Holidays to Dalaman
Dalaman highlights
Soak in thermal springs
Take a day out of your holiday to Dalaman to travel the winding Dalyan River. Soak in its famous mud bath and bathe in its mineral-rich thermal springs. After your swim, visit the beach at nearby Lake Koycegiz for a freshwater dip. You may see rare loggerhead turtles who live on the sand — just remember to follow any signposted rules.
Visit ancient ruins
Set aside some time during your holiday in Dalaman to explore the ancient ruins in the surrounding region. Take a boat up the Dalyan River to the Ancient City of Kaunos. Or drive two hours down the coast to see Myra, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. For something closer, neighbouring Fethiye is home to the 2,500-year-old Lycian Rock Tombs.
Explore the coastal waters
See why they call it Turkiye’s ‘Turquoise Coast’ by exploring the waters of Dalaman. Charter a motorboat or learn how to sail. Rent a kayak to paddle around secluded bays or between islands. If you’d rather be in the sea than on it, Dalaman’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and SCUBA diving.
Dalaman: Know before you go
| Language | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Turkish lira (₺) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (TRT) |
| High season | July – August |
| Low season | January – February |
Find the best time to go to Dalaman
Weather in Dalaman
March – May: Pack layers for mild days and cooler evenings, with high temperatures hitting the low 20s°C. It’s a great time for boat trips and exploring the coast.
June – September: Dalaman’s hot, dry summers often reach upwards of 29°C. With sunny days, minimal rain and the promise of the warm Mediterranean Sea, it’s prime beach weather.
October – November: Daytime temperatures are warm enough to relax on the beach and enjoy outdoor activities. Bring a jacket for the chillier evenings.
December – February: Winters are mild with average high temperatures of around 15°C. December tends to be the rainiest month, so pack an umbrella.
Events in Dalaman
Datça Almond Blossom Festival (February): Head to the beautiful Datça Peninsula to celebrate the region’s blossoming almond trees. The festival features nature tours, traditional music, dance performances, a parade and vendors selling local almond products.
Marmaris Maritime and Spring Festival (April or May): The town of Marmaris celebrates spring with live music, street performers and parades. The party continues once the sun sets with more music and dancing on the beach.
Marmaris International Race Week (October): Join the crowds at the biggest sailing event in the region. Watch yachts race in the Aegean, then check out dance performances, live music and family-friendly activities.
The best neighbourhoods in Dalaman
Dalaman City Centre
With plenty of accommodation and close to the Dalaman airport, the city centre is a convenient base to explore the Dalaman region. Here, you’ll also find family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood and the town’s main market selling a variety of Turkish goods, like pomegranates and olives. Visit ‘Dalgakiran’ (Breakwater), where the Dalaman River meets the Aegean Sea.
Good for: Walking, dining, markets
Sarigerme
Sarigerme is where to stay in Dalaman to be near the beach. Walk a short distance to the area’s namesake beach and rent a chair and umbrella. For more thrills, find paragliding rides nearby, or try windsurfing and waterskiing. Take a break from the beach and join locals at the Sunday market.
Good for: Beachfront, water sports, local experiences
Gocek
Gocek is the best area to stay in Dalaman for boating and views. Visit one of the marinas to book a cruise, or walk along the docks and take pictures of the scenic bay views. Enjoy the secluded shoreline of Rixos Secret Beach. Then end the day with sunset drinks in one of the area’s lively bars.
Good for: Seaside, boating, scenery
Things to do in Dalaman
Family friendly things to do
Find things to do with family in Dalaman around Sarigerme Beach. Let the kids wade in the shallow water while you recline on a sun lounger. Ride up the Taurus Mountains on a jeep safari with adventurous children. Or take a summer day trip to Aqua Dream Water Park in Marmaris for water slides and wave pools.
Shopping
Go shopping in Dalaman at luxury malls, on retail streets and in traditional bazaars. Netsel Marina is a mall with high-end boutiques. Find the perfect pottery or handmade jewellery in the maze-like alleys in the Dalaman Bazaar. Or buy authentic Turkish treats at the food-centric Ortaca Market. Bargaining is expected at Turkish bazaars.
Take in the culture
Discover local history in the museums in Dalaman. Wander through ancient settlements in Kaunos. Here you can visit the 2,000-year-old temple, sit in the perfectly preserved amphitheatre, explore the remains of Roman baths and see Lycian tombs in the cliffs overlooking the river.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Dalaman tends to be a little quieter and centres around restaurants and casual drinking spots. You’ll find several friendly bars and late-night cafes in Dalaman town itself. For all-night dancing, travel to Marmaris, the region’s party hub with many vibrant bars and nightclubs.
Places to eat
Visit the restaurants in Dalaman for fresh seafood and classic Turkish dishes like ‘kofte’ (Turkish meatballs) and ‘pide’ (Turkish pizza). If you’re on the move, street food is a popular choice. Shish kebabs originated in the Mediterranean, and the word comes from the Turkish for ‘skewer roasted meat’. For something sweet, try ‘lokma’, fried dough balls soaked in syrup.
Beaches
Why visit just one beach when several will do? Relax under an umbrella on secluded Sarsala Koyu Bay Beach. Watch the kite and windsurfers at Kayacik Beach. For a dose of nature, go to Iztuzu Beach, a habitat for protected loggerhead turtles. If you love scenery, try Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon.
Get ready for Dalaman
Budget
Looking to plan a cheap holiday to Dalaman? There are loads of low-cost activities to keep you busy, from beach days and waterfront walks to exploring ancient ruins. You can expect to pay less than 350 Turkish liras (₺) for an inexpensive meal in a restaurant. Need a midday pick-me-up? Find a cup of coffee for around ₺110.
Day Trips from Dalaman
Explore the ghost village of Kayaköy, about an hour’s drive from Dalaman city centre. Abandoned since the early 1920s, it has hundreds of preserved houses and churches. For more history, visit Tlos, just under 90 minutes away by car. This ancient Lycian city is famous for its Roman and Ottoman ruins.
Getting Around Dalaman
In Dalaman, you can get around by a metered taxi or by hire car. Many hotels and resorts offer airport transfers, and tour companies often provide transport. Or find your own way at the Dalaman ‘otogar’ (bus station). Here, you can book an intercity bus or find a minibus going to your destination.
