General area

This is a description of the area by Thomson fly, its based around Dalaman but is so informative we have included it here. There are links to their site on the 'really useful links' page.

“A captivating coastline sprinkled with sublime sandy beaches and historical treasures, the sun-blushed Turquoise Coast is a slice of paradise you’ll revisit time and time again.”

 

Nestled between Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean seaboards, the area around Dalaman is affectionately known as the ‘Turquoise Coast’, so called for its impossibly turquoise seas. The majestic Taurus Mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the region, often plunging steeply into the sea, and the coastline is scattered with fine sandy beaches and classical ruins. Combining delicious cuisine with warm hospitality, ancient cities with outstanding natural beauty, this rich and colourful land is spilling over with allure and charm. Go forth and discover this magical corner of the world.

Beaches

Southeast of Dalaman is arguably Turkey’s most famous beach, Olu Deniz, regarded as one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Mediterranean. Backed by sweet-smelling pine trees, 3km of soft white sands melt away into a lagoon of deepest sapphire by way of tantalising turquoise, enticing jade and electric aquamarine. Translated, Olu Deniz means ‘dead sea’, referring to the calmness and serenity of the water, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking.

Shopping

Forget air-conditioned, super-sized shopping centres and head down to a local bazaar for a real slice of Turkish life. You’ll find an assortment of traditional goods, trinkets and, of course, the ubiquitous Turkish rug. Best buys include ceramic plates, bowls, jugs and pots painted in vivid blues and greens, brass tea services, leatherware, and Ottoman-style hookah water pipes. Onyx is popular and you’ll find plenty of ashtrays, vases, bowls and chess sets carved from this beautiful stone. Merchants are fully prepared for you to haggle with them over prices so play your cards right and you’ll head home with a plethora of bargains.

Nightlife

Head to Hisaronu if you like your evenings lively. Bursting with clubs and pubs the music keeps on playing – loud and long into the night. Meanwhile, Marmaris’ nightlife rivals anything on the Turkish coast with an abundance of bars and discos to satisfy your cocktail cravings. If you prefer something a little more reserved, the region has plenty of cosy cafés and intimate bars in which you can kick back and relax, and reflect on another great day.

Eating out

There’s no danger of you going hungry in Turkey - it’s positively brimming with cafes, bars, bistros and restaurants catering for wide range of palates and pockets. Sit back in a taverna and watch with wide-eyed wonder as a seemingly endless procession of mezes are brought out to you. These hors d’oeuvre-like dishes normally comprise at least 15 or so delicacies such as pan-fried liver, garlicky yoghurt infused with coriander and borek, pastry parcels either rolled up like cigarettes or cut into triangles. Often that’s more than enough to fill you up but those with a bigger appetite will happily move on to mainstay of Turkish cuisine, kebabs. Try the traditional doner kebab, a spit-roasted joint that’s finely sliced and served with an array of salads and sauces in open pitta or meatlovers among you will enjoy a mouthwatering kofta kebab comprising large grilled meatballs drizzled with hot tomato sauce.

 

No Turkish meal is complete without plenty of bread, ekmek, and lavas bread is particularly good, served hot and smothered in butter and cheese. The national drink is cay (tea) served without milk but lashings of sugar, while its favourite spirit is raki, an aniseed-flavoured tipple similar to ouzo.

Sightseeing Fethiye

The waterfront town of Fethiye stands on the ancient city of Telmessos, the remains of which are immediately obvious as soon as you arrive. Sprawled across the rocky hills above Fethiye are a number of Lycian tombs cut into the cliffside. The most impressive is the Tomb of Amyntas. A temple-like structure with two tall Ionic pillars surmounted by a triangular pediment, the structure dates back to the 4th-century. A fading inscription details that it was the resting place of Amyntas son of Hermagios but little else is known about the family or indeed the tomb itself. Fethiye also boasts the ruins of a Greek theatre and the remains of a Medieval fortress known as the Knight’s Castle.

Butterfly Valley

Clouds of butterflies flutter around this breathtaking valley, tucked away off Turkey’s shimmering Turquoise Coast. Between June and September millions of butterflies come here to breed at this protected site where construction is prohibited.

 

Situated a few kilometres southeast of Olu Deniz, near Fethiye, it’s only accessible by boat or via the Lycian walking trail. A magical must-see spot.

Kas

Three hours from Dalaman lies Kas, one of the coast’s most sophisticated resorts. Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, gazing out at the glimmering Mediterranean, it’s a charming and attractive town offering delightful restaurants and excellent shopping. The beaches are small, pebbly and apt to be crowded, so visitors spend time in waterfront coffee-houses and restaurants and take boat trips to nearby Ucagiz, a tiny Mediterranean fishing village. Here, quaint village houses are interspersed with tall stone Lycian tombs more than 2,000 years old and the marble ruins of a Roman sunken city still glisten beneath the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean just offshore.

Dalyan & Kaunos

A peaceful atmosphere pervades Dalyan, a busy fishing village famous for Iztuzu beach, a striking 5km stretch of talcum powder sands providing a government-protected home for the endangered loggerhead turtle. Those in search of culture will enjoy a wander round the ancient ruins of Kaunos, 10km west of Dalyan. Founded around the 9th-century BC, it became an important Carian city by 400BC. Its notable tombs, theatre and acropolis are easily reached by boat. Another boat trip well worth taking while you’re in Dalyan is to the Sultaniye hot springs and mud baths. Smothering yourself in mineral-rich mud is both good for your skin and lots of fun!

Patara

Sunworshippers can’t fail to fall in love with Patara with its uncrowded sandy beach stretching 20km. The glittering sea caressing its shores provides a great spot for swimming and surfing – and acts as a refreshing retreat from the hot sun. A walk through flower-filled fields brings you to the ancient ruins of Patara, which include a triple-arched triumphal gate built in AD 100, a sand-swept theatre, and a necropolis cluttered with Lycian tombs.

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