Down By The Riverside
Thhe lilittlel tourist i resort of f Dalyan l promises a very different experience to Türkiye’s busier coastal resorts. Situated on the river Dalaman, over an hour away from its nearest beach, its riverside setting is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll, while its hotels and restaurants offer a chilled-out vibe.
Dalyan is the place to see carreta carreta, more commonly known as loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs on Iztuzu beach. These giants of the sea often make their way up the river – it’s worth getting up extra early for a boat trip almost guaranteed to give you a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
A must-do for visitors to Dalyan is getting down and dirty in the local natural mud baths at Lake Koycegiz, a short boat trip upriver. Their warm springs are infused with sulphurs and promise to work wonders on ageing skin, soothe aches and pains and generally relax the spirit. I’m in!