Dalaman: A 10-Day Adventure

  • Day 1: Sarigerme Beach
    13 minutes (7.9 miles) from Dalaman

    Basked in sun-kissed white sand and turquoise waters, Sarigerme Beach is the ultimate destination to begin your adventure in Dalaman. Take a dip or soak up the sun on the deck chair - The scenes are of magnificent beauty and serenity.

  • Day 2: Kaunos Ancient City and Rock Tombs
    38 minutes (22.5 miles) from Sarigerme Beach

    Journey into the past as you explore the Kaunos Ancient City and Rock Tombs, an archaeological site situated along the Dalyan river. A visit here takes you centuries back in time, revealing the architectural prowess of the Lycian civilization.

  • Day 3: Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach
    21 minutes (11.7 miles) from Kaunos Ancient City and Rock Tombs

    Unwind in the Dalyan Mud Baths and visit Turtle Beach, one of the last breeding grounds for Loggerhead Turtles; at the midway point, stunning thermal baths rich with healing properties carved by mammoth rock formations await - a perfect treat for your skin and psyche.

  • Day 4: Tlos Ancient City and Saklikent Gorge
    1 hour 41 minutes (54.3 miles) from Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach

    Visit the Tlos Ancient City, the private estate of Pegasus, and ascended by Bellerophon, an ancient legend. The nearby Saklikent Gorge, the second-longest canyon in Europe, offers many activities like tubing, kayaking, trekking, and viewing waterfalls.

  • Day 5: Yaka Village and Kabak Bay
    1 hour 5 minutes (29.2 miles) from Saklikent Gorge

    Explore the quaint and lovely Yaka village, snuggled amidst hills and mountains, and boasting picturesque stone houses, arches, watermills, and an ancient mosque. Hike to the isolated and serene Kabak Bay, enveloped with turquoise blue waters, to conclude your day.

  • Day 6: Kalkan and Kaputas Beach
    1 hour 16 minutes (45.6 miles) from Yaka Village

    Take a trip to the mesmerizing turquoise waters of Kaputas Beach, surrounded beautifully by high-rise mountain slopes, and then head to the nearby picturesque Kalkan town, featuring white-washed houses, upscale restaurants, vibrant bougainvillea flowers that contrast the turquoise sky.

  • Day 7: Patara Ancient City and Beach
    41 minutes (22.2 miles) from Kalkan

    Begin by reveling in the ruins of the Patara Ancient City, the birthplace of Nicholas of Myra. Roam the well-preserved ancient ruins, including the Roman Amphitheater, Temple, Bathes and many other significant structures. Later, lounge in the 18-kilometer, archeologically preserved Patara beach, the breeding spot for Caretta sea turtles.

  • Day 8: Kayakoy Ghost Town and Oludeniz Beach
    1 hour 1 minute (26.4 miles) from Patara Beach

    Discover the Kayakoy Ghost Town, an abandoned Greek settlement that takes you back to history, offering a unique and breathtaking experience. Later, visit Oludeniz beach, home to the Blue Lagoon, to enjoy paragliding, swimming, and sunbathing.

  • Day 9: Calis Beach Walking and Sunset Cruise
    48 minutes (22.3 miles) from Oludeniz Beach

    Enjoy picturesque Calis Beach, offering stunning sunsets, great restaurants, and bars. Later, board a sunset cruise and feast your eyes on the panoramic views of the coastline under the fading light.

  • Day 10: Gocek and Islands Tour
    48 minutes (19.3 miles) from Calis Beach

    Explore charming Gocek and its marina, featuring cozy cafes, restaurants, markets, and great stores. Then embark on a tour trip to the islands nearby and enjoy the emerald waters, excellent snorkeling, and swimming opportunities.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sarigerme Beach (Free)
  • Kaunos Ancient City and Rock Tombs (2-3 hours, 60 TL)
  • Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach (4-5 hours, 100 TL)
  • Tlos Ancient City and Saklikent Gorge (5-6 hours, 140 TL)
  • Yaka Village and Kabak Bay (6-7 hours, free)
  • Kalkan and Kaputas Beach (6-7 hours, free)
  • Patara Ancient City and Beach (3-4 hours, 50 TL)
  • Kayakoy Ghost Town and Oludeniz Beach (6-7 hours, 50 TL)
  • Calis Beach and Sunset Cruise (4-5 hours, 80 TL)
  • Gocek and Islands Tour (5-6 hours, 120 TL)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): 600 TL

Transportation

Transportation around Dalaman mainly consists of buses and taxis, and renting a vehicle is also possible but relatively expensive. However, a car rental can give you more flexibility and comfort at your pace. Bus and taxi services are reliable, relatively affordable with a wide range of routes and destinations, reaching most tourist destinations. Costs range from 5 TL for a local bus ride to 500 TL for a private taxi ride of an hour.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can extend your trip to the charming towns of Fethiye, Kas and Marmaris, which are perfect for water sports, scenic drives, and cultural pursuits. Conversely, if you have lesser time, you can span your itinerary for seven days by eliminating Day 4 and Day 5. Ensure to wear comfortable shoes since many excursions are on foot, and also to bring water bottles, sunscreen, bug sprays, and cash for entry fees, transportation fares, and meals.

Airports

Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the primary airport serving the city and its surrounding areas, located only 6.9 km (4.3 mi) south of Dalaman city centre. The airport is well equipped, welcoming an average of 4.5 million passengers each year and operating flights to destinations across the world.

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