Dalyan (Turkey)

Dalyan is a port town located between Fethiye and Marmaris on Turkey's south-western coast (Eastern Mediterranean Sea).

In 1987, Dalyan achieved international reputation when developers started building a new luxury hotel on İztuzu Beach. The beach is a breeding ground for an endangered species - the loggerhead sea turtle. The incident created international coverage. The development project was ceased. In 1988, the beach and hinterland were declared protected area.

• Town's life revolves around Dalyan Cayı River flowing right through Dalyan. Ships going up and down the river are the preferred means of transport.
• In addition to its attraction as a renowned tourist destination, the region is also a highly productive agricultural zone. Cotton was intensively grown, but has been largely replaced by pomegranate. Many other fruits (especially citrus) and vegetables are grown in the area around Koycegiz, which are all in the market on Saturdays, when villagers come to sell their products from miles around.
• Above the river's sheer cliffs are the facades of Lycian tombs - cut from rock around 400 BC. The ruins of the ancient city Kaunos are located a boat trip across the river.

To the south of Dalyan is the fanous Iztuzu Beach - an area popular for sunbathing and swimming. Regular boat tours and minibus trips are available to the beach. Tourists should be aware of wooden stakes in the beach that mark sea turtles' nesting sites. The route is especially scenic, with views of Sulungür Lake. In 2011, Zoover ranked Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach Europe's "Best Beach Destination".