This is a guest post from Eva.
The Dalaman region is often referred to as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. The crystal clear, balmy seas are certainly a great reason to visit but there’s a lot more to see and do on holidays to Dalaman.
Beaches
White Beaches
There are a number of great beaches in and around Dalaman. Belcekiz for example, the main beach at the Olu Deniz resort, has a reputation of being one of the finest in the whole of Turkey.
The wide arc of fine sand and shingle is perfect for a lazy sun-kissed day but, for the more energetic, a wide range of watersports and activities are available. For the even more adventurous, multi-coloured paragliders constantly glide from the heights of Babadağ Mountain to touch down in the crystal clear lagoon.
Nearby is the Lycian Way trekking route that wends its way past ancient rock-cut tombs. Calis has another superb beach with a 4 km stretch of sand and an attractive promenade packed with bars and restaurants.
Nearby Marmaris, meanwhile, is perfect for diving and snorkelling due to its clear, calm waters. The beach at Dalyan is also famous for its breeding population of rare loggerhead sea turtles. The species has been in existence for 45 million years but is now endangered.
Due to conservation issues the beach is closed nightly during the breeding season but you can visit the turtle sanctuary which helps look after sick or injured animals.
Fethiye
Sunset
Located to the east of Dalaman, Fethiye is a bustling Turkish market town where you can practice your haggling skills. Visit the bazaar area of Paspatur, especially during the Tuesday market.
Here you can buy anything from local fresh food to genuine Turkish carpets, beautiful handcrafted gold items and the famous sweet Turkish delight.
Food and drink
Largely influenced by Ottoman cuisine, the local food features a lot of lamb and minced meat, with fragrant spices. Try karniyarik (split aubergines filled with minced lamb, pine nuts and dried fruits) or hunkar begendili kofte (meatballs served with a puree of smoked aubergine and cheese) for a real taste of Turkey.
Simple kebabs are also popular and if you fancy succulent seafood or a steak and chips then that can usually be arranged as well. Wash it all down with an orchid tea or the local beer: efes.
Tagged as:
Dalaman,
Guest Post,
Turkey
