The ultimate guide to Dalaman in 2024: Turkey’s turquoise coast

Are you thinking of visiting Turkey? You need this bumper guide to Dalaman! With dreamy shorelines, historical sites, and beautiful blue waters with a mountainous backdrop, Dalaman is Turkey, but not as you know it.

Known as ‘Turkey’s Turquoise Coast’, Dalaman is a picturesque region of southwestern Turkey region and is situated on the Aegean coast of Turkey, between the popular tourist destinations of Marmaris and Fethiye.

The Dalaman region is also blessed with some of Turkey’s most picturesque beaches, characterized by crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and lush green landscapes.

The Ultimate Guide to Dalaman Turkey

It’s part of the larger Mugla province and encompasses the towns of Dalaman, Dalyan, Sarigerme, Gocek, and Koycegi.

Dalaman is a surprisingly diverse holiday destination, with a range of sandy beaches, lively strips of bars, historical spots and dreamy seaside restaurants.

With a vast selection of beaches, bars, hotels, pretty towns and thrilling activities, it’s an ideal holiday spot for families, friends and couples.

My bumper guide to Dalaman is packed with the best things to see and do in the region, as well as where to stay and what to eat.

things to do in dalaman

Planning a trip to the Dalaman region, Turkey

This Dalaman travel guide features a huge range of things to do in the Dalaman and surrounding areas.

It includes activities, where to stay and where to eat in the Dalaman region so that you can make the most of your time in this beautiful region of Turkey.

If you’re looking for a package holiday deal to Dalaman, you should check out Jet2 Holidays for Dalaman Holidays.

We talk more about holidays and travel planning on my travel podcast – Travel Goals. Subscribe now and listen to all episodes for more destination inspiration and deep dives with travel experts.

Subscribe to the Travel Goals Podcast now

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google Podcasts
• iHeartRadio
• Amazon Music

Visit The Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz

The Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz is a natural marvel, one of Turkey’s most iconic coastal destinations, and my favourite place in the Dalaman region.

Located along Turkey’s southwestern coast near Fethiye, the Blue Lagoon will knock your socks off with its clear, turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and mountainous surroundings.

The lagoon is renowned for its tranquil ambience and unparalleled beauty, making it a favourite spot for locals and tourists.

At the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, you can swim, snorkel or paddle through the sparkling waters; there’s also a sandy beach area where you can rent sunbeds, pedalos and kayaks.

Nearby, you’ll find a range of bars and restaurants where you can relax with a cocktail or three and soak up the dreamy views.

Relax in the Blue Lagoon National Park

At the western end of the Blue Lagoon is a national park, which requires a small entrance fee. Alternatively, on the opposite side of the lagoon, there are private beaches with restaurants and bars that you can access for the day—for a fee—and use the facilities.

I would highly recommend spending the day swimming, sunbathing or paddling in this little slice of blue paradise.

Check out the Dalaman region’s beaches

The Dalaman region has some of the best beaches in Turkey, with turquoise blue waters, golden sands, and lush green landscapes.

Popular beach destinations include Sarigerme Beach, Iztuzu Beach (near Dalyan), and Ölüdeniz Beach, famous for its azure lagoon and paragliding opportunities.

Sarigerme Beach

Sarigerme Beach is a beautiful Dalaman beach known for its pristine shoreline and shallow turquoise waters. Situated near Ortaca, this blue bolt-hole is ideal for families and couples who want a lazy beach day.

Sarıgerme Beach also offers a range of water sports activities, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, and jet skiing.

In the vicinity of Dalyan lies İztuzu Beach, a natural marvel renowned for its beauty and ecological significance.

İztuzu Beach

İztuzu Beach serves as a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The beach is accessible by boat from Dalyan. It features soft golden sand and calm waters, providing a serene setting for relaxation and wildlife spotting.

Patara Beach

Patara Beach, located near the ancient city of Patara, is another standout destination along the dreamy Dalaman coastline.

Stretching for approximately 18 kilometres, It has pristine dunes, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil ambience that beckons travellers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

You can also explore the nearby ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Patara, adding a touch of history and culture to your beach experience.

Go paragliding in Olüdeniz

Adrenaline junkies will relish the opportunity to leap 1800 metres off Babadeg Mount and land on the beach on a thrilling paragliding experience.

Paragliding off Babadag Mountain is typically done in tandem with a qualified instructor, so you do not need any prior experience to paraglide in Dalaman.

Scared of heights? Fear not; you’ll be securely strapped to a trained pilot who will control the paraglider while you sit back and admire the views.

How high is the paragliding at Oludeniz?

Olüdeniz is one of Turkey’s best places for tandem paragliding. It offers incredible views of the beach and Blue Lagoon below.

The takeoff point for paragliding here is off Babadag Mountain, at an elevation of around 1,965 meters (6,447 feet) above sea level.

Book paragliding in Olüdeniz

There are paragliding companies in Olüdeniz, and I recommend doing thorough research, reading reviews, and booking your paragliding experience online.

The cost of paragliding in Olüdeniz can vary. Most reputable paragliding companies should offer transfers, full insurance, and professional instructors.

After having a total anxiety vomit in a beach bar, we were soon taken up the twisty roads of the mountain.

Is it safe to paraglide in Oludeniz?

Utter fear and travel sickness took hold, and I was positively green on the way up as the pilots tried to reassure me that it was all “totally safe” as our van hurtled around narrow roads with severe mountainside drops.

On top of the mountain, you are kitted up, and discussions on how you wish to fly are discussed with your ‘pilot’.

If you have a nervous disposition like mine, you can choose turns, spins, spiral dives, acrobatics, or a nice gentle glide down.

I felt completely safe during the experience, but it is important to choose an Oludeniz paragliding company that is well-established, licensed and has a good reputation for safety.

Licensed operators undergo regular inspections and adhere to safety regulations set by local authorities.

I requested the ‘slowest and most serene flight possible’. My pilot looked disappointed until I explained I once threw up over an overzealous skydive dive instructor in Australia.

Once you have taken flight by running towards the edge of a mountain, you are soon floating through the air with the most spectacular views.

You can gaze down at the beautiful beach where you will be landing. You won’t regret this exhilarating flight, and I highly recommend booking an Olüdeniz paragliding experience.

Enjoy a Dalyan River cruise

Set sail up the pretty Dalyan River for an afternoon of swimming, turtle spotting and Turkish history. Boat trips are popular for tourists visiting the town of Dalyan in southwestern Turkey who want to see the river’s ecosystem and rock-carved relics.

The boats used for Dalyan River tours are typically traditional Turkish wooden boats called “piyade” or “kayik.”

These boats are well-suited for navigating the river’s shallow waters and narrow channels. A range of Dalyan boat trips will take you up the river and towards ‘Turtle Beach’.

We were lucky enough to have a private boat with a bar and a BBQ, perfect for a day’s sailing indulgence.

How do I get to Lycian rock tombs?

On a typical Dalyan boat trip, you will sail through pretty reeds and also pass the Lycian rock tombs.

These cliff-carved tombs, dating back to 400 BC, are the final resting place of the kings of Kaunos. They are so imposing and beautiful that they almost don’t look real.

I couldn’t believe this was Turkey as we glided through aquamarine waters and then towards ‘Turtle Beach’. It was a world away from the busy resorts and clubs I had seen in Marmaris.

It’s located at the mouth of the river, with salt water on one side and fresh water on the other. During your boat trip, you should be on the lookout for sea turtles.

It can be tricky to sip wine on a boat and be on the alert for turtles. Probably one of the more pressing first-world problems of all time.

Iztuzu Beach turtle spotting

I was lucky enough to spot a turtle as I had my camera in hand; I frantically started snapping and got him peeking his head out of the water.

This means I can confidently add ‘wildlife photographer’ to my LinkedIn profile. We briefly docked at Iztuzu Beach [turtle beach] and spent some time looking for turtle nests and having a paddle in the sea.

Due to tidal conditions, our captain stressed that we must return to the boat on time. He wasn’t kidding around; as we left, we could see several boats struggling to sail in the shallow waters.

It took every ounce of self-control not to start a wine-fuelled rendition of Titanic’s signature song, ‘My Heart Will Go On. ‘ Clearly, I have grown as a person.

Have a Turkish Mud bath experience in Dalyan

“Dalyan Peloid mud bath has been accredited by the Ministry of Health”, enthused our guide as we entered the Peloid mud bath.

This immediately conjured up images of a humourless bureaucrat waist-deep in the mud with a clipboard and a rubber stamp.

Our guide explained that the Peloid mud bath Dalyan consisted of clay minerals, humic acid, lignin, hemicellulose, and other scientific terms that I struggled to follow.

He explained that a Turkish Mud Bath experience typically involves covering your body in natural mud, which is rich in minerals and believed to have various health benefits.

The mud in Dalyman is known for its therapeutic properties, including improving skin texture, exfoliating dead skin cells, and promoting relaxation.

Turkey mud bath experience

The mud bath complex has changing rooms, showers, a snack kiosk, a shop and treatments such as a ‘fish spa’.

This is where you pop your feet in a tank, and lots of tiny fish nibble away the hardened skin on your feet [ewwww].

Bathing in mud is childlike and rather wonderful; you can squelch around, smear mud all over yourself, and roll around in glee.

You lie on a bench and bake yourself in the mud before showering it off. Be warned; the mud gets EVERYWHERE.

Book a Dalyan Mud Bath tour

There are different mud areas, each infused with herbs or oil, including sage and rose oil. After spending some time baked in the mud, my skin did feel a little smoother, to be fair.

If you are looking for alternative beauty treatments, this could be exactly the outdoor spa you want in Turkey.

Set sail on an island boat trip from Göcek

Set sail from Göcek Harbour and sunbathe, swim, and snorkelling around picturesque islands.

When you take a 12 Island Boat Trip from Fethiye, you can explore several different islands and Dalamnan beaches and bays. Set sail and enjoy time to relax onboard, swim, sunbathe, and snorkel on a top-notch boat.

Dalyan 12 Island tour

Our boat trip made several stops in some beautiful secluded bays. This meant we could swim in the crystal clear blue water and enjoy amazing views of the turquoise bays, small islands and tiny beaches, including Gocek Island, Flat Island, Dockyard Island & Red Island.

One of the beaches even had adorable goats peering out at us from the beach. We could hear the tinkle of their bells as they ambled across the hills.

It was a scene that was so tranquil I thought I must be dreaming or perhaps mildly inebriated from all the wine.

Sailing in Göcek

Our boat trip also included BBQ lunch on board and a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks.

Like many boat trips, you get what you pay for, which is also true of Göcek boat tours. One of the best parts of the day was when we feasted on fresh fish grilled off the side of the boat.

There’s nothing quite like a healthy, simple fish dish served with lemon, salads and meze to make you feel you deserve that extra glass of wine!

Explore the Ghost Village Of Kayakoy

The ghost town of Kayakoy is tragically all that is left of a once-thriving village in Turkey.

The town was abandoned after the Turkish Greek Population exchange that took place after the founding of the Turkish Republic in the 1920s.

Kayakoy is now an open-air museum with around 3500 preserved houses and three churches. The largest of the churches is the beautiful and deserted Basilica of Panayia Pyrgiotissa.

Booking a Kayakoy tour

To get the most out of this area, I recommend booking a guided tour to Kayakoy with a knowledgeable tour guide who knows the town’s history.

This way, you can get an accurate and informed insight into how the terrible events unfolded here.

Alternatively, you can read up on the history and catch a regular local bus from Fethiye to explore the town.

Go paddleboarding in Selimiye

In the laidback fishing village of Selimiye, you can glide across calm, blue waters with S.U.P Selimiye.

Selimiye is a small seaside fishing village about 25 miles from the city of Marmaris, Turkey. It’s located on the Bozburun Peninsula along the Aegean Sea. 

Hire yourself a SUP board and explore the picturesque marina whilst trying to maintain your balance whilst balancing on a giant board.

If you successfully paddle, ensure someone captures your boarding grace. Immediately start demanding pictures from the water and disturb the serenity, anything for ‘the gram’, right?

Explore the village of Selimiye

After your paddling session, make sure you spend some time exploring this gorgeous, sleepy village.

There are sunbeds to relax on, you can swim in balmy water, and you can also dine at fabulous waterside restaurants, sipping wine whilst you admire the view.

Visit the Fethiye fish market

Visiting the Fethiye fish market in the heart of Fethiye town is an absolute must for seafood lovers.

You can choose your own fish at this vibrant fish market, which will be cooked by one of the surrounding small restaurants for a small fee. You can also order additional meze and drinks at a cost.

We spent a balmy night eating outdoors, with the smell of fresh fish and the strumming of a local band performing for tables as the vino flowed.

Dining out in Turkey is an experience, and the fish market is no different. Don’t expect to scarf your food down in ten minutes and be on your way.

Seemingly endless meze will arrive, rivers of wine will be poured, laughter will ensue, and before you know it, midnight will arrive, and you are somehow still eating prawns.

Browse Stalls at Fethiye market

Fethiye Market Day is when locals and tourists alike come to shop, socialize, and experience the ambience of a traditional Turkish market.

Along with cook-your-own fish stalls, Fethiye Market offers plenty of other retail stalls to browse. You’ll find bars, restaurants, stalls selling spices, fruit, vegetables, and meats, shoes, bags, scarves, and jewellery.

Fethiye Market is also a great place to sample and purchase local flavours and products in Turkey.

You can find a colourful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, including juicy oranges, sweet strawberries, succulent figs, locally produced olive oil, honey, and spices.

Spend some time wandering the market and taking in the smells, sights and patter of Turkish stallholders, who will almost have you convinced that it’s definitely a real Chanel bag for €50.

Have the scrub of your life in a Turkish Bath

A Turkish bath is quite unlike any other I have experienced. In Turkey, you can visit a traditional ‘Hamam’, a heated tiled room with a heated stone slab for visitors to lie on.

Indulge your senses and pamper your body with a traditional Turkish Bath in Marmaris. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Having never visited a Turkish bath, I had no idea what to expect. We got changed and spent some time lounging in the sauna before being taken to a large tiled room.

Turkish bath benefits

What happened next was that a man came in, and a man washed me. This is a sentence you don’t expect to say in your adult life.

I was scrubbed, exfoliated, and massaged within an inch of my life and came out absolutely sparkling. I had no idea I was so filthy.

I was terribly British and awkward about the whole thing and felt compelled to keep apologising throughout the washing; I’m not sure for what exactly. Being washed? My awkwardness? Simply existing?

Afterwards, professionally wrapped in towels, we sipped hot tea and giggled at what had just happened.

It’s an unusual experience for a British person, but I highly recommend setting aside your inherent British awkwardness and indulging in some serious scrubbing.

Enjoy Marmaris nightlife

Over the years, the Turkish city of Marmaris has acquired a reputation as a ‘party town’. Holidaymakers flood its main strip to indulge in drinking and dancing until dawn.

Whilst there are many buzzing bars and nightclubs, there are also many chilled-out bars if you want a quiet drink with pals.

You’ll also find lovely restaurants, seaside dining, and late-night cafes if you are old and tired like me and want to be home by 11pm.

Bar Street Marmaris

Strolling down the main bar strip, you’ll find a party, and if you are looking for pumping music, flashing lights, lurid coloured cocktails and smoke machines, then club heaven awaits you, clubbing kittens.

We visited an establishment called ‘Joy’, which looked exactly like the nightclubs of my younger partying days, with strobes, podiums and brightly coloured drinks.

Other popular bars in this area include Back Garden Club, Black Mirror Bar and Palace Beach. If you’re looking for live music, then the beachside bar, Yunus Cafe Bar has chilled live performances and classic cocktails.

Marmaris Dancing Fountain

If you are out and about in Marmaris at night and don’t fancy dancing the night away in a club, I’d recommend watching the dancing fountain show.

Every night on the Marmaris main boulevard, a seemingly ordinary fountain comes to life with lights and music. The music is perfectly timed to the fountain’s whooshes of water. It’s like something you might expect at Disneyland!

Several restaurants face the fountain, where you can grab a seat and watch the dancing water and spectacular light show.

Where to eat Dalaman

The Dalaman region offers an excellent culinary experience for curious eaters, focusing on fresh seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and traditional Turkish cuisine.

Some popular local dishes include grilled sea bass, stuffed peppers (dolma), lamb stew (kuzu guvec), and sweet pastries such as baklava and kunefe.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and markets across the region where you can feast on Turkish cuisine and international dishes.

Oyster Restaurant, Oludeniz

We had an amazing selection of Meze at Oyster Restaurant in Oludeniz. It is located right on the promenade, looking out to sea, and the decor is what I would describe as ‘Pinterest goals’.

The restaurant also has a fantastic selection of seafood dishes and meat courses, including Mousakka and lamb chops.

Akyaka restaurant, Azmak river

If you are a fish lover, there is no better place for fresh fish than at one of the traditional restaurants on the Azmak River, just outside Akyaka. Here, you can eat trout freshly caught from the river in a peaceful setting.

We ate at the Azmak restaurant and dined right on the water’s edge as boats and kayaks slowly passed us. My favourite thing about dining in Turkey was the dreamy scenery. Many of the restaurants we visited had capitalised on the incredible views and offered sea-view dining.

Sardunya Restaurant, Selimiye

We ate a huge selection of meze while gazing out over the blue waters at Sardunya Restaurant in the traditional fishing village of Selimiye.

We were treated to a selection of meze, salads, stuffed mushrooms, and even a goat dish! The restaurant had simple, contemporary decor, a relaxed vibe, and spectacular water views.

If you’re a fan of cats, then you will be greeted by furry visitors to your table, who rub your legs purring, waiting for a tasty morsel to be slipped under the table.

Cafe Savas Anne, Marmaris

Cafe Savas Anne is located on the beach in Marmaris and will make you a stunning cup of Turkish tea. Traditional Turkish tea and Turkish coffee can be found in most places in Turkey.

Turkish tea is often served black, although there are herbal varieties available. Tea is also typically served in curved tea glasses with a small plate underneath for carrying and serving.

Rixos Premium Göcek

I had a delicious Turkish coffee at People’s Restaurant at Rixos Premium Göcek in the swanky Rixos Resort.

The restaurant has beautiful views and exquisite decor, making it a lovely place to relax with Turkish coffee.

This contemporary restaurant also serves a range of à la carte dishes, and the dishes’ presentation and flavours are excellent. We had a leisurely lunch watching the yachts and enjoying the sunshine.

Marmaris Balevi

If you want to try local Turkish food products, I recommend visiting Marmaris Balevi.

It’s an adorable honey house in Marmaris where you can taste local pine honey, and it also functions as an informative beekeeping museum.

Here, you can learn about bees and beekeeping and taste and purchase sweets made from pine honey.

Honey tasting Marmaris

Turkey is the second most successful producer of honey in the world. The honey house aims to introduce the ‘‘Marmaris Pine Honey’’ brand internationally and educate locals and tourists about beekeeping.

There is a shop and a ridiculously pretty cafe on site where you can buy gorgeous honey deserts.

Where to stay in Dalaman

There’s a huge range of luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels and swanky resorts.

You can find a hotel that suits your budget and length of time by using travel resources such as Booking.com to find the best Dalaman hotel deals.

Booking.com

Luxury hotels Dalaman

Holidays are surely the time to spoil yourself, and luckily, there is a range of luxury hotels and resorts in the Dalaman area. We stayed at Sundia By Liberty Ölüdeniz Liberty Oludeniz Hotel for our first few days on the trip.

This gorgeous hotel has very stylish décor, a restaurant, and a fabulous pool and it is conveniently located near the beach.

Choose from various room options, including standard, superior and family rooms, to suit your needs and budget.

At the hotel, you will find a pool bar serving a range of drinks and two restaurants, including an à la carte restaurant and a buffet restaurant, serving Turkish cuisine and international dishes.

It was a relaxing hotel, and the staff was extremely friendly. The buffet chef would high-five you with a big smile when he flipped a pancake, which I loved.

D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris

We then switched it up and stayed at the swanky D-Resort Grand Azur Marmaris. This gorgeous resort has a beachside location, freshwater pool, spa, pool bar and several dining options.

There is a serious wow factor in this hotel. I looked around the grandiose lobby and immediately made a mental note to brush my hair and put on some ‘nice shoes’ as my mother would call them.

All-Inclusive Resort Dalaman Turkey

You can choose from various rooms, including double or twin rooms with and without a sea view or a suite with a land or sea view.

The hotel also offers ‘All-Inclusive Plus’ on a board basis. The buffet restaurant has one of the most extensive breakfast selections ever.

There’s a huge spread of local breakfast options and more typical European offerings. I sat on the terrace and enjoyed a lovely pool view with my coffee. I was so chilled out I almost nodded off at the table.

The pools are a brilliant feature; two outdoor freshwater pools and two indoor pools, with a pool bar and free towels.

Spend an indulgent morning relaxing poolside with a coffee [or a cocktail; you are on holiday, after all] and have the occasional lazy dip in the pool. Utter bliss.

My favourite part of the hotel was the beachside bar, where you could sip wine in a chilled-out setting and watch the sun go down in full relaxation mode.

I recommend D Resort Grand Azur Marmaris if you want an indulgent stay in Marmaris; it is a ‘spoil yourself’ hotel.

Getting to Dalaman Turkey

Getting to the Dalaman region from the UK was easier than I expected; I thought there might be a long flight connection or I would have to travel to London to fly.

I flew from Manchester airport to the refurbished and extended Dalaman airport on a direct flight with Jet2 Holidays, who offer amazing holiday deals to the Dalaman region.

There are also plenty of airport hotel options at Manchester airport, should you have an early flight. Flights to Dalaman are also available from several airports across the UK, including Birmingham, Glasgow and London.

Flights to Dalaman

You can compare and book flights to Dalaman with Kayak. Search for flight tickets for standard and budget airlines.

If you need to hire a car from Dalaman Airport, you can book one in advance with Europcar. They have great deals on hiring cars for your Turkey holiday.

dalaman turkey holidays

Package holidays in Dalaman, Turkey, offer a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the destination and give you an extra layer of security.

These carefully curated holiday packages provide travellers with a comprehensive experience that includes flights, accommodations, transfers, and sometimes even guided tours or excursions.

While package holidays provide a pre-planned itinerary, there is often flexibility to tailor the package to your preferences.

You can choose the duration of your stay and the type of accommodation, and sometimes even select specific excursions or activities to add to your itinerary. This allows you to create a personalised holiday that suits your interests and preferences.

Where is Dalaman?

Dalaman is situated in the Muğla Province in Turkey’s southwestern corner, on the Aegean Sea.

The region is renowned for its idyllic coastal setting and serves as the gateway to the gorgeous resorts and attractions of the Turkish Riviera.

Snugly located between the majestic Taurus Mountains and the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Dalaman has a privileged location that appeals to both nature enthusiasts and sun-seeking travellers.

The Dalaman area of Turkey has abundant unspoiled beaches, charming coves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters that entice visitors to indulge in various water sports, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and sailing.

is Dalaman safe?

The Dalaman region of Turkey is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions. Here are some factors to consider regarding safety in the Dalaman region:

1. Low Crime Rate: The Dalaman region typically experiences low crime levels, especially in tourist areas. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. 
2. Political Stability: Turkey, including the Dalaman region, has experienced periods of political unrest and tensions. While the situation has generally been stable in recent years, staying informed about current events and any potential travel advisories issued by your home country’s government is advisable.
3. Transportation Safety: The Dalaman region is well-served by transportation infrastructure, including Dalaman Airport, a primary gateway for international and domestic flights. You should exercise caution when using public transportation, taxis, or rental cars and adhere to safety guidelines, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads.
4. Health and Medical Services: Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, as healthcare services in the Dalaman region may vary in quality and accessibility compared to those in your home country.  
5. Cultural Sensitivity: Turkey is a diverse country with cultural norms and traditions. While the Dalaman region is accustomed to receiving international tourists, you should respect local customs, dress modestly in religious sites, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.

Dalaman Turkey travel tips

• Best Time to Visit:
  • Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Currency:
  • Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller purchases is advisable.
• Weather:
  • The region has hot, dry summers (July and August) and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for occasional rain showers, especially in winter.
• Transportation:
  • Dalaman Airport is the main gateway. Taxis, shuttle buses, and rental cars are available for transportation. Public transport includes buses, dolmuş (shared minibuses), and taxis.
• Cultural Etiquette:
  • Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Greet locals with “Merhaba” (hello) and ask permission before photographing.
• Language:
  • Turkish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful.
• Shopping:
  • You can bargain at local markets (bazaars) for souvenirs, textiles, ceramics, and spices. Remember to haggle politely and respectfully.
• Wi-Fi and Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data and communication.
• Tipping:
  • Tipping is customary in Turkey. A 10-15% tip is appreciated in restaurants and cafes and for tour guides.
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Know the emergency numbers: 112 for ambulance, 155 for police, and 110 for fire department.

dalaman area turkey FAQ

Recommended travel resources

Flights: To find flight deals, check out sites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare flight costs and book.

Accommodation: I use Booking.com for hotel bookings as they have fantastic flexibility and cancellation.

Airport Parking and Lounges: With Holiday Extras, you can save money on airport and travel extras, including airport parking, airport hotels, and airport lounges.

Travel Insurance: I highly recommend you always get travel insurance – I use the Post Office Travel Insurance for single trip coverage and Safety Wing for comprehensive travel medical insurance.

Car Hire: I use Discover Cars to hire cars abroad as they have free cancellation, free mileage and no card fees.

Travel Money: I recommend Post Office Travel Money as you can get competitive rates and 0% commission for your holiday cash.

E-sim Cards: Use Airalo’s eSIM app to buy an eSIM for 200+ countries and stay connected when you travel abroad.

For more travel tools, head to my bumper travel resources page now!

Love this post Why not pin it and share it?