Dec
31
Dalaman Travel Guide
Filed Under Turkey
A trip to Dalaman
With long, stretching beaches, a glittering blue sea, fascinating culture and endless clubs, Dalaman caters to tourists of different tastes and likings. Turkish food is also not to be passed on while nightlife involves a lot of belly dancing. Strutting your stuff local style can be difficult to do after a hearty local meal, however. Dalaman is also home to majestic mountains and lovely valleys that bustle with millions of butterflies. There are also a few riverside resorts near Dalaman that are ideal for a family day out.
Flights to Dalaman
Travelling to Dalaman is easy as there’s a modern airport located only a short drive from the city centre. The airport receives a number of domestic flights from Istanbul and non-stop flights from Europe. Those from other cities in Turkey will have to fly to Istanbul first and get a connecting flight to Dalaman.
Walking is a popular way to get around Dalaman, offering the best way to explore the city’s hidden treasures and soak in the stunning views of the hills and beaches. It can get hot here however so you may need to use local taxis for longer trips.
Sightseeing in Dalaman
You will be kept busy all the time in Dalaman, with all kinds of resorts imaginable dotting the town. Nearby Marmaris and Hisaronu are throbbing with excitement both day and night, while you can also observe a magnificent Ottoman castle, an old amphitheatre and rolling hills here. History buffs will love Fethiye, built on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, where you can find carved cliff-face tombs and fascinating old ruins dating back to the 4th century BC.
From Fethiye, hop on a boat to get to the renowned Butterfly Valley. Expect to meet and greet with millions of butterflies that make this gorge their habitat between June and September. Spa lovers shouldn’t miss the mud baths near Dalyan, a resort close to Dalaman, where you can pamper yourself.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Food is one of the main reasons to visit Turkey and Dalaman is no exception. The city is filled with aromatic scents of Turkish delights including local favourite arnavut cigeri, featuring chopped and fried liver with onions. Finish off your meal with a cup of strong apple tea or a shot a raki.
A typical Turkish night is all about having good food and a lot of dancing. Marmaris is perfect for those into disco vibes, while jazz bars are aplenty at the harbour town of Kalkan. If you are traveling in a group, booking a moonlight party cruise that comes complete with DJs and endless cocktails is a good idea.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping in Dalaman is fun, but don’t expect modern super-malls. As with most Turkish towns, Dalaman has a wide range of souvenirs and local handicrafts for those wishing to bring back memories from Turkey. Several markets and bazaars sell local food including Turkish signature apple tea and spices. Turkish carpets also boast good quality and intricate designs.
Apart from shopping, there are many other things to do in Dalaman. Marmaris has a few water parks where you can cool off or you can head to the hills for an exciting horseback safari.
Daytrips
For an active and interesting day out, be sure to visit the Dalyan, which is a Kaunos archaeological site with tombs carved into the limestone cliffs. The River Dalyan runs through the picturesque area leading to the sandy beach of Iztuzu, which is over six-kilometre long. Along the beach you can enjoy the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs.
The nearby town of Icmeler is a charming former fishing and diving village that has now been developed into a tourist destination with numerous activities to enjoy including kayaking, diving and sailing. There are some great restaurants and seaside eateries that serve fresh seafood year round. Some five-star resorts have been built in the area, which make for a nice overnight break.
Hiring a car and self-driving around the breathtaking and dramatic coastline is a great way to explore Dalaman. There are literally hundreds of places to stop along the roads to enjoy the scenery, a nice lunch or learn some Turkish history at a museum.
Must-see attractions
Dalaman offers a great shopping experience with endless choices of street stalls, markets, bazaars and boutique stores. Close to the city centre you will see the night market, which is alive with people, entertainment and food. Locally hand-made handicrafts are in abundance as are traditional food and snacks. Local performers also occupy the streets, entertaining passers-by.
The Dalaman River is a popular tourist attraction with great canoeing and white water rafting opportunities available. There are numerous companies that take you on a guided tour along the river with all equipment and lunch provided. For visitors wishing to stay dry, there are numerous restaurants and lookout points to enjoy the natural scenery.
With stunning crystalline sands and clear blue waters, Patara Beach is one of the nicest places to visit within Dalaman. There are several five-star resorts which offer family activities, restaurants, bars and clubs in which to enjoy the beachside atmosphere. Nearby mud baths are great for a relaxing body cleanse followed by a swim in the heavily salted waters.
Best time to go
The most popular time to visit Dalaman is during the summer when the breathtaking beaches can be enjoyed to the fullest. Temperatures are frequently in the high 30s (°), making swimming and other water activities possible. If you plan on visiting during this time make sure to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. Spring and autumn are also good times to visit, with pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds.
Rainy day suggestions
For something to do on those rainy days, Dalaman offers several historic museums and modern art galleries. The Museum of Dalaman is filled with amazing artefacts from the surrounding area. Legoland is a great place to take the kids who will love playing with the giant Lego blocks as well as looking at the complex Lego built cities, cars and nature scenes.
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