There are loads of things to tempt you off your sunbed on a holiday to the Dalaman area. Markets, mud baths and ancient sites are just the tip of the iceberg…
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
If anywhere puts Turkey on the travel map, Dalaman does. This stretch, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is all serene coves, white sands, and blue-green waters – hence the nickname. Nudge your way inland, meanwhile, and you can’t move for sights including the Caunos tombs, Pamukkale and Turkey’s biggest crowd-puller – Ephesus.
Olu Deniz and Sarigerme
If you’re a sucker for a beautiful beach, make Olu Deniz your base. The sand-fringed lagoon here is understandably one of the most photographed spots in Turkey. And the red-roofed town itself isn’t short on shops, bars and restaurants. If you’d rather slip beneath the radar, head west along the coast to the village of Sarigerme. One of Turkey’s best-kept secrets, it’s home to a quiet beach and a clutch of traditional restaurants.
Icmeler and Marmaris
Another take-it-easy resort is Icmeler, which sits even further west. Backed by rolling hills, its whitewashed houses and Wednesday market give it a traditional Med feel. A sandy beach and a handful of waterfront restaurants are part of the deal, too. And it’s really close to Marmaris – one of Turkey’s biggest and most popular resorts, and without doubt the hub of bars and clubs. The drive takes about 5 minutes, or you can hop on a water taxi across the bay.
Places To Stay In Dalaman Area View all places to stay »
Fethiye
Even an earthquake back in the Fifties couldn’t stop Fethiye. It dusted itself off and built its way up to become a thriving holiday resort on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. You’ll still see a few Roman ruins around the place, but it’s the quaint old quarter and yacht-filled harbour that draw people in. The markets are a top draw, too.
Icmeler
Backed by a dramatic mountain range on Turkey’s southwest coast, Icmeler is a purpose-built resort with a difference. Just a 15-minute drive from much bigger and louder Marmaris, this place has kept in touch with its traditional fishing village roots while nabbing itself some great restaurants. It’s also got one of the best beaches in these parts.
Marmaris
As resorts go, Marmaris is larger-than-life. Set on the south-west side of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the place is one of the biggest places around here. That means a whole lot of bars, clubs and restaurants – and a lively crowd that comes with them. But it’s not all happy hour cocktails and karaoke – there’s a traditional quarter with an Ottoman castle and a sophisticated marina, too.
AT A GLANCE
- Sink into a mud bath in Dalyan
- Turn the clock back at Ephesus
- Explore coral reefs and eerie shipwrecks
Weather
Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Dalaman Area.
TEMPERATURE (°C)RAINFALL (mm)
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| JAN | 15.0 | 105.0 |
| FEB | 15.0 | 94.0 |
| MAR | 18.0 | 62.0 |
| APR | 21.0 | 45.0 |
| MAY | 26.0 | 18.0 |
| JUN | 32.0 | 2.0 |
| JUL | 35.0 | 0.0 |
| AUG | 35.0 | 0.0 |
| SEP | 31.0 | 14.0 |
| OCT | 26.0 | 48.0 |
| NOV | 21.0 | 94.0 |
| DEC | 17.0 | 160.0 |
WHEN TO GO
Summer sun is pretty much a given in Dalaman. Expect day after day of blue skies, temperatures that top 30˚C and up to 12 hours of sun a day. The weather is warm enough for a spring or autumn escape, too – you’ll still get 6 or 7 hours of sun every day, and the thermometer usually hovers around 25˚C.
Things To Do View all »
-
The Olu Deniz Air Games Festival
As airshows go, this annual event in Olu Deniz is unmissable. No, really, you can’t miss it because the sky is literallypacked…
View details »
Loading
Top 5 hotels in Dalaman Area
Similar Destinations
Loading
