Small boats in crystal clear, turquoise blue water off a rocky coast, with wooded hills and a sailboat in the background under a blue sky..

Dalaman

Published: 25 June 2025, 10:30

Gateway to the Turkish Aegean

Head to south-western Turkey! The turquoise blue Aegean coast quickly puts you in a holiday mood. Dalaman, located in the province of Muğla, is considered the ideal starting point for a beach holiday in popular coastal resorts such as Fethiye, Göcek, Dalyan and Marmaris. Whether sunbathing on paradise beaches or relaxing in soothing thermal springs, relaxation is the order of the day here.

Culture and history lovers will also find plenty to enjoy: ancient ruined cities such as Kaunos and various rock tombs bring past eras to life. Hiking enthusiasts are drawn to the nearby Taurus Mountains, which delight visitors with their wild landscapes and impressive views of the sea. In addition to relaxed recreation, Dalaman also offers plenty of opportunities for active holidaymakers, who will find a wide range of activities in the region, from mountain biking and paragliding to canoeing.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: + one hour
Population: 49,000
Official language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)

Beach, mountains, river

An ochre-coloured sandy beach by the dark blue sea with gentle waves and seagulls in the sky. In the background, a small wooden bridge and two wooded island hills can be seen.

Sarigerme Beach is located just a few kilometres southwest of Dalaman. It is characterised by fine sand and turquoise water – an ideal destination for families. © CSKN/stock.adobe.com

Aerial view of a nature reserve. A narrow strip of sand separates the deep blue sea from a lagoon. Mountains and a vast river delta can be seen in the background. A low cloud cover stretches across the sky.

Located between the sea and the lagoon, Iztuzu Beach near Dalyan – also known as ‘Turtle Beach’ – is ideal for long walks on the beach and watching sea turtles. © Bulent/stock.adobe.com

The picture shows a bay with turquoise blue water surrounded by densely wooded hills. Two boats are anchored in the bay.

Don't forget your snorkelling gear! Sarsala Bay is simply perfect for swimming, snorkelling or a relaxing picnic surrounded by pine forests. © nejdetduzen/stock.adobe.com

A calm river surrounded by green mountains under a blue sky. Flat tree trunks lie on the stony bank.

The Dalaman River flows from the Taurus Mountains into the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular destination for rafting, canoeing and bird watching in the river delta. © nejdetduzen/stock.adobe.com

A turquoise sea bay surrounded by green pine forests and mountains in the background. Green branches and rocky cliffs stretch out in the foreground.

Dalaman is surrounded by the western foothills of the Taurus Mountains. The wooded hills are ideal for hiking or cycling while enjoying the sea view. © cem/stock.adobe.com

History, myths and ancient treasures

The region around Dalaman is not only known for its impressive landscape, but also for its rich history. Over thousands of years, great civilisations such as the Lycians, Greeks and Romans left their mark here. Among the most impressive testimonies are the artistically designed Lycian rock tombs near Dalyan. Just a few steps away, the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos tell of a glorious past. The hot sulphur springs and thermal baths on the shores of Lake Köyceğiz were also known in ancient times for their healing properties. A trip to the coastal town of Marmaris, which has been important for trade, seafaring and culture for thousands of years, is also worthwhile. And if you need a mythical place to cool off, legend has it that Cleopatra bathed in Sarsala Bay or Hamam Bay near Göcek.

Historical sites around Dalaman

A rock face with several rectangular burial chambers carved into the stone. Their facades are column-like. Trees and dense vegetation enclose the rock.

Artfully carved into steep cliffs, the rock tombs of Dalyan date back to the Lycians, an ancient civilisation that lived here over 2,000 years ago. © elen_Studio/stock.adobe.com

A ruined site with stone bases, remnants of walls and stones scattered around. Two black donkeys stand among the ruins and green trees can be seen in the background.

Theatre, city walls and temple ruins: the ancient city of Kaunos was probably founded in the 9th century BC as an important port and trading city. © Alan Smithers/stock.adobe.com

The image shows an ancient ruin on a hillside with several stone sarcophagi and scattered stones in the foreground.

Another highlight is the ruins of the Lycian city of Tlos. They stretch across a hill with sweeping views of the Esen Valley and include a Roman theatre. © Esin Deniz/stock.adobe.com

A coastal town with a marina and houses with red roofs directly bordering the turquoise blue sea. Mountains can be seen in the background.

If you take a trip from Dalaman to Marmaris, you will discover a lively coastal town with colourful markets, a marina and traditional stone houses in the old town. © saiko3p/stock.adobe.com

A mosque with a dome and minaret, surrounded by palm trees and other trees against a rocky mountain backdrop.

The small town of Dalyan is less than half an hour's drive from Dalaman. It is known for its historical sites, including the Dalyan Mosque and the Lycian rock tombs. © saiko3p/stock.adobe.com