Dalyan, Turkey - a charming small town of unequalled natural beauty offering a taste of traditional Turkish life.

Dalyan’s gentle river flows down from the pine-covered hills through reed beds, overlooked by dramatic Lycian rock tombs, to the sea. Some of these are inaccessible and remain almost untouched since their creation thousands of years ago. The ruins of the ancient city of Caunos stand nearby on a broad slope overlooking the sea and the Dalyan river delta. The acropolis, theatre, four temples and baths bear witness to the city’s long and varied past.

In Dalyan, Turkey has one of its most stunning resorts with its lush orange groves, verdant cotton fields, fragrant pine trees and an array of flora and fauna that make it the perfect habitat for several species of bird. Dalyan is also the last remaining home of the Mediterranean Turtle, an endangered species. Since many places of attraction are reached only by boat, the area around Dalyan remains unspoilt. Take a trip on the river to view the idyllic countryside to its best advantage.

You will find that everything is within walking distance in Dalyan. Holidays here revolve around the excellent fish restaurants on the riverfront, the relaxed bars and, of course, the spectacular 7km sandbar known as Iztuzu Beach, approximately 20 minutes away by dolmus or 40 minutes by boat from Dalyan itself. During the summer months the Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles nest on Dalyan’s Iztuzu Beach so it has been designated as a special conservation area to protect them. Great care must be taken not to disturb their nests so visiting times are restricted.

No holiday would be complete without a boat trip to the Sultaniye thermal springs and mud baths near Dalyan. Turkey is renowned for its thermal springs and it is great fun wallowing in the warm mud, which contains minerals, said to be extremely beneficial for the skin.

Painting in Dalyan - Holidays to make the most of the ideal combination of light, scenery, history, fantastic food and friendly people. Please email us to request our Painting Information Pack for further details.