Dalyan

Unlike neighbouring holiday resorts, Dalyan is a largely undeveloped and tranquil village offering a significant number of natural and historical attractions. Due to the fact that nearby Iztuzu beach is one of the world's few remaining breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles, an effort has been made to conserve the area's astounding natural beauty.The town is set on the winding Dalyan River that flows between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Koycegiz, and on the other side of the river are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, dating back to the 3rd century.A Dalyan holiday must is a boat trip to the 2.5 mile (4km) beach (about a 40-minute journey) that transports visitors through tall reeds, to 2,300-year-old Lycian cliff tombs and the ruins at Caunos, and finally to the large sandbar at the turtle beach in Koycegiz. A quicker, but less scenic ride is by dolmus.Nearby thermal springs at Sultaniye, and the Dalyan mud baths are also not to be missed and make for an out of the ordinary holiday experience. The surrounding wetlands are a haven for a variety of wildlife and birds, and the town is offset by a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and lush fields, making Dalyan a perfect destination for nature-lovers.For those looking to party until dawn the busier holiday resorts such as Marmaris would be better suited, but for the more discerning traveller there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, local delicacies to savour, and spectacular scenery to delight in while on holiday in Dalyan.