Things to do in Dalyan
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Dalyan Kooperatifi
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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 southwest of the centre, 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 the western end of Kaunos Sokak to view the tombs across the Dalyan River.
Apart from the cliff-top tombs, the theatre is very well preserved; nearby there are parts of an acropolis and other structures, such as baths, fountains, a temple and defensive walls. The curious wooden structures in the river are fishing…
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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 and well-fed. There's a point-and-pick counter and dishes are fresh daily. It's opposite the mosque and information centre.
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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 desserts (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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Tas Firin
Diagonally opposite the Metin, it sells good fresh bread.
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Sea Turtles Statue
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Mai Steakhouse
This new eatery in the heart of Dalyan is making quite a name for itself locally. But it is not always what it seems. There's lots more than steak available and though decorated bright blue-and-white, Mai's heart is Turkish, not Greek.
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Main Mosque
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Kings' Tombs
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Jazz Bar Dalyan w
Facing the harbour just north of the centre, this lively place is where to head for jazz, live or canned, till the wee hours (open daily till 3am). Cocktails deftly shaken and/or stirred by expert mixologists.
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Dalyan La Vie
What was the tired Riverside Restaurant has metamorphosed into one of the most exciting new restaurants on the Turquoise Coast – perhaps because most of the kitchen staff have been imported from İstanbul. The seafood dishes, especially the casseroles, are highly recommended, desserts are Turkish traditional with a twist, and the location on the river is enviable.
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Saki
With a brilliant (and breezy) location right on the riverfront just over from Dalyan la Vie (they're friends), this very authentic eatery serves some of the most wholesome Turkish food in Dalyan. There's no menu; choose from the glass cabinet of homemade meze (TL7 to TL12) as well as meat and fish dishes.
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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
Dalyan's long-established (since 1987!) fish restaurant, the Kordon has a commanding position on the river just up from where the excursion boats moor. 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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Dalyan İz
This excellent addition to Dalyan's social scene is an art gallery and shop selling hand-painted ceramics and tiles as much as a garden cafe. It's hugely popular with expats in Dalyan and a great source of local information.
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Ethos Dalyan Dive Centre
Other agencies in Dalyan offer snorkelling and diving trips but why not stick with the pros? A day-long excursion including two dives and lunch is around TL125.
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Chinatown
OK, it ain't going to win any culinary awards but if you need the occasional fix of Asian-style rice and/or noodles (TL8 to TL15), this place can assist. There's a good choice of vegetarian dishes and – something new – a stab at Indian food.
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