Dalaman Travel Guide

When speaking of Dalaman, one is primarily referring to the paradisiacal beaches, the historical sites and the bewitching scenery around Fethiye and Dalyan in the Southern Aegean.

As a general rule, the small town of Dalaman on the Southern Aegean is only a thoroughfare for holidaymakers who land at the airport here and then travel on to the beach resorts of Fethiye, to the southeast, or Dalyan to the northwest. Their holiday destinations are the historical excavation sites of Kaunos or Xanthos, the traditional Turkish way of life in Fethiye and, of course, the wonderful beaches such as Patara and Ölüdeniz. In Patara, the ruins of the ancient port town beside the wide sandy beach are also worthy of a visit and Ölüdeniz Lagoon amazes visitors with its truely paradisiacal surrounds. Indeed, it is considered to be the most beautiful beach in Turkey.

Water sports enthusiasts are particularly well catered for. The wonderful beaches around Fethiye not only boast fine sandy beaches and clear waters, but also various sporting opportunities on, in and under the water. Fun sports such as banana boat rides, jet skiing and paragliding may be found on many beaches. An absolutely idyllic beach is the Ölüdeniz lagoon that lies to the south of Fethiye: picture book scenery, turquoise-blue waters and lush green hills surround this lengthy stretch of sandy headland. Diving lessons are available along almost the entire coastline although self-organised tours are forbidden so as to prevent the theft of ancient relics. 'Blue Cruise' is the term coined as a synonym for a relaxing sailing tour along the coast. Between March and October, sailing trips aboard magnificent boats lasting one to several days may be booked. A special experience in Fethiye are the 'Twelve Island Tours' that are offered around the harbour on a daily basis, sailing to idyllic bays and islets along the coast.

Horseback excursions may be taken advantage of close to most of the holiday resorts, and the Dalaman River boasts kayaking and rafting possibilities. Many of the large hotels also hire out their tennis facilities to non-guests. Hiking in the hinterlands and the nearby mountains is particularly inviting in spring and autumn, something that offers the best opportunities for observing the unspoilt nature and the native bird life.