Dalaman travel guide
Meet DalamanDalaman weather reportGetting into DalamanTop attractions in DalamanGetting around Dalaman Where to eat in DalamanPage 2: More information on Dalaman
Meet Dalaman
Located in the South-West part of Turkey, the city of Dalaman is a gateway to the magic coasts of the Aegean Sea and an ideal option for family vacations. Its famous beaches draw visitors in to soak up the glorious sunshine during summer, late spring and early autumn.
But this heavenly destination has more to offer than just beach. Dalaman is a place of unique natural beauty, combining the enthralling scenery of olive tree-covered slopes with the serenity of Homer’s birthplace, the Aegean Sea. The city is part of ancient Ionia, where philosophy and literature were born three thousand years ago. As such, it is within close proximity to two of the Ancient World’s Seven Wonders including the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassaus.
Modern Dalaman is characterized by the ever famous traditional Turkish hospitality. Visitors are greeted by smiling faces and quite literally bathed in luxury. Turkish baths known as hamams sparkle welcomingly alongside ultra-modern bars so creating a real mix of adventure and relaxation.
Dalaman weather report
This is the Mediterranean, so expect prolonged six month long summers with the highest temperature reaching 40 °C. 320 days of sunshine are quite telling for a place’s climate, even if late summer tends to be humid and windy. As for the winter, it’s as mild as most winters can be with an average temperature of 15 °C.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Dalaman
Dalaman has an international airport serving the whole area of Southwest Turkey, located only four miles away from the city. Take one of the abundant taxis to go to the city centre, they all charge a small fixed price. There is no public transport for this route.
Top attractions in Dalaman
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Beaches are the most precious asset of Dalaman and its surrounding areas. Iztuzu beach close to the small town of Dalayan is famous for its loggerhead sea (Caretta Caretta) turtles.
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For fearless extreme sports fans, the Dalaman river is one of the most renowned hot-spots for river rafting in Turkey, with two levels of difficulty, one for beginners (children included) and one for experienced rafters. However, time is limited on this sport as the construction of a dam will mean the prohibition of rafting in the area.
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Alexandria train station is one the few of its kind that have been built by mistake! One century ago a Pasha of the Ottoman Empire ordered the materials required to build a villa in the area from France. By a twist of fate, materials destined for the construction of a train station in the Egyptian city of Alexandria were sent to Dalaman. Thus, a certain ‘Alexandria train station’ can be seen today in Dalaman!
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The remains of the ancient city of Ephesus at the foot of mountain Pion, very close to Dalaman, attests to the region’s historically significant past. Visit the Hellenistic Grand Theatre (where St Paul gave one of his most important speeches) and the Temples of Serapi and Hadrian. Close to Ephesus on Mount Bulbul Dagi is Meryemana, a former residence of Holy Mary according to myth. Also nearby Ephesus, in the small town of Selçuk, you can visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St John the Apostle, where he was allegedly buried.
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Fethiye is another ancient town close to Dalaman, lying on the slope of Mount Mendos. Visitors can marvel at the famous Lycian Rock Tombs, meticulously constructed on the cliffs of the mountain.
Getting around Dalaman
As Dalaman is a small city, its beaches and other offerings can mostly be explored on foot. For trips to the neighboring resorts, you can rent a car for approximately £25-30 per week. Unfortunately, public transport is slightly unreliable and the bus drivers do not speak English, so it’s best avoided.
Where to eat in Dalaman
Turkish cuisine is famous for its delicious recipes such as dolma (vine leaves), lokum (Turkish delight), pide (pie), shish kebab and kofte (meatballs). A few restaurants worth sampling include:
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Sardivan restaurant is the ideal option for families, serving cheap breakfast in the morning and delicious fish in the evening. There is also a garden with a cozy playground for children
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Botanik is the place to be for those who want to try traditional Turkish recipes or fresh fish from the Aegean Sea
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Turku Café allows visitors to combine traditional Turkish dishes with Oriental music and sometimes, a belly-dancing show
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Pilic Restaurant is an experience for the extremely adventurous; it serves only chicken dishes and is run by inmates of the adjacent prison!
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O Yes restaurant serves the best pide in town
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Akkaya Garden Restaurant serves up all kinds of kebabs and delicious Turkish starters such as aubergine salad