A LITTLE  DALYAN HISTORY….

Because of Dalyans legendary ecosystem which has survived for millions of years it is now a protected conservation area.

Dalyan is a maze of channels which comprising of 1700 hectares of reed beds, and four lakes. The largest lake being 55km2 with a channel that links it to the Mediterranean Sea.

There are 18 species of fish, 5 of turtles, 13 of snakes, 18 of mammals and hundreds of bird species.
The famous and very rare Caretta Caretta Turtle (some reaching up to a staggering 200 kilos) has been in existence for 95 million years. It returns each year to lay its eggs on the protected Iztuzu Beach. For this reason the beach is closed to the public from 8pm-8am in the nesting season.

Sulundur Lake has a mysterious, silent, magical atmosphere; where in Caunos times people would sail into the lake and trade in salt, salted fish and slavery.

The ancient city of Caunos was a famous seaport city until 100BC. Archaeologists estimate that Caunos was built around 3000BC.

Caunos has a wonderful amphitheatre that once seated up to 15,000 people; it also has a temple and a Roman bath.
The famous Lycian rock tombs were built in 400BC, and can be reached by a steep pathway. Once at the top you may venture inside and view the intricate carvings one of which has a carving of two lions facing one another.

The natural mud baths and thermal springs have been used for centuries, and are said not only to make you look and feel 10 years younger! – but have super healing qualities, that provide much relief for sufferers of rheumatism, muscle aches, nerve disease, kidney and reproductive problems.

THE ANCIENT CITY OF CAUNOS…

The Ancient City of Caunos 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. Caunos 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 Caunos 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 Caunos was due to an outbreak of malaria. Rhodes purchased Caunos in the 2nd century. After many wars it went back to Carian rule only to be given back to Rhodes in 88BC. Caunos has a long and varied history and is well worth a visit. You can visit Caunos at any time although it is advisable to avoid the midday sun. You may go by yourself, by crossing the Dalyan channel via rowing boat then walking up to the City. Caunos can also be visited as part of an organised day tour.

IZTUZU BEACH…

Twelve km from the centre of Dalyan lies 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. Opening times are from 08.00-18.00 so as not to interfere with the nesting habits of these Turtles. Sun-beds and shade are available at the beach for a small charge and cold drinks and snacks are served throughout the day. You can reach Iztuzu by Boat (approx. 40 mins) or Dolmus (approx. 20 mins). The boat winds its way down the channel, through the rustling reeds to the open tip of the beach, with an opportunity to spot the turtles, and many species of birds. The Dolmus travels lakeside through beautiful winding roads lined with Oleander. Both ways offer spectacular scenery and are well worth doing.