Dalyan

Koycegiz

Located in the province of Mugla and possessing one of the most special gifts of nature and history, Köycegiz stands beside the same named lake at the tip of which touches the Mediterranean. Now a nature and wild life preserve, this site is home to many species of birds and is a real paradise with its rare and beautiful setting, and with a history going back to 3500 BC. It is possible to cruise over the natural labyrinth-like channel walled with reeds, that link the sea and the Lake of Köycegiz, which is described as "smooth as glass" till noon and suitable for wind-surfing in the afternoon. The lake contains almost every kind of seafood including carp and crab.

Dalyan can be reached at the end of a road decorated with scented frankincense trees. The Dalyan Delta is a unique site, lying peacefully with its 4 kilometers-long golden beach. Sea turtles of Loggerhead Caretta Caretta and blue crabs live here making the area more attractive. The beaches where these sea turtles nestle can be reached by a boat ride from Dalyan town, passing through beds of bulrushes and pampas grass in the river.

On the other side of the channel is the marvelous view of the ancient city of Caunos, which was situated on the border between Caria and Lycia and was an important sea-port. The site can be reached by boat or on foot. The first sight here is the fascinating tombs carved into the rock and overlooking the waterway. Also of interest in this district is the acropolis lying a little inland, together with a Roman temple, antique theater, agora, Ibrab and Susandaa castles.

The Dalyan area is not the last site in Köycegiz to offer natural beauty. The Gulf of Göcek, with its many bays facing numerous islets is another spot. Holding a lovely marina, it constitutes a perfect center for sailing, and there are also ruins of the ancient city of Arymaxa, furnishing a different scenery. You can also take a mud bath on the bank of the river, it's rich minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are beneficial for the skin.

Ekincik is another stopover for yachts, and the right place for those who wish to rest in the relaxing atmosphere of unspoiled bays.

Sarigerme, near the international airport of Dalaman, is another point of attraction and constitutes one of the nicest holiday villages of Köycegiz, with its fine beaches with neighboring pine forests. There are several five-stars hotels and holiday villages in this area.

Sultaniye Thermal Springs on the south side of Koycegiz lake are one of the most important spa waters in Europe and the world, for its higher mineral content and rich radioactivity.

Kulak, Gedova and Yuvarlak Çayi are naturally attractive places with picnicking and camping facilities. The Gökova Gulf nearby is another paradise for sailing and natural beauties.