Dalaman area holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Flights from the UK to Dalaman typically take around four to four-and-a-half hours, depending on your departure airport.

Dalaman is two hours ahead of the UK – so when it’s 9am in the UK, it's 11am in Dalaman.

The Dalaman region’s home to some of Turkey’s top spots when it comes to beaches – including the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz, Iztuzu Beach near Dalyan – a turtle nesting spot – and Sarigerme Beach’s golden sands. Others we recommend dropping by are Icmeler Beach and quiet spots like Kidrak Beach.

The currency used in the Dalaman region is the Turkish Lira. Some tourist spots may accept euros or pounds, but you’ll get a better rate using lira – especially in markets and local restaurants.

The best time to visit Dalaman is between May and October when the weather’s warm and sunny. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures often topping 30°C. For fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures, try May, June, September, or October.

Must-see attractions include the Blue Lagoon at Olu Deniz, the ancient city of Kaunos, and Dalyan's rock tombs carved into cliff faces. You’ve got Europe’s second-largest canyon at Saklikent Gorge, boat trips to the Twelve Islands, and the mud baths near Dalyan are also worth a visit.

The Dalaman region uses European-style two-pin plug sockets – type C and F. You'll need to bring a European travel adapter to use your UK electrical appliances.

As far as resorts go, Marmaris is known for its buzzing nightlife scene and marina, Içmeler’s got a family-friendly feel and a huge sweeping bay, while Olu Deniz puts you in prime position for the Blue Lagoon and paragliding excursions. There’s Fethiye, too, serving up a mix of traditional Turkish culture and modern amenities.

Yes, the Dalaman regions got a worldwide rep for paragliding – and you’ll find experiences available for all levels. Hotspots include Olu Deniz, and tandem flights from Babadağ Mountain dish up sky-high views of the Blue Lagoon and the coastline.

The Dalaman region’s got many natural attractions to visit, including Saklikent Gorge, the Butterfly Valley near Ölüdeniz, the Dalyan Delta, and Iztuzu Beach – an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles. If you’re into hiking, there are many trails here too, particularly along the Lycian Way.

If you fancy sightseeing from the water, there’s a selection of boat trips to choose from. Whether it’s a day cruise to the Twelve Islands from Fethiye or river boats through the Dalayan Delta to see the rock tombs and Iztuzu Beach. There are also traditional Turkish gulet boat experiences, with cruises that can last from a day to several nights, giving you that extra bit of time to relax, swim, and snorkel – exploring secluded bays and coves, too.

The Dalaman region has an efficient minibus system – known locally as dolmuş – connecting major towns and resorts. You’ll be able to get taxis easily here, but we recommend agreeing on a price before starting your journey. Water taxis operate between some beaches and resorts during summer, too. If you want to explore the region’s more remote attractions, you could rent a car or hop on intercity buses for longer trips.

Absolutely. Dalaman – known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast – is a great pick for a beach holiday. You’ve got everything from coastlines and mountain scenery to ancient ruins and buzzing resorts. Popular spots like Marmaris, Olu Deniz, Fethiye, and Sarigerme offer something for everyone – whether you want nightlife, watersports, or laidback beaches. Most people stay in the nearby coastal resorts rather than Dalaman town itself, but wherever you base yourself, you’ll find plenty to explore.

Dalaman centre is about six kilometres from the airport, which takes about 10 minutes by car or taxi, depending on the traffic.

Yes, it’s Dalaman is a safe area for tourists. Petty theft can happen in busy spots, just like in any big city, so keep an eye on your things, but serious crime is rare.

May to early June and mid-September to October hit the sweet spot – with warm, sunny weather ranging from 25-30°C, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

November’s usually the cheapest month, with December to February close behind. These months are cooler and quieter, but great if you’re after a budget trip and aren’t fussed about beach weather. March is also a good choice, though prices may begin to rise as spring approaches.

Yes – it’s about 90 km away. The drive takes 75-90 minutes, and there are regular shuttle services. The journey might take longer during peak summer season and at weekends.

Like many Mediterranean destinations, Dalaman can have mosquitos, particularly during the warmer months and near water sources, so we recommend packing insect repellent for your trip, just in case.

While Dalaman itself is relatively small, you can get your shopping fix in the wider Dalaman area. For traditional Turkish markets and bazaars, head to nearby Fethiye, where you'll find the vibrant Tuesday market selling everything from fresh produce to textiles and souvenirs. For more upscale shopping, Marmaris offers a good selection of boutiques and shopping centres.

The cost of meals in Dalaman varies depending on where you eat. At local restaurants – known locally as lokantas – you can tuck in to a simple Turkish meal for around 100-200 Turkish Lira, approximately £2.50-£5 per person. Mid-range restaurants usually charge between 200-400 Turkish Lira – or £5-£10 – for a main course. In touristy hotspots like Olu Deniz or Marmaris, meals may cost 300-600 Turkish Lira, or £7.50-£15.

Fethiye is about 50 kilometres away from Dalaman Airport and the journey usually takes 45-50 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic conditions.

Dalaman gets a big tick when it comes to outdoor activities – with diverse landscapes of mountains, rivers, and coastline. You can enjoy paragliding over Olu Deniz, white-water rafting on the Dalaman River, hiking along the Lycian Way – plus there are boat trips, 4x4 safaris through mountain villages, horseback riding, diving and snorkelling on the cards, too.

Dalaman town itself doesn’t have beaches, but the surrounding region is home to some of Turkey’s best. Just a short drive away, you’ll find sandy stretches in places like Olu Deniz, Sarigerme, and Icmeler. The coastline from Fethiye to Marmaris is famous for its clear turquoise waters, which is why it’s often called the Turquoise Coast.

Yes – it’s generally more budget-friendly than Bodrum and slightly cheaper or similar to Antalya, depending on where you stay. Dalaman offers a wider range of accommodation options at various price points, particularly in areas like Marmaris and Fethiye, making it more budget-friendly overall.

If you’re looking to escape the beach crowds, Sarigerme’s got a 7km sandy stretch that’s way less crowded than other resort areas. Göcek’s another option away from the hustle – with a peaceful marina area and nearby access to secluded coves, too. In Daylan, Turtle Beach – Iztuzu Beach – is a protected sandy beach famous for being a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, so it’s a bit less crowded than other sites.

Yes, it’s easy to visit the Blue Lagoon from Dalaman and it makes for a good daytrip destination. Located in Olu Deniz, it takes around an hour and a half by car or bus, approximately 60 kilometres from Dalaman.

While it's not the official currency, you can use British pounds in some places in Dalaman, Turkey, especially in tourist areas like Marmaris or Olu Deniz. We recommend getting your Turkish Lira before your trip if possible, as you'll likely get a better exchange rate, and that way, you won’t have any problems on the other side.

Yes, Dalyan and Sarigerme are both suitable for vegetarians – and Turkish cuisine’s got lots of veggie dishes on the menu. Daylan’s got a more developed restaurant scene, and you’ll find many places serving up traditional Turkish meze like hummus, dolma – stuffed vine leaves – and patlican salatasi – roasted aubergine salad. There are also main dishes like vegetable güveç, stew, and sebzeli pilav, which is vegetable rice. Sarigerme, though smaller, still provides vegetarian options in its hotel restaurants and local eateries.