Dalyan means in Turkish is where the fishes are leaving their eggs in the fresh water and where the fresh water is shallow and surrounded with reeds are Dalyan. Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the endangered Caretta Caretta Turtles and the wildlife in the area led to campaign to listed the area for conservation.

Since 1989 Turkey has taken steps towards the the conservation of wildlife. One and most important of protected area is Dalyan.

The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A heaven for relaxation, that has blossomed to cater for the serious travellers. There are many restaurants, in which to try Turkish cuisine, bars and shops. There are few discos out of the town, so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgetable hospitality.

Dalyan canal through which water circulates between the Mediterranean and Koycegiz Lake winds its way to the sea, via a small network of lakes and waterways.

You meet to Mediterranean, after around 30-40 minutes wonderful boat travel. Dividing the delta is the Iztuzu sandbar stretching for six km. With fine sand and turquoise sea.

The Caretta Caretta turtle is designated as threatened on the International Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species List.These turtles with their large heads and reddish brown shells come to Iztuzu Beach to nest from May to September.

The inner fortress which contains the most important structures and temples is called acropol. Acropols were generally built on high hills where the defence is easier.

The fortress in Kaunos is on a high hill. From this hill you can view the whole of the antique city, Dalyan, Iztuzu coast, the town of Dalyan, the whole of the canal which extends between the Mediteranean like a blue line, fields, gardens, forrests which look like a paradise.

At the right-hand side of the path leading to the theatre, a nice church stands. The researchers claim that there are two churches in this region. That’s why, the one which is next to the theatre is called the grand church. Existance of churches in Kaunos shows that formerly Christians lived here.

During the antique era there were multi-god religions. People who lived in this area believed in Zeus, Aphrodite, Artemis and Apollon. In some antique cities people chose a god or goddess that would protect their city. In an inscription which was found in Kaunos, the names of Apollon, Posedion, Artemis and Aphrodite are mentioned. Heredotos said that the people of Kaunos worshipped their own gods and not foreign gods.

Dalyan has many therapeutic hot springs. The waters which contain radioactive elements and sulphur are believed to cure rheumatism, skin, liver, spleen and bowel complaints, as well as being beneficial for nervous and digestive disorders.

The Sultaniye Thermal Bath which is famous in Turkey, the water is 40 degrees C. The water used since Hellenistic times.

The mud baths are also said to remedy rheumatism as well as cleanse and beautify skin. Once you have covered yourself in the mud, than you wait for few minutes to dry it. You clean yourself with tab shower and then you can go in to the sulphur pool. Mud bath is also at a temperature of 40 degrees.