Twelve km from the centre of Dalyan lays the five km long sandbar that juts out from the main land into the Mediterranean. This site was earmarked for development until it was brought to the authorities' attention that it was one of the last nesting grounds for the endangered Loggerhead Turtle. A campaign with David Bellamy and a local woman Kaptan June (Haimhoff) was successful in stopping the development of Iztuzu Beach. Visiting times to the beach are restricted from May - September when the Turtles are nesting. From 08.00-18.00 are the open times so as not to interfere with the nesting habits of these Turtles. Sun beds and shade are available at the beach for small charge also cold drinks and snacks are served throughout the day. You can reach Iztuzu by Boat or Dolmus, the boat winds its way down the channel, through the rustling reeds to the open tip of the beach. The Dolmus travels lakeside through beautiful winding roads down to the Beach, this takes around 20 minutes, and the boat will take approximately 40 minutes. Both ways are worth seeing, each for a small charge
The Sultaniye Thermal Baths
The most famous place in Dalyan is the mud baths. These can be visited by boat from the harbour. Further up the river is Sultaniye hot springs where you can bath in naturally hot spring water, then the 12 km long Köycegiz Lake and the town of Köycegiz itself.
The Sultaniye Thermal Baths are to the Southwest of Köycegiz Lake. The water here at 40 Celsius is second to none. The water at these baths was first used in Caunon times, and then by the Byzantines, who rebuilt the accommodations. The ruins of the buildings from the period are submerged beneath the waters of the lake. It is not unusual to see the Turkish elderly make pilgrimages to the baths due to the water's curative properties in case of neuralgia, rheumatism and skin disorders of the liver, spleen and bowels.
The Mud Baths: "Beauty Mud" which not only cleanses and tones the skin but also is said to remedy rheumatism and has anti-ageing properties. After allowing the mud to dry, it can be removed in a natural clear water sulphur pool, at temperatures of around 40 Celsius. This leaves you refreshed and relaxed. And ten years younger!
Köycegiz
The original village is submerged under the lake due to an earthquake some 350 years ago. The now named Old Köycegiz (second village) was built on the opposite side of the lake and was run by a feudal system by the Arga Khan known in Turkish as "Aga", which led to the demise of the village. The town of Köycegiz is now a small sleepy village except on Monday when there is a market. Either boat or dolmus can reach this town, for the dolmus you will have to go to Ortaca first then transfer to the Köycegiz bus. By boat you can go directly from Dalyan. Köycegiz Lake is also the home to a protected Turtle, a soft-shelled turtle called Trionyx Triuguis Triungularis.
Kaunos
The ancient city of Kaunos stands midway along the channel. It grew into a major area on the border between Lycia and Caria, the people were said to be famous for their yellowish skin and eyes. Kaunos was said to be the son of Miletus and the Grandson of Apollo, he is believed to have fled from the city due to unnatural feelings between himself and his sister. The city sprawls over a broad slope overlooking the sea and delta. At Kaunos there is an Acropolis surrounded by the city walls that are Byzantine, a theatre, four temples, an Angora, Roman Baths, Palestra and a Cistern. The demise of the city was due to the harbour that continually silted up which is now 5 km from the sea and marshland, and disease due to malaria. Rhodes purchased Kaunos in the 2nd century, after many wars it went back to Carian rule only to be given back to Rhodes in 88BC. Kaunos has a long and varied history and is well worth a visit. You can visit Kaunos at any time although it is advisable to avoid the midday sun. First, you will have to cross
the Dalyan channels via rowing boat then walk up to the city. More information about what you can do in and around Dalyan at the reception of Villa Duran
Home
