In the past, the place was a harbor in the Roman and Byzantine times, for big merchant ships. Few minutes by boat from Dalyan, is Köycegiz lake, and Köycegiz village, where there are the hot water springs of Sultaniye, and mud baths. The mud is believed to be a natural anti aging. On the way to the river's delta, it is possible to see the Caunos ruins along the way. The city was established in the 9^th century b.c. it became an important Corinthian city around 400 b.c, on the border with the Lycian kingdom. That is why the city had many building styles.

Later on an Hellenistic building style was introduced to this area, and it also shows around. Among the ruins it is possible to see the city's walls standing, walls that are known as the strongest standing walls in west Turkey. It is possible to visit the well preserved Greek amphitheater. From this impressive structure we can see today, to arches and 34 rows. From the 34^th raw, a magnificent view of the area. Roman baths, christen church, Byzantine Basilica, Roman fountain, 4 temples, are here as well. In addition to that, the acropolis hill, has 800 s”m of Hellenistic ruins, protected by a wall. Though the site has been dug out, there is still a lot to be dug. Thus of you with energy, can climb up to the necropolis, and look at the view underneath. The carved buildings along the river, are Lycian graves. There are 2 styles of building:

One - simply carved catacombs, at the first level, and decorated catacombs on the upper level. This burial style is unique to the Lycian culture, that was here around 400 b.c. These burial places were used by the nobility, and later on, by the Romans. As the sea resided, the big port that was here, dried out and abandoned, a thing that hurt the city's wealth. The sea, that once got as up as the ruins, is now about 5 k' down the river.

Turtles reservation
The Loggerhead (Carretta Carretta, by the locals) turtles reservation, is one of only a handful suitable places for this turtle, to lay eggs. In 1978, this spices was put on the endangered animals. Other nesting places can be found in Florida, South/ North - Carolina and Georgia, U.S.A. In Florida is where about one third of all eggs are laid. The average length of a turtle is 93c' and 113 k'. They mainly eat vertebra's, at times fish, or fish parts. Female turtles go on shore to lay eggs, mainly in June, at night. They berry their eggs in the soft sand, at clusters of 100 eggs. The eggs are then buried in the sand, and the hot sun and sand, function as an incubator for the eggs. They lay eggs every 2-3 years. It takes between 53- 68 days for the eggs to hatch. Since the beginning of the 90's, the beach is closed to the public between 20:00 until 08:00 the next day, to protect the turtles. The people that come to that place, are asked to be careful, so they do not hurt the eggs in the send.

We at marmarisland, ask you Please, if you see anyone digging out eggs, or tampering with them, to call on of the inspectors. This is our way off helping in the protection of these rear turtles!!!

In addition to that, you can take one of the boats out and about, to tour the thick papyrus, the same kind that was used by the Pharaohs time.

General Information
The shops and bazaar in town are open during tourism from 09:00 until 23:30 or so.

The water in Dalyan is good enough for drinking, though if you are somewhat sensitive, you better drink mineral water.

Words of caution

• In the summer time, it gets very hot and dry in Dalyan. Please drink at list 3 liters of water a day.

• Ware a hat, and use sun screen cream and an anti mosquitoes repellent.

• If you call abroad, use a calling card.

• In Dalyan there are some Internet cafes. compare prices.