Dalaman Holidays

Must-see sites

These are the absolute must-sees for first-timers on holiday to Dalaman.

• The Blue Lagoon – You’ll probably recognise this one already. It’s a sweep of white sand and pebbles that shelters an electric-blue lagoon. You can sign up for water-skiing and canoeing or take to the skies on a microlight or parasailing trip.

• The Lycian Rock Tombs – Carved into cliffs over 2,400 years ago, the Lycian Rock Tombs can be found in Fethiye and Dalyan and are an architectural marvel from the ancient Lycian civilisation. They were once reserved for kings and high-ranking officials – you’ll get the best views on a scenic boat tour.

• Saklikent Gorge – This is one of the deepest canyons in Turkey. You can walk through the narrow rock formations and even try river tubing or canyoning. The water’s surrounded by lush landscapes and towering cliffs, so it’s the perfect spot for hiking, photography and soaking up Turkey’s natural beauty.

• Traditional villages – Villages like Akkaya, Gokova and Kayakoy provide a glimpse into authentic rural life, with stone houses, friendly locals and traditional handicrafts. Make sure to try fresh, homemade Turkish cuisine, witness handwoven carpets being made and experience the slower, more peaceful lifestyle of these places.

Popular attractions

These are some of the most popular sights to visit in the Dalaman region.

• Marmaris Castle – The castle now functions as a museum, showcasing artifacts, ancient pottery and exhibits from Marmaris’ past. Its hilltop location has stunning panoramic views of Marmaris Marina and the Aegean Sea, making it a great spot for some holiday photos.

• Dalyan Mud Baths – You can indulge in a spa-like experience in mineral-rich volcanic mud along the Dalyan River, believed to detoxify the skin, relieve joint pain and improve circulation. After covering yourself in mud and letting it dry under the sun, you can rinse off in a warm sulphur pool, thought to have healing properties.

• A Turkish bath (hammam) – An essential experience in Turkey, combining steam therapy, exfoliation and a foam massage for deep cleansing and relaxation. The heat and aromatherapy help relieve stress and muscle tension, while the exfoliation leaves your skin super smooth and soft. This centuries-old ritual is not just about wellness but a great way to immerse yourself in Turkish culture, too.

• Marmaris Atlantis Waterpark – A family-friendly attraction with waterslides, wave pools and a lazy river. It’s by the beach, so you can combine the rides with some relaxing seaside time, too. The park also offers restaurants, bars and sunloungers to make a day of it.

Daytrips

You don’t just have to see one place on holiday to Dalaman – see where else you can tick off within daytripping distance.

• Fethiye and the Amyntas Rock Tombs – Fethiye is a stunning coastal town that blends history, culture and breathtaking scenery. Wander along its charming marina, explore the lively markets and soak up the laidback vibe. A highlight of any visit is the Amyntas Rock Tombs, an ancient Lycian burial site carved into the cliffs that overlook the town. The short hike up to the tombs gets you incredible views of Fethiye and the beautiful Mediterranean beyond.

• Göcek Islands boat trip – For a relaxing day at sea, Göcek is the perfect starting point. This picturesque marina town is famous for its 12 Islands boat tours, which take you through secluded bays, unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re swimming, snorkelling or soaking up the sun on deck, this is one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to experience the Turkish coastline.

• Kayaköy Ghost Village – Step back in time with a visit to Kayaköy. Once a thriving community, it was deserted in the 1920s due to a population exchange between Greece and Turkey. So, today, its stone houses, churches and narrow streets are super quiet but still stunning and a great insight into the area’s history.

• Kalkan Old Town – Kalkan’s Old Town is filled with whitewashed buildings, colourful bougainvillaea and loads of charming boutique shops. The town’s narrow, cobbled streets lead to restaurants, where you can enjoy incredible sea views with fresh seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine.

Beaches for everyone

It’s no surprise that holidays to the Turquoise Coast of Dalaman are going to deliver on beaches.

• Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach) – It’s around five kilometres long, so there’s loads of space, plus the soft sands are perfect for sandcastle-building material. It’s a protected nesting spot for loggerhead turtles, too.

• Sarigerme Beach – Known for its shallow waters and soft sand, Sarigerme Beach is a popular pick for families with young children. The beach is lined with cafés and bars, making it easy to grab a snack or a cold drink and spend the whole day there.

Beaches for watersports

These beaches were born for watersports, like kayaking, sailing and snorkelling.

• Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) – A world-famous beach for paragliding, jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkelling. The calm, clear waters make it perfect for exploring underwater marine life, while the paragliding from Babadag Mountain is known for having some of the best aerial views in the world.

• Calis Beach – Near Fethiye, Calis Beach is a top pick for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its consistent breezes and long shoreline. There are multiple watersports centres offering jet skiing, paddle-boarding and banana boat rides.

• Fethiye Bay – A hotspot for sailing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. The calm waters here make it a great spot for both beginners and experienced riders.

Quieter beaches

Pick one of these beaches to escape the crowds.

• Kayacik Beach – A lesser-known, unspoiled beach with soft sand and gentle waves. Its peaceful feel and stunning sunsets make it the ideal spot to escape the touristy crowds.

• Kabak Beach – Accessible via a short hike or boat ride, Kabak Beach is a remote but so worth it. It’s ideal for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, surrounded by nature.

Popular markets

Things like leather goods, lanterns and wind chimes are the perfect traditional purchases.

• The Grand Bazaar, Marmaris – This used to be the ‘world trade centre’ for the Ottoman Empire and now, it’s still a buzzing hub of shops and stalls.

• Marmaris’ Thursday market – This is one of Dalaman’s biggest markets, near the Grand Azur Hotel.

• Fethiye’s Tuesday market – Stalls are open from 9am through to sunset behind the municipal stadium, selling fruit, vegetables and clothes.

• Icmeler’s Wednesday market – This traditional market is in the main square in Icmeler, selling street food, fruit, veg, spices, clothes and jewellery.

• Sarigerme’s Sunday market – A smaller market in the village centre, where you can haggle for fashion items and food.

Local dishes

Turkish food is about a lot more than just the kebabs.

• Manti – Turkey’s take on dumplings. It’s made by boiling a spiced meat mixture inside a dough parcel and then they’re paired with seasoned yoghurt.

• Lahmacun – If you like pizza, you’ll love lahmacun. Chefs start with a thin dough base and top it with minced lamb that’s been cooked with cinnamon, allspice, pine nuts and chopped mint.

• Icli kofte – These meatball-like parcels are very common on the mezze table. A filling of ground beef, onions, garlic and cumin is covered in a mixture of bulgur wheat, potatoes and flour, before being cooked in the fryer.

• Baklava – These sweet, bite-sized cakes are made from paper-thin layers of pastry, which are soaked in honey and sprinkled with crushed pistachio nuts.

Something to drink

These are some of the most classic Turkish drinks to try.

• Efes Pilsener beer – This home-grown brew is the lager of choice in Turkey. The drink takes its name from the ancient city of Ephesus and has a bit of a tangy taste, with a bitter-sweet finish. The reason for its unique flavour is rice – it’s added into the ingredients at the brewing stage.

• Pomegranate juice (nar suyu) – Freshly squeezed and known for its bright colour and health benefits.

• Raki – The national drink of Turkey is an anise-flavoured spirit, similar to ouzo or pastis, traditionally diluted with water and enjoyed with mezze.

Nightlife

From chilled bars to buzzing clubs, Dalaman holidays have a whole range of nightlife.

• Bar Street, Marmaris – The destination for many lively pub and club crawls every night of the week.

• Pacha Marmaris – Part of the globally recognised Pacha brand, this club hosts themed nights and live performances.

• Belcekiz Beach Club, Olu Deniz – The place to grab a cocktail, pull up a bean bag on the sand and watch the paragliders land as the sun sets.

• Harmony Bar, Hisaronu – Offers tribute nights, karaoke sessions and DJ sets.

• Gocek – Known for its marina and upscale ambiance. Gocek is about a more relaxed nightlife with waterfront bars and restaurants.

Car hire

Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore Dalaman and nearby attractions like Olu Deniz, Saklikent Gorge and Dalyan. The roads are well-maintained, and having your own car gets you easy access to remote beaches and villages.

Dolmuş (minibus)

These affordable shared minibuses are a popular way for both locals and tourists to travel between towns, beaches and key attractions. They run frequently between Dalaman, Fethiye, Marmaris and Dalyan, making them a budget-friendly option.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Dalaman and operate on a metered system. They’re a good option for short-distance travel, like getting to and from the airport or visiting nearby towns. But, for longer trips, we’d recommend negotiating a fixed fare in advance.

Private transfer

You can always pre-book private transfers from Dalaman Airport to your hotel, so your travel is all sorted before you land.