Dalaman holidays

Take a day out of your holiday to Dalaman to travel the winding Dalyan River. Soak in its famous mud bath and bathe in its mineral-rich thermal springs. After your swim, visit the beach at nearby Lake Koycegiz for a freshwater dip. You may see rare loggerhead turtles who live on the sand — just remember to follow any signposted rules.

Set aside some time during your holiday in Dalaman to explore the ancient ruins in the surrounding region. Take a boat up the Dalyan River to the Ancient City of Kaunos. Or drive two hours down the coast to see Myra, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. For something closer, neighbouring Fethiye is home to the 2,500-year-old Lycian Rock Tombs.

See why they call it Turkiye’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ by exploring the waters of Dalaman. Charter a motorboat or learn how to sail. Rent a kayak to paddle around secluded bays or between islands. If you’d rather be in the sea than on it, Dalaman’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

With plenty of accommodation and close to the Dalaman airport, the city centre is a convenient base to explore the Dalaman region. Here, you’ll also find family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood and the town’s main market selling a variety of Turkish goods, like pomegranates and olives. Visit ‘Dalgakiran’ (Breakwater), where the Dalaman River meets the Aegean Sea.

Good for: Walking, dining, markets

Sarigerme is where to stay in Dalaman to be near the beach. Walk a short distance to the area’s namesake beach and rent a chair and umbrella. For more thrills, find paragliding rides nearby, or try windsurfing and waterskiing. Take a break from the beach and join locals at the Sunday market.

Good for: Beachfront, water sports, local experiences

Gocek is the best area to stay in Dalaman for boating and views. Visit one of the marinas to book a cruise, or walk along the docks and take pictures of the scenic bay views. Enjoy the secluded shoreline of Rixos Secret Beach. Then end the day with sunset drinks in one of the area’s lively bars.

Good for: Seaside, boating, scenery

Find things to do with family in Dalaman around Sarigerme Beach. Let the kids wade in the shallow water while you recline on a sun lounger. Ride up the Taurus Mountains on a jeep safari with adventurous children. Or take a summer day trip to Aqua Dream Water Park in Marmaris for water slides and wave pools.

Go shopping in Dalaman at luxury malls, on retail streets and in traditional bazaars. Netsel Marina is a mall with high-end boutiques. Find the perfect pottery or handmade jewellery in the maze-like alleys in the Dalaman Bazaar. Or buy authentic Turkish treats at the food-centric Ortaca Market. Bargaining is expected at Turkish bazaars.

Discover local history in the museums in Dalaman. Wander through ancient settlements in Kaunos. Here you can visit the 2,000-year-old temple, sit in the perfectly preserved amphitheatre, explore the remains of Roman baths and see Lycian tombs in the cliffs overlooking the river.

Nightlife in Dalaman tends to be a little quieter and centres around restaurants and casual drinking spots. You’ll find several friendly bars and late-night cafes in Dalaman town itself. For all-night dancing, travel to Marmaris, the region’s party hub with many vibrant bars and nightclubs.

Visit the restaurants in Dalaman for fresh seafood and classic Turkish dishes like ‘kofte’ (Turkish meatballs) and ‘pide’ (Turkish pizza). If you’re on the move, street food is a popular choice. Shish kebabs originated in the Mediterranean, and the word comes from the Turkish for ‘skewer roasted meat’. For something sweet, try ‘lokma’, fried dough balls soaked in syrup.

Why visit just one beach when several will do? Relax under an umbrella on secluded Sarsala Koyu Bay Beach. Watch the kite and windsurfers at Kayacik Beach. For a dose of nature, go to Iztuzu Beach, a habitat for protected loggerhead turtles. If you love scenery, try Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon.