Dalaman travel plan

One of the most famous historical beauty of Dalaman, “Hippokome Antique City”, is located in the “It Asari” area of the Çoğmen village. This ancient place, whose name means “Horse City”, is one of the unforgettable regions for history lovers. 6 different rock tombs in the eastern part reveal the burial traditions of the ancient inhabitants of the city. In the southwestern part of the city, structures similar to rock tombs in the area called “Telmessos Ancient City” attract attention. In the area called “Kepezbaşı”, there are remains of buildings of historical importance from the Roman and Byzantine periods. It is possible to easily reach this area by special cars.

“Oktapolis Ancient City” is one of the important areas located in the southwest of Türkiye and has hosted many civilizations throughout history. Its name comes from the combination of the words “okta” and “polis”, which mean “eight cities” in Greek. This name indicates the connection with the eight small settlements located around the area. “Oktapolis” played a major role in political, economic and cultural life as one of the important centers of the ancient Lycian civilization. It continued to exist as a strategic settlement during the Roman and Byzantine periods. In particular, inscriptions in the Lycian language provide valuable information about the local culture. Coins from the Roman period show the trade relations and economic power of this area. There are also numerous temples from the Lycian, Roman and Byzantine periods. There is also a large theater from the Roman period, with a capacity of about 5,000 people. The stage and most of the rows of seats are well preserved to this day. Today, Octapolis is still an attractive and research-friendly area for both archaeologists and history buffs. It is possible to reach this historical site by renting a car from Fethiye city center or by taking buses to Tlos, about 30 km away.

This historical place called “Dalaman Train Station” has an interesting story. No train has ever passed through this station. In the 19th century, Abbas Hilmi Pasha wanted to build a station in Alexandria. He gave the plans for the station to the French. However, the French mixed up the hunting lodge and train station projects. As a result of this confusion, the station was mistakenly built in Dalaman instead of Egypt. The Pasha decided not to demolish the building. He even built a mosque next to it. When you see the eye-catching architecture of the building, you can say “what a beautiful mistake this is”. Today, it is especially famous as the only train station in the world where trains do not pass.

Located to the north of the Gürköy neighborhood of Dalaman, the “Antique Blacksmiths’ Bazaar” was built by the Romans in the 13th century. It is believed that this bazaar was established for the purpose of processing elm and selling the products obtained to foreign countries. Tourists visiting the place can see tools, iron pieces, hammers, anvils and bellows belonging to the blacksmithing profession, which is one of the arts that is starting to be forgotten today. It is easy to reach this place by car. In addition, you can reach this bazaar not only by car, but also by walking for about 30 minutes from the Gürköy road.

Kalynda Ancient City is located to the north and northeast of the village of Şerefler. The remains of the castles, cemeteries and castle walls in the region belong to different periods. Kalynda is considered part of the Lydai, Lissay and Caria territories in the Kapıdağ region and came under the rule of the Lycians during the time of Pericles. The rock cemeteries date back to the Lycian period, while the castle walls and castle remains date back to the Byzantine period. Kozpınar is located on an ancient trade route and has been an important stopping place throughout its history. The remains of ancient life in Kalynd are found on and around the hill, 200 meters above the village school.

The first stop on our list of places to visit in Dalaman is Sarsala Bay. This part of Dalaman is located in the Kapukargın area, approximately 15-16 kilometers from the city center. With its fine sandy beach surrounded by green pine trees and its calm turquoise sea, it offers visitors a magnificent view for relaxation. Sarsala Bay, where boats or yachts often sail, can also be reached by land. Sarsala Bay is as remarkable as its beauty as its past. In its time, the materials used in the construction of the Dalaman railway station were transported through this bay. This historical detail, combined with the beauty of its nature, makes Sarsala Bay even more special.

Located 12 kilometers north of the center of Dalaman, this natural wonder should definitely be included in the list of places to visit during your trip. This is the perfect choice for spending time in the lap of nature. With a magnificent view of the valley and the combination of the lake and the mountain, you can join many activities such as boat tours, canoe tours, horseback riding, hiking, trekking and cycling tours. There is also a large restaurant that has been operating in the area for many years. In the restaurant, you can try special tastes selected from Turkish and European cuisine.

These pools, which contain 17 different minerals, are known to have a good effect on many diseases. It is noted that the sulfurous waters have a positive effect on muscle pain, psoriasis, digestive, reproductive system and skin diseases. In addition, these healing waters are said to be rich in selenium and calcium. The water temperature is between 26–28 throughout the year. In addition, it is also possible to have a picnic in this area.

Located between Dalaman and Göcek, “Kille Bay”, surrounded by forest, is one of the quiet, clean and untouched bays of the region. With its unique natural structure, “Kille Bay” is one of the stops that sea and nature lovers especially go to. Near the bay are the remains of an ancient church. These remains show that the region has a historical structure. The bay, where you can see the most beautiful harmony of blue and green, is an ideal place for those who want to relax and spend time in harmony with nature.

One of the natural wonders of Dalaman is the river located here! This river starts from the Yaylacık and Göktepe mountains in the west of the Taurus Mountains. The Dalaman River, which flows from the south of Ortaca into the Mediterranean Sea, is 229 kilometers long. The Bozdağ Mountains, located just north of the river, form the natural border between the Mediterranean and Aegean regions. The clear and turquoise waters of the Dalaman River, which is fed by natural limestone, are like a work of art. The Dalaman River is also considered one of the most famous rafting regions, hosting various water sports. Rafting routes with different levels of difficulty such as R3–R5 offer suitable opportunities for adventure seekers. However, if you think, “I don’t like rafting,” you can relax with a view at the restaurants around the river.