Things to do in Dalyan
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Dalyan Kooperatifi
Every day in summer, excursion boats leave the quayside at 10:00 to cruise to Köyceğiz Gölü and the Sultaniye hot springs and mud baths, the ruins of Kaunos and İztuzu beach on the Mediterranean coast. You can save yourself a lot of money by taking boats run by the local cooperative, Dalyan Kooperatifi ; various pirates charge considerably more.
If you can organise a small group, it may be more economical to hire an entire passenger boat that holds from eight to 12 people. Haggle to get the best price, particularly if it's early or late in the season and many boats are standing idle. There are tours to Kaunos (two-hours), or to Kaunos and the Sultaniye hot springs (t…
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Kaunos
Founded in the 9th century BC, Kaunos (or Caunus) was an important Carian city by 400 BC. Right on the border with Lycia, its culture reflected aspects of both empires. The famous Kings' Tombs in the cliffs, for instance, are largely Lycian style. If you don't take a boat excursion to the site, walk south from town along Maraş Caddesi to Kaunos Sokak to view the tombs across the Dalyan River.
When Mausolus of Halicarnassus ruled Caria, his influence reached the Kaunians, who eagerly adopted that Hellenistic culture. Kaunos suffered from endemic malaria; according to Herodotus, its people were famous for their yellowish skin and eyes. The Kaunians' prosperity was also thre…
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Caretta Caretta
Also designed by Nail Çakırhan, this place does delicious Turkish dishes (such as bonfile ve tavuk cığerli börek - beef fillet with chicken livers baked in puff pastry) at pleasing prices. With a number of tables on the riverbank and the wooden platform above the water, you have a fair chance of bagging one. It's a great place also for a beer.
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Riverside Restaurant
Considered Dalyan's best fish restaurant, the Riverside also boasts a gorgeous and breezy terrace where you can dine under mulberry trees while admiring the Lycian tombs and listening to the quack of ducks. The owner, an ex-head chef who still does his own cooking, offers exquisite seafood and fish accompanied by his own special sauces. The stuffed fish is a speciality.
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Bistrot Clou
Just off Market Square, this delightful little place offers home-style cooking at fair prices. The family who run it make everything from the house speciality, the delicious güvec (casseroles), to the crocheted tablecloths and gourd lamps. There's jazz and traditional music most nights.
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Atay Dostlar Sofrasi
You'll find competent staff and unbeatable prices at this local workers' restaurant where visitors are greeted warmly. There's a point-and-pick counter and dishes are fresh daily. It's opposite the mosque and minibus stand.
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Metin Pide & Pizza
Hugely popular for its delicious pide and pizza freshly made, this is a family affair with all members helping out. There are tables in a shaded garden opposite the restaurant.
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Demet Pastanesi
With excellent pastries and tantalising Turkish puds (TL4.50), this is also a great place for breakfast and picnic supplies. The hazelnut and walnut tart (TL5) is to die for.
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Maraş Caddesi
For a drink, head for the point on Maraş Caddesi where it widens slightly. Bars are cheek-by-jowl; choose the most popular one that evening.
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Okakbaşı Restaurant
With tables in a lovely garden with a pool and orange, plum and pomegranate trees, this place is known for its scrumptious kebaps.
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Sibel Dondurma
For ice cream, head for Sibel Dondurma, which sells 20 flavours, all locally made.
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Dalyan Spice
Sells gorgeous Turkish delight, as well as local spices and honey.
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Saki
With a brilliant (and breezy) location right on the riverfront, this very authentic eatery serves some of the most wholesome Turkish food in Dalyan restaurant. There's no menu; choose from the glass cabinet of homemade meze (TL5 to TL8), meat and fish.
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Kösk
This little place in the centre of Dalyan's high street is the busiest eatery in Dalyan, thanks to its home-style meze (TL4) and grilled dishes. There are tables in a little forecourt from where you can watch the evening parade.
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Kordon
Considered by many to be Dalyan's best fish restaurant, the Kordon has a commanding position on the river. Ichtyphobes can choose from a large selection of steaks and grills and there are a half-dozen vegetarian choices on offer.
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Kaunos Tours
On the main square opposite the landmark statue of the turtles, Kaunos offers any number of organised activities both on and off the water, including sea kayaking and canoeing (each TL65), trekking (TL35), canyoning (TL65) and jeep safari (TL60). Prices include lunch.
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Dalyan İz
This excellent new addition to Dalyan's social scene is an art gallery and shop as much as a garden cafe. It's hugely popular with local expats and a great source of information.
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Dalyan Dive Centre
For diving, go to the Dalyan Dive Centre. A day-long excursion including two dives and lunch is TL100.
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Chinatown
OK, it ain't going to win any culinary awards but if you (like us) need the occasional fix of Asian-style rice and/or noodles (TL6 to TL13), this British-owned eatery can assist. There's a good choice of vegetarian dishes too.
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Boat Trips
You can save yourself a lot of money and hassle by taking boats run by the Dalyan Kooperatifi, southwest of the main square. It's a fairly easy process, but if you need help, ask for Eddy (or call him 0541 505 0777).
Boats usually leave the quayside at 10am or 10.30am to cruise to the Sultaniye hot springs and mud baths, the ruins of Kaunos, and İztuzu Beach on the Mediterranean. These excellent tours, including lunch, cost around TL30 per person.
If you can drum up a team of like-minded folk, you can hire a passenger boat that holds from eight to 12 people. A two‑hour tour just to Kaunos costs around TL50 for the boat; if you want to visit the Sultaniye hot springs as wel…
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Beyaz Gül
Just about the classiest place in town, the 'White Rose' boasts a gorgeous and breezy terrace where you can dine while admiring the cliff-top tombs and listening to background jazz. And it caters to everyone: there's a play area for the kids, nargileh (water pipe) for the lads and ladettes, and stylish decor for the discerning.
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