Located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, this gateway town has a modern airport, lush pine forests, and warm beaches. The nearby mud baths at Sultaniye draw many visitors.
In southwestern Turkey, Dalaman sits between pine-covered mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon, watch sea turtles nest on Iztuzu Beach, or take a river boat past ancient Lycian tombs carved into cliff faces. Many visitors come to float in the 40°C thermal springs or launch themselves off Babadağ mountain for a paragliding flight over the coast.
Getting to Dalaman
Dalaman Airport connects to more than 100 European cities, making it the main entry point for visiting Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Regular shuttle buses run from the airport to Marmaris (1 hour away) and Fethiye (45 minutes away). Renting a car at the airport gives you more flexibility, as public transportation between smaller towns runs infrequently.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Dalaman's Mediterranean climate brings temperatures of 30°C (86°F) in July and August, cooling to 15°C (59°F) in winter. The sun shines most days from April through November. Visit during April-June or September-October to swim in warm water and walk through uncrowded streets.
Swimming and Beach Activities
At Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon, the water stays calm even on windy days, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Iztuzu Beach runs for 5 kilometers along a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and Dalyan River. From May to October, loggerhead turtles lay their eggs in the golden sand, and you can swim in both salt and fresh water.
Local Activities
At the Dalyan River mud baths, you can cover yourself in mineral-rich clay, then wash it off in the 40°C thermal springs. The springs contain sulfur and other minerals that locals say help with joint pain. From Babadağ mountain in Ölüdeniz, both novice and experienced paragliders can take off from launch points at different heights (1,200m to 1,969m). Morning flights typically have the calmest conditions.
Ancient Sites and History
Take a river boat to see the Lycian Rock Tombs, carved into cliff faces in 400 BC. The intricate temple-style facades rise 6 meters high, with columns and detailed carvings still visible. In Kayaköy, you can walk through 350 empty stone houses built in the 1700s. The streets wind up the hillside, passing former bakeries, churches, and cisterns that once supplied water to the town.
Nearby Coastal Towns
Several distinct towns lie within an hour of Dalaman. Marmaris has a harbor filled with wooden gulets (traditional Turkish sailing boats) and an active nightlife area called Bar Street. In Göcek, six marinas accommodate everything from small sailboats to luxury yachts. Fethiye's fish market lets you buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at surrounding restaurants.
