About Dalyan Region

KAUNOS

Kaunos is one of the most mysterious cities in the Mediterranean region. It's situated among Marmaris, Köyceğiz and Sarıgerme. The waters of Köyceyiz lake fall into the Mediterranean Sea by a natural canal. The canal, which is approximately fifteen metres in width, seperates Kaunos from Dalyan. On a steep slope just opposite the town of Dalyan, sizeable rock tombs which belong to the people of Kaunos are seen. These rock tombs are the landmark of Kaunos and Dalyan. (read more...)

EXCAVATIONS IN KAUNOS

Excavations in Kaunos have been organized by a team led by Prof. Dr. Baki Öğün and Prof. Dr. Cengiz Işık since 1966. Together with the excavations, restoration works are also carried out.

Here you will find all details of Antique Structures in Kaunos.

	The Town of DALYAN With its peculiar geographic and economic characteristics and with its plants and seafood, Dalyan is different from the region. Historical values contribute to deepen this difference. With its nature Dalyan is a paradise where nature and history embrace eachother.
The town of Dalyan is situated near the river. The distance from the sea is 12 kilometers and 4 nautical miles from the canal. Its environment is surrounded by rich plants and agricultural fields. The population of the town is around 4000 in winter, but this number doubles in summer. Dalyan is 80 km away from Marmaris and 75 km away from Fethiye. It was established as a fishing village in the last century. On the wharf there's a mosque which belongs to the last century. Its name comes from crawls which were set up on the Dalyan river. We see small villages and farm houses and the life is quite simple and natural. However in recent years, two or three storied houses like Muğla type houses, accommodation facilities and shops have been built.

	THE DALYAN STREAM / THE CANAL Formerly known as Calbis (the Dalyan stream, the canal) is a natural water conduit which connects the Köyceğiz Lake with the Mediterranean. At the same time it connects Sülüngür, Ala, and Sülüklü Lake. The Dalyan stream looks like a natural labyrinth, carving the delta like a lake.
That's why, an excursion in the canal without a guide causes you to be lost. Some parts of the canal take the shape of a strait, some parts take the shape of a lake. There are waterconduits called Yeni Dünya, Alagöl and Aragöl Kulağı. The canal is 5 miles and approximate depth is 2.5 - 3 meters.

IZTUZU COAST and DELIK ADA

Dalyan has become famous suddenly in the world in 1987. Because the İztuzu coast is the breeding place for Caretta-Caretta turtles. Hotels were planned to be built in the region. By the efforts of nature lovers the region was opened to the public, on ondition of buildings prefabricated facilities and the region was declared as a special protected area.

	CARETTA-CARETTA (Bulky Sea Turtles) The Caretta-Caretta is a kind of bulky turtle living in the Mediterranean. The Caretta-Caretta is about to extinct. The Caretta-Caretta became extinct in all Mediterranean countries except Anatolia. In Turkey, the breeding region of Caretta-Caretta is the coast line between Dalyan and Anamur, and the most important place is the Dalyan-İztuzu coast.
So the importance of Dalyan and Caretta-Caretta can be understood better. They lay eggs between May and August. They lay their eggs 2 or 3 times in a season.

	GÖKBEL MOUNTAIN and RADAR It's one of the high mountains, which is in the east of the İztuzu coast. It's a steep mountain. It's possible to climb the mountain from a slope in northwest, facing the canals. The mountain is covered with pine trees. There's a radar on the top of the mountain. Upon viewing from the radar nature looks incredibly fabulous.
	A striking panoramic picture of the geographic formation of the Dalyan region. When you look down from 600 meters height, you can see the İztuzu coast, the İztuzu Lake, Delik Ada,
the entrance of Ekincik Bay, the canals, the lakes in the canals, Kaunos, the town of Dalyan, the Köyceğiz Lake and the mountains. But first you must get a permission to enter the radar. The transportation route is first İztuzu motorway, then the stabilized forest path on the left.