ABOUT DALYAN
We asked those of us who came to Dalyan many years ago and fell in love with the region, as well as our local and foreign neighbors who settled in this town after retirement, "Why Dalyan?" We want to share the answers we received with you.
They say, "There's the sea, there's a lake, there's a canal, there's nature, there's history, there are lush green mountains, fragrant pine forests and fresh air, there's the warm Aegean sun and a clear blue sky, there's honey, there's fish, there's olive oil... what more could you want?" This tranquil Aegean town truly has everything. We wish we could describe Dalyan adequately. That's hardly possible, but we'll try our best to tell you as much as we can.
Dalyan is now a neighborhood of Ortaca district in Muğla, due to the metropolitan municipality law. Although it was a sub-district in previous years, this is its current status. This charming town, built along the canal that carries the cool waters of Lake Köyceğiz to the sea, takes its name from this delta. The lagoon fishing industry, established for the commercial benefit of the rich population of mullet, sea bass, and sea bream in Lake Köyceğiz, is another contributing factor. Thanks to recent promotional efforts, Dalyan is beginning to take its rightful place in Turkish tourism and is steadily progressing towards becoming one of the most popular holiday and accommodation destinations. For travelers, topics such as accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and tours in Dalyan are of great importance, and we aim to enlighten you on these matters.
Dalyan is a holiday destination with affordable accommodation options for world travelers. Daily rates per person in accommodations offering full and half-board services range from approximately 70 to 150 Turkish Lira. Kardak Tourism offers tour services to introduce our guests to the beauties of Dalyan, including Lake Köyceğiz, Sultaniye thermal springs, mud baths, rock tombs, İztuzu beach, Ekincik bays and caves, Caretta Caretta turtles, blue crabs, and many more. Our tour programs include guides assigned to inform you about Dalyan and answer any questions you may have.
Many years ago, the region where Lake Köyceğiz is located was an agricultural area irrigated and cultivated by the Dalaman, Yuvarlak, and Namnam rivers. However, due to major earthquakes in history, it was invaded by seawater and became a port. Because the Dalaman River is a high-flow waterway and the alluvial delta it carries formed, its connection with the sea decreased, and over time it transformed into a freshwater lake. Lake Köyceğiz has a rich population of bird and fish species. The region is also an important center for birdwatching enthusiasts and fishing enthusiasts.
As evidenced by the rock tombs that have become a symbol of Dalyan, this region has been home to many civilizations, primarily the Lycian and Carian civilizations. Historically, the Dalyan Canal formed the border between the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, and was also considered the border between the Lycian and Carian civilizations. Although the Dalaman River, which has changed its course, is now considered the border between the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, the true border is the Dalyan Canal.
The Dalyan canal is a vital habitat not only for humans but also for wildlife. It serves as a natural highway for creatures such as mullet, sea bass, bream, and blue crabs, which live in Lake Köyceğiz and the Dalyan canals and depend on the sea for their breeding season. These creatures, whose populations reach their maximum levels during this period, are caught by the Dalyan Aquaculture Cooperative (DALKO) using traditional fishing methods and constitute a significant source of income for the local population. One of the must-do activities for our guests visiting Dalyan is experiencing the delicious taste of blue crabs.
Swimming in Lake Köyceğiz and the beaches of İztuzu, health and beauty treatments at the Sultaniye thermal springs and mud baths, a journey through history with the ancient city of Kaunos and its rock tombs, a tan under the Aegean sun, abundant oxygen in nature, healthy three-meal meals with organic products, and so much more. Dalyan and a holiday in Dalyan have so much to offer you and your holiday memories. Let's meet and share the beauties of this region.
