About the Area
Dalaman is an area of natural beauty. It is located between the sea and mountains and benefits from its proximity to many areas of interest both historical and geographic. (e.g. Dalyan mud baths, ancient tombs etc).
The town is ideally situated for lots of resort areas. (Dalyan, Gocek, Sarigerme) Unlike Fethiye and other vibrant holiday resorts Dalaman is still very much a quiet region with unspoilt beaches, ancient ruins and parks such as Caunos, Lycean rock tombs, and superb Sultaniye thermal spas and famous mud baths.
The nearby Golgeli Mountains present a great opportunity for those who enjoy trekking. The mountains are full of lakes and high plateau villages. There is also a tunnel to connect the town of Gocek and Dalaman, reducing the journey to only 5 or 10 minutes drive.
There are two main beaches in the area: protected Iztuzu Beach, world's 6th most famous beach (famous for the turtle Careta Careta which lay their eggs there), and blue flagged Sarigerme Beach 15 min away. The area is a sanctuary for sea turtles.
Iztuzu Beach
Dalyan (18 miles from Dalaman) is home to the endangered Caretta Caretta species of turtle and accordingly the creatures have become a symbol of this attractive little resort. The town itself is situated on the stretch of water that connects Köycegiz Lake to the sea, and it is by means of this waterway that Iztuzu Beach is reached via a regular boat service.
The sandy beach is a nesting ground for turtles and as such is a protected area with no building allowed. Dalyan has managed to retain much of its unspoilt charm and ancient Lycian rock tombs overlook the resort giving it a sense of history and character. Tourist facilities include a number of predominantly small hotels, a range of restaurants, shops and a handful of bars.
Sarigerme Beach
Despite being a relative newcomer, Sarigerme (8 miles from Dalaman) is quickly establishing itself as a popular family holiday destination, with a handful of large, mostly self-contained hotels and one or two more traditional pensions. The actual centre of Sargerme is pretty nondescript, but with plans afoot to turn this area into a golfer's paradise, it is unlikely to remain so for much longer. The ancient city of Physilis was once located here and although the ruins are mostly buried in sand; those determined enough can find city walls and the remains of a Byzantine church.
