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Best things to do in Dalaman 

Want to see the best bits of Dalaman? Put these essential things to do on your list for your next Turkey holiday. 
Turkey’s Dalaman area lines up plenty of reasons to visit, but its beaches are usually top of the list. This slice of the south-west coast rolls out a pick and mix of coves, bays and beaches that includes legendary stop-offs like the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz. And there’s more to see beyond the shore, with ancient sites, colourful bazaars and national parks to explore. Planning a visit? Here are some ideas for the best things to do in Dalaman. 

Beach-hop in Fethiye and visit the Blue Lagoon 

Fethiye’s cobbled old quarter lines up whitewashed mosques, busy street markets and traditional Turkish hammams. And you can hop on a water taxi to the beach at Calis when you fancy some downtime on the sand. Fancy exploring a bit further? Head 25 minutes from Fethiye you’ve got Olu Deniz, home of the world-famous Blue Lagoon – probably Turkey’s most-photographed spot. Swim in the bonkers-blue water, sink into a beanbag on the sand with a cocktail in hand, and watch paragliders jump off the pine-clad mountains. 
 

Book things to do in Fethiye. 

Panoramic view of Olu Deniz beach and blue lagoon

Check out the marina in Marmaris 

Marmaris doesn’t do anything by halves. It’s got a chic marina to match its charming old town. It’s got a historic castle and authentic hammams as well as cutting-edge contemporary restaurants and bars. And it’s got a supersized beach that outshines the lot. You can even take a catamaran over to Rhodes Town and find yourself on green soil in less than an hour, if you want to tick off two destinations in one hit.  
 

Book things to do in Marmaris. 

View over Marmaris town and part of the marina

See ancient sites in Sarigerme 

Sarigerme, a 20-minute drive from Dalaman, has a more villagey vibe and puts you in easy reach of some incredible archaeological sites and tombs. The ancient baths and amphitheatre at Kaunos are about a 30-minute drive away and well worth a visit. And if you’re going big, you can book a small group tour to Ephesus. This was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis – and you’ll have an expert on-hand to show you around. After all that exploring, you’ll be grateful for Sarigerme’s long, sandy beach – which goes on for a good seven kilometres. 
 

Book things to do in Sarigerme. 

Temple of Artemis, Ephesus

Wallow in the mud baths at Dalyan 

Dalyan – not to be confused with Dalaman – is a traditional fishing village and springboard for several daytrips in the area. One is to the mud baths at Lake Koycegiz – you’ll take a boat to reach this famous beauty spot, then sink into the pampering mud before rinsing off in the Sultanye thermal springs. Another biggie is a boat trip to Iztuzu Beach. This one is about half an hour away and known as Turtle Beach thanks to the famous Loggerhead turtles that breed here.  
Couple having fun in the mud baths, Lake Koycegiz

Inspired to go? Take a look at all our Dalaman holidays.
 

Or for more inspo, read eight more amazing things to do near Dalaman, the best things to do in Turkey and Turkey’s best resorts.
 

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles. 
 

Author:  Katie Gregory 


Last updated:  28.8.2024

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