Rivers lakes and beaches
Dalyan sits of the banks of the river of the same name. The river, rumoured to be the setting for parts of the famous ‘African Queen film’ starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall runs south through a thickly reeded delta to the sea at Iztuzu beach. Awarded best open space in Europe by the Times in 2008 the spit of sand can be reached by river bus (run by the local co-op) or by private boat (full day trips we arrange for guests according to demand). A dolmus (minibus) service also runs via the village of Gokbel to the far end of the beach where the turtle sanctuary is situated.Both ends offer a cafe, changing facilities and sunbeds.
In the opposite direction to the beach, the river runs north to Lake Koycegiz. This vast still lake and amber forested surrounds are part of the conservation area and remain quiet and peaceful even in July and August.Boat trips to the lake include opportunities for lake swimming and visits to the mud baths and hot thermal waters of the Sultaniye which have been enjoyed by the local population since Roman times.
There are more small beaches that can be reached by boat or jeep, such as Aci and Bakardi beach.
Other resorts within touch of Dalyan include the yachting resort of Gocek where you can spend a day sailing around the sheltered islands of its bay, sunbathing on deck, snorkelling and enjoying lunch on board. Our help organising your day on a sailing boat (gulet) includes the half hour transfer to the port
Within easy reach of Dalyan are the famous beach of Oludeniz and the blue lagoon. Although busy in high season it offers a private pay beach nestling between beach and lagoon beyond the livelier public beach, bars and restaurants. The more adventurous can arrive on the promenade via a mountain to beach paraglide taking in spectacular views on the way down.
Akyaka is a small, mostly Turkish resort, an hour from Dalyan off the Marmaris road, which boasts a small pretty beach, buildings that are a unique blend of traditional Ottoman/Aegean architecture, and local restaurants with a reputation for good food.
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