED IN DALYAN FOR 2YRS -THEY ACT AS AGENTS FOR APART/VILLA RENTALS.
WWW.ComeToDalyan.com
They are very competitive and are the only AGENTS who offer "WELCOME PACKS" for provisions due to the FLIGHT TIMES into DALAMAN - were the SUPERMKTS close at 11.00 PM. Hope this is constructive and of interest.
CHRIS REX.
Review by Joan Butler from London
Dalyan is a beautiful holiday resort, not too busy and the locals are so friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The Saturday market is an experience and we had fun haggling with the traders. I would recommend this resort to anybody. The river trips are spectacular, and turtle beach is beautiful with warm seas.
Review by Pauline Pearce from Warwickshire
Dalyan is enchating its flavoured with traditional values but welcomes its visitors with the openess of an extended family - Not just an ordinary holiday more like a discovery of people and places that will touch your heart forever
Review by Ann Rushton from Harrow
Dalyan is an interesting town. Still largely unspoilt. Plenty to do and see and some good restaurants.
Review by Shirley Wright from Edinburgh
Dalyan is beautiful and unspoilt and is a hidden gem in Turkey. There is nothing more magical than dining by the riverside and looking across the water at the amazing Rock Tombs. These are lit up at night and has to be one of the best dining out experiences you could ever wish for. The town is never too busy in May and the food is excellent and good value for money. There are numerous small shops in the town and plenty excursions to keep you busy. Dalyan is only 30 minutes from Dalaman airport and therefore one of the shortest transfer times you could wish for. Overall, this is an upmarket town which embraces tourism but has not been spoilt by it.
Review by Irene Halliday from Swinton Manchester
All amenities were within just a few minutes walking distance. People so friendly and trusting.
Review by Jacqui Morris from Runcorn
Excellent family location, beautiful views and plenty of places to visit, see and dine at. Great value for money
Review by tony montague from glasgow
dalyan is a wonderful place to visit,after going to about 7 resorts ive now found one i can go to time and time again and still love it,the people are friendly and you dont get the usual hassles like people coming up to you in the street asking you to come to their bar/restaraunt etc etc,cant wait to go back in september
Review by Carole Purnell from Warminster
I fell in love with Dalyan the first time I visited several years ago and have visited frequently since. The charm of Dalyan never seems to wear off. It offers so much from sun bathing, a gorgeous unspoilt beach, history, white water rafting, paragliding, walking, diving; you name it and Dalyan seems to offer it! The shopping and food are fantastic, local transport is cheap and readily available and the low cost of living really is the icing on the cake.
Review by Salina Crosby from Bolton
Dalyan is a needle in a haystack! It's absolutely beautiful, peaceful and yet so lively and it has a lot to offer. The people are unbeliveably friendly and so helpful, there are so many restaraunts and shops, you can hire bikes, cars or scooters to get about. The beautiful iztuzu (turtle) beach is only a 10 minute drive or a 15 min boat ride away. There is a local post office, butchers, two supermarkets, cash machines, weekly markets (on saturday) which are great and daily boat rides and excursions to places like Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye. From Dalyan we went to Marmaris, Koycegiz, Mudbaths, Olu Deniz (blue lagoon beach which was breath taking!), Saklikent, Ortaca and many more. There are loads of things to do in Dalyan and it is a great base from which to explore other places in Turkey. I would highly recommend Dalyan to anyone, whether it be families or couples or friends, it will suit everyone if you want a peaceful, enjoyable holliday.
The only thing which we didn't like in Dalyan was the food. We didn't really enjoy any restaraunt meal in any of the restaraunts in Dalyan, and we were so relieved when we found a McDonalds in Marmaris!
Review by William Doyle from Scunthorpe
WOW !!!!! What a fortnight of pleasure
Review by Carole McKellar from Falkirk
Dalyan is heaven on earth sitting on the edge of the river surrounded by stunning scenery. The beach is lovely with a long stretch of golden sand. All the people we met were very friendly and helpful. We had some nice meals out but the best meal was fresh fish barbequed on the boat we sailed down the river on. Captain Mehmet Ozalp was the perfect host for the day and we would definately use him in future trips. He can be found at the far end of the harbour neat the Ozalp Hotel.His boat is called Yogur or something like that. He took us to the mud baths and hot springs and then to the beach where we had lunch and then stopped for us to visit Cuanos all done at our own pace. Fantastic day!
Review by jordan pearson from Leeds
Dalyan is a place for families, friends, and couples who want a relaxing and fun time, there's lots of things to do from white water rafting, water sports, boat trips, mud baths and thermal springs, massages. There is something for everyone and every age at an affordable price. the evening has quiet restaraunts and bars, with the occasional fun, theme bars for the younger people.
The scenary and weather is beautiful and you're surrounded by mountains and the sea. If you want a relaxing holiday with nice restaraunts and friendly quiet bars with genuine friendly people surrounded by unspoilt cultural beauty then Dalyan is perfect.
If you want loud, crazy, parties, drink untill the dawn then you should go to the likes of Marmaris.
Review by member Tree from Maidstone
We had an absolutely wonderful holiday in Dalyan. It was our first experience of Turkey so we did not know what to expect and we were slightly apprehensive. However, the Villa was fantastic. It was sparkerlingly clean, had every modern convenience, light and spacious with a great pool and only a short walk from Dalyan town centre.
Dalyan was brilliant, fairly quiet during the day where you could sit in the square with a drink and soak up the atmosphere and the sun, the boat trips are great and the beach is beautiful. The food is extremely good and great value.
We are so in love with the place we cant wait to return next year.
Review by Lee Williams from Par,Cornwall.
The people in Dalyan are genuinely freindly and welcoming,something that other countries would do well to adopt.
Review by Jon Lovell from Sittingbourne
Our flights were booked with XL who went under 3 days before we were due to travel. We were lucky enough to secure more flights but to Antalya airport 4 hours away, a stressful couple of days. However, Paul Osbourne and Oruc were fantastic in putting our minds at ease and arranging transfers at 4am from Antalya airport. When we arrived at the villa all our worries and stress vanished instantly.
The villa is beautiful and spacious with full amenities and luxuries. Lovely views, lovely restaurants, lovely people, lovely diamonds (my fiance can confirm), lovely river cruises i could go on and on. My family of 8 and myself had an amazing time and my fiance and I maybe coming back to Dalyan to get married, i hope.
Go to Aksoy gold and diamonds and ask for Omar. Go to Ali's across from Aksoy for a good time and ask for Sexy Jimmy!!!
The Riverside Restaurant was the best in town, value for money, great food and service, with outstanding views of the rock tombs.
Thanks again to everyone who made our holiday perfect.
5 star+ we loved it.
Review by Ann and Nev Cave from Leicestershire
Nice place, one I might return to another year, especially as the weather in September is perfect. I like Dalyan, nice to get out and explore loads to do on this coast of Turkey.
Review by Gail Weston from Telford
Dalyan is a beautiful little town amid the stunning scenery of the Dalyan Delta. The people of the town give such a warm welcome and go out of their way to make your visit special.. There are more restaurants than you could possibly want and in five holidays we are far from sampling all of them. Not for those who want nightclubs or discos, but for those who love nature, history,peace and quiet, relaxing boat trips and a very safe feel to their holiday, it will not be beaten.
Review by Sandra Schultz from Barton On Humber
Pleasantly suprised by Dalyan it is a busy little town but still managed to be relaxing at the same time. Pretty, Scenic, Cultural with plenty of organised trips available, but the dolmus will also take you to the same destinations. Being on a a river with water taxis gave the holiday a different feel to the usual beach holiday although the beach was not far away. Plenty of Bars and restaurants which you will never get round all of them in a fortnight. If you like to shop there are jewellers, clothes, shoes, handbag shops to keep you happy. Would reccommend for families and couples but not for the young nightclubbers. Like a lot of other people we spoke to who have been back to Dalyan time and time again, we will definately be making a return visit.
Review by Julie Brigham from North Shields
Dalyan is a beautiful place to stay, is it unspoilt and felt extremely safe for our family. My daughter and I went diving a number of times and found this a wonderful experience, the staff who took us diving were most helpful, friendly and obliging, in fact this is how we found just about eveyone in Dalyan - shop keepers, restaurant staff, bar staff, PO staff and residents. We shall certainly return to Dalyan in years to come.
Review by Bill (Arthur) Robinson from Sidcup
This was our first visit to Turkey. We enjoyed the climate, the villa & pool, and the friendly people. Dalyyan would benefit from a better selection of shops...at the moment it's all restuarants and "tat dealers", none of whom will allow you to browse in peace without constantly being "in your face",while the banter can sometimes be fun it can verge on harrassment. Having said all that, we did have a lovely holiday and would consider returning to Turkey.
Review by Matt Stewart from Bristol
Dalyan is a delight. Just half an hour from the airport, you could be a world away. It's perfect for families with children and couples, both young and old alike.
Turkish hospitality is legendary, and the friendliness of Dalyan locals will quickly make you feel you've been here forever.
The Dalyan delta is a conservation area, with the spectacular 4km Istuzu beach, the breeding ground of the loggerhead turtle, just a 20 minute boat or dolmus ride away. There are no high rise hotels, in fact nothing to distract you from having a wonderful holiday.
Review by Rebecca Salvatierra from St.Albans
Dalyan has remained a quiet, relatively unspolit place to visit. Due to building restrictions and the conservation of the turtles it has remained turkish, rather than becoming another holiday resort. There are plenty of restaurants all producing excellent food. There are some great turkish cafes set in the side streets offering great food and excellent value for money. While there are now some bars with live music and a night club, the night life is limited making it an excellant place to visit with young families or for people who just want to relax. There are lots of excersions to enjoy which enable you to see the historic and breathtaking views of the area. It remains in my opinion one of the most beautiful places to visit. The people are friendly and make you feel very welcome and the weather is perfect.
Review by patrick Penel from carrieres in france
a lot of things to do in the area if you stay one week
Review by david morgan from port talbot
dalyan is a great town,the people are very friendly.we have been to dalyan twice and will be gong back again.great people in the starfish,rememberd us from last year.
Review by Paul Kisiel from Halesowen
A holiday with a non-traditional twist! The beautiful location is such a refreshing change to the normal hustle and bustle of seaside resorts yet it is only a 35 minute boat cruise upriver from a fantastic beach! The combination od great weather, friendly people and local attractions makes this a highly recommended destination for all types of people, irrespective of age etc.
Review by Julian Ball from Rustington, West Sussex
Dalyan is a great place for a holiday with the lake up the river, which was great to swim in and the sea a 40 minute boat ride down the river, the best of both worlds. It is a very friendly resort, great for families and not to busy, I would recommend it without hesitation
Review by Chris Hatt from Hemel Hempstead
Loads to do in Dalyan, peaceful beach, but Sarigerme Beach nearby for watersports and fun also. Safe for kids, etc. Great scenery, driving around mountain roads to Ekincik is great if your up for it! Different! Recommended!
Review by dean, Caroline,Ben Hendrie from Bedforrdshire
PEACEFUL AND QUITE RELAXING
Review by dean, Caroline,Ben Hendrie from Bedforrdshire
PEACEFUL AND QUITE RELAXING
Review by KATRIONA HIGHET from NEWMAINS
hey this was the second time i have been to dalyan, and i just know i will be back. i don,t normally go back to places ive been on holiday to, but i feel i will be back to dalyan and keep going back.i love it. it is very friendly and no one hasses you at any time. the people are just so warm and helpful,i recommend it to anyone even people who say they dont like turkey!!!!. my sister went to marmaris last year and said she would never go back to turkey, i took her to dalyan this year and now shes hooked yes she loved it. WE WILL BE BACK!!!
Review by Pauline Webster from Dover
Dalyan is such a beautiful Turkish town. The people are very friendly and helpful. This unspoilt town is full of history. The beach is the best....
Review by Jaci Andrews from Wirral,Merseyside, United Kingdom
Hos geldiniz!
Dalyan is a very special place. Like in the movie Brigadoon everyone is happy and loving and when you are not there it stays the same until your next visit.
If you want a holiday without hassle,being ripped off and all of the words I have used, go to Dalyan.
I have been visiting Dalyan for ten years and I can see each year when I return its has just got better. I say to myself how can this be improved but it does.
I have made long lasting friends with people I have met in Dalyan because we all have the same common idea of what a fantastic holiday we will have.
The locals are lovely and friendly.The restaurants are great and the bars are good value. The Beach is unspoilt, and of cource Caunos is magnificent.
I have been to many places in the world but I always come back because I am coming home.
Dalyanlu.
Review by Jaci Andrews from Wirral,Merseyside, United Kingdom
Hos geldiniz!
Dalyan is a very special place. Like in the movie Brigadoon everyone is happy and loving and when you are not there it stays the same until your next visit.
If you want a holiday without hassle,being ripped off and all of the words I have used, go to Dalyan.
I have been visiting Dalyan for ten years and I can see each year when I return its has just got better. I say to myself how can this be improved but it does.
I have made long lasting friends with people I have met in Dalyan because we all have the same common idea of what a fantastic holiday we will have.
The locals are lovely and friendly.The restaurants are great and the bars are good value. The Beach is unspoilt, and of cource Caunos is magnificent.
I have been to many places in the world but I always come back because I am coming home.
Dalyanlu.
Review by visitor
Lovely setting, peaceful and restful but still has plenty to see and do. Will definately go again and will recommend it to freinds and family. Lots of opportunity to meet local people, eat local food, see local beauty spots. - there are no burger stalls, disco's or British pubs in site.- Thankfully!!!!
Review by Justin Griffiths from Barry
Dalyan is a superb holiday destination for families and couples alike. The warmth of the weather is exceeded by the warmth of the people, we only went for one week yet made some wonderful friends and met some open and generous people. The area combines areas of great historical interest such as ruined cities with pools of relaxation such as the mud baths - an absolute must visit! We hired a captain and his boat for a day to take us on the lake, first to the mud baths, then the ruined city of Caunos and finally the world reknowned Turtle beach. We took some bread and meat along and the captain bar be qued on the boat for us! The cost of the captain and his vessel for the day was 150 YTL, however, something we were not told was that the baths and Caunos cost extra - 4 YTL per person for the baths and 5 YTL per person for Caunos. This would have been embarrassing had I decided to leave my wallet in the villa!
The Turkish markets at Ortaca and Dalyan were fabulous, though you must haggle with the stall holders and be firm if you don't wish to buy, although football shirts for £4 each was a bit much for the kids to resist. The food and tea stall holders will get you to try theirs products first, which is very nice.
The restaurants were above average, one in particular "ley ley" a few miles outside of Dalyan was outstanding. Our bill for nine of us came to approximately £80 and that was three courses and drinks. The restaurant will also send a minibus to pick you up and take you home again afterwards. One evening whilst dining there we met a local councillor, he bought us all drinks and invited us all to dine with him on the Saturday lunchtime all at his expense! Know any councillors like that in this country? The staff at the restaurant were fantastic, especially Spike and Jasmine. Everyone there works tirelessly to make sure you have a wonderful time, which we did on each of the 4 times we dined there.
The Turkish people love family and children, do not be surprised if they hug your child and make a fuss of them, this comes as a shock the first time it happens because of the stranger danger society we live in, but they mean know harm and in fact it is refreshing to see open and friendly behaviour.
In Dalyan there are a lot of dogs wandering the street, they are very friendly and mean no harm. Our children loved them and spent lots of time feeding and petting them. The dogs are in good condition and not manky or flea ridden, so do not feel intimidated by them. The whole holiday experience in Dalyan has made me re-ev aluate my priorities and the open honesty of the people (without exception) is a major contrast to British people on the whole.
I had an experience where on our last day I was looking to buy another bag or suitcase to take the extra stuff home, however, there were no bag shops open (we went out of season). A bar owner sat me down we a free cup of turkish tea and we had a long conversation while he got a shopkeeper to open their bag shop especially for me! Then he proceeded to knock her price down to get me a good deal - Ask yourself this, would that have happened in this country?
I cannot recommend Dalyan more wholeheartedly, it was our best holiday ever and we are already planning on going back to visit our new friends.
Review by Susan McDougall from Egham
Dalyan is a lovely place to visit. We went at the end of season in September so a few of the restaurants did not have all items listed on there menu. Otherwise it was all the was expected and more. We are returning this year but in June.
Review by Gail Hodson from Preston
Restaurand Ley Ley will send a free mini bus to collect you and the food and service are excellent. (say hello to Tyrone for us. (Spike).
Dalyan is a beautiful place, very friendly and relaxing and not spoilt by over development. It is ideal for families with many lovely restaurants.
Itzuzu beach is stunning, it is totally natural with no permanent buildings on it and has the mountains and the river as backdrop. The river taxis to the beach are a fabulous experience in their own right, meandering through the reeds at a laid back relaxing pace. Keep an eye open for the kingfishers and the storks.
This is the perfect area for a quiet holiday to get away from it all and is more of an upmarket area with a good deal of the accommodation being appartments and villas. Nothing is built higher than 2 stories. It is a really good value holiday too.
Review by keith quelch from ryde isle of wight
a nice location, as usual in turkey the people are friendly and very helpful nothing is to much trouble . dining out in the large selection of restuarants and the organised trips are all good value for money
Review by Martin Skingley from Basildon
Dalyan is in a great location about 25 Mins form Dalaman Airport. It offers everything that we require for a perfect holiday. It is surrounded by lush green mountains, but Dalyan itself is totally flat. There are many things to see and do from just relaxing with a drink along the river to the more energetic activities like Jeep Safaris. There is something for everyone.
We found the local people to be very helpful and honest and will go out of their way to help you.
The beautiful Iztuzu beach is about 20 Mins away by public bus or about 45 mins away by public boat.
The boat trips in Dalyan are a must and are also very relaxing. We recommend the Monday boat trip to Koycegiz Market and the Mud Baths - this is the best value trip we did in Dalyan.
There is plenty to do in the areas surrounding Dalyan as well with many of the popular tourist resorts and attractions within a 1 hour drive.
The season in Dalyan lasts from the beginning of May until the end of October, with great weather throughout.
Review by Yvonne Hewitt from Moreton in Marsh
Dalyan is a magical place. It's warm and friendly with plenty to see and do.
Review by fran cooper from spalding
when you first arrive in dalyan depending on the time of day you might think it looks like any other turkish town with a river running through it.... stroll awhile and you will soon learn it is much much more, weather you walk down to the river to look at all the boats and restuarants or wander through the back streets taking in all the breathtaking aromas of the jasmine and citris trees into the the many squares with a wide variety of shop selling everything from mouth watering mellons to freshly caught fish, and much more, you cannot fail to be impressed by the freindly reception you will will receive from the local people, take a boat trip along the river and try to catch a glimpse of the ellusive caratta caratta (giant turtle) and onto the golden sandy isuzu beach. mud baths, roman ruins, rock tombs, markets, so much to do.....or so little the choice is yours...what ever you choose a memerable destination. I will certanly be returning .....soon...
Review by Robin Knevitt from Norwich
People are always friendly on holiday but the Dalyan welcome is quite exceptional. Children are always made welcome and eating out is so reasonably priced that we'd hapily do that every day. We were quite worried our older teenagers would get bored but there is a great selection of cafes, bars and even nightclubs (that we vetted considering our youngest was seventeen!) and we were happy that the youngsters were in a safe environment. Cost is often a worry when you're in a large group especially if you enjoy travelling around and trying different experiences. Dalyan have set up extensive cooperative bus and boat trips with the same facilities as the tour operators but at significantly reduced costs. Try the smaller local bakers, patissarie, butcher and even supermarket to really taste the true hospitality of Dalyan and Turkey.
Review by Jackie Human from Cambridgeshire
Daylan was everything we hoped, traditional, welcoming and exciting to get to know. There is plenty of choices of places to eat, drink and shop. The atmosphere was relaxed and the people friendly. It was easy to book fun things to do from Dalyan in the surrounding area. Well done Dalyan
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Sorry, there is currently no general information available for this destination.
| | Available rental properties in Dalyan |
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| |  | | Villa Kehribar, Marmarli, Dalyan
Gorgeous Private detached villa with Air con & pool. Mountain views, garden, BBQ etc. 2 double, 1 twin, 2 baths.
Booking now for 2010 at 2009 rates until November!
|  | | Villa Orkide, Dalyan
DISCOUNTED weeks now available in OCTOBER. Luxury Villa with large private pool and jacuzzi, 400 yards from Dalyan main street WITH views of Rock Tombs.. 50 yards from lanscaped park.
|  | | Villa Zeytin Koru
Large luxury villa in a private, semi rural location, 'Book now for 2010 at this years prices until the end of October'. Set back behind the main street with magnificent views of the rock tombs.
|  | | Villa Caretta
Gorgeous large 3 bed Villa with Private pool and large gardens but minutes walk to shops and restaurants. Lots of Turkish charm and a great holiday base !
|  | | Villa Jamara, Dalyan, Turkey
Luxurious new 4 bedroomed villa,all en-suite, private pool. Tranquil area with spectacular views, only 5 minutes walk from quayside, restaurants etc.
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Holiday Rentals in Dalyan |
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 |  | Family and kids (212) | | | Unspoilt and charming (88) | | | Beautiful Scenery (80) | | | Good dining (63) | | | Culture and history (62) |
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