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Dalaman area holidays showcase the best of the Turquoise Coast, with all-star beaches, nightlife and natural beauty.
Turquoise Turkey
The Dalaman area is a crescent-shaped scoop of Turkey’s south-west coast. Thanks to its bright blue waters and Insta-worthy beaches, it’s actually known as the Turquoise Coast. Icmeler and Sarigerme put their sandy stretches in the spotlight – the beach at Icmeler is a sweep of golden sand, kitted out for adventurous watersports and less adventurous sunbathing. Or, Sarigerme is on the site of an ancient city, Pilsilis, and has its own national-park-protected strip of sand.
Laidback days and lively nights
When it comes to pace, you can pick what you like with Dalaman holidays. Marmaris has two main beaches in its midst – by day, they’re strips of sunbather-friendly sand backed by snack spots and restaurants. By night, the bars pick up and party-seekers make their way to the main strip, where doors tend to stay open ‘til sunrise. Over in Fethiye, the cobble-covered old quarter is dotted with vine-shaded cafés, and is a good place to people-watch. Come sunset, a 15-minute taxi ride will get you to its neon neighbour, Hisaronu, with its party-‘til-dawn main street.
Insta-friendly sights
If you’re looking to lock in those Insta posts, Olu Deniz and Ovacik have natural beauty for days. Both spots are nestled at the foot of Babadag Mountain, where thrill-seekers are taken care of thanks to its popular paragliding scenes. Once you’ve left the skies behind, make your way to the main event – the Blue Lagoon. This big, bright-blue pool’s surrounded by a stretch of sand and it’s seriously easy on the eye. You’ll have seen it all over your socials already. Plus, you can try a bit of kayaking here, too.
Best time to go to Dalaman
Summer sun is pretty much a given in Dalaman. Expect day after day of blue skies, temperatures that top 30˚C and up to 12 hours of sun a day. The weather is warm enough for a spring or autumn escape, too – you’ll still get six or seven hours of sun every day, while temps usually hover around 25˚C.
Popular resorts in Dalaman
The Dalaman area is full of cute towns and resorts, so here are the best places to stay…
Pretty marina, a gorg old town, a historic castle, waterfront bars… Marmaris ticks a lot of boxes and has some of the area’s best beaches. It’s one of the more lively areas, so you’ve got good nightlife options, too.
A charming seaside town with mountain views and ancient ruins to explore. The Lycian Rock Tombs are a top attraction here, there are markets twice a week and you’ve got cosy bars right through to buzzing clubs for the eves.
This smaller spot has a peaceful vibe, with a stunning sweep of beach surrounded by a green hilly landscape. It’s near Marmaris, so has a similar elegance, but just less busy. You can stay here for something more chill, then daytrip to find the buzz.
Kalkan’s beach club scene is ideal for lounging around and rocking up by water taxi. The harbour is the heart of the town and boat trips take you to nearby islands and coves. Ancient ruins are a short drive away and the diving conditions here are known to be some of the best.
Home to the Blue Lagoon – say less. It’s a pure postcard beach, then there’s a shingle one in town, too. Babadag Mountain is also popular for paragliders and the main street is primed for a local dinner followed by your best karaoke tunes.
As more people picked Olu Deniz for a Dalaman holiday, Hisaronu’s boomed as its neighbour. It’s got its own beach and a big nightlife rep, but Olu Deniz is just a 10-minute bus away and it’s only 15-minutes to Fethiye, too, so the location is ideal for ticking off more than one place.
This traditional fishing village is tucked between Marmaris and Fethiye and has Iztuzu Beach, which is known to be a loggerhead turtle nesting site. There are loads of family-friendly restaurants, a few lively bars and the ancient ruins of Kaunos – a grand resting place for kings.
Top holiday deals in the Dalaman area
Club Candan
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 9 May 2025
Orka Village Hisaronu
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Prince Apart Hotel
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Grand Villa Sol Apart
London Luton - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 14 May 2025
Babadan Apartments
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Club Evin
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Amaris Apart Hotel
London Luton - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 14 May 2025
Maricya Apartments
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 3 June 2025
Miray Hotel
London Luton - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 14 May 2025
Club Aida Apartments
Birmingham - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 2 May 2025
Why pick holidays to the Dalaman area
BIG BLUES
VILLAGE VIBES
BEACH CLUBS
SERIOUS CULTURE
Your guide to the Dalaman region
If you’re short on time or just want the lowdown on the best bits, these picks are must-sees on holidays to Dalaman.
- The Blue Lagoon – You’ll probably recognise this one from your social feeds. It’s a sweep of white sand and pebbles that shelters an electric-blue lagoon. On the watersport front, you can sign up for water-skiing and canoeing or take to the skies on a microlight or parasailing trip.
- The Lycian Rock Tombs – Carved into cliffs over 2,400 years ago, the Lycian Rock Tombs can be found in Fethiye and Dalyan and are an architectural marvel from the ancient Lycian civilisation. They were once reserved for kings and high-ranking officials – you’ll get the best views on a scenic boat tour.
- Saklikent Gorge – This is one of the deepest canyons in Turkey. You can walk through the narrow rock formations and even try river tubing or canyoning. The water’s surrounded by lush landscapes and towering cliffs, so it’s the perfect spot for hiking, photography, and soaking up Turkey’s natural beauty.
- Traditional villages – Villages like Akkaya, Gokova and Kayakoy provide a glimpse into authentic rural life, with stone houses, friendly locals and traditional handicrafts. Make sure to try fresh, homemade Turkish cuisine, witness handwoven carpets being made and experience the slower, more peaceful lifestyle of these places.
Beaches are a given on Dalaman holidays, but these attractions deserve your attention, too.
- Marmaris Castle – A must-visit for history lovers. The castle now functions as a museum, showcasing artifacts, ancient pottery and exhibits from Marmaris’ past. Its hilltop location has stunning panoramic views of Marmaris Marina and the Aegean Sea, making it a great spot for pics.
- Dalyan Mud Baths – Get yourself a spa-like experience in mineral-rich volcanic mud along the Dalyan River, believed to detoxify the skin, relieve joint pain and improve circulation. After covering yourself in mud and letting it dry under the sun, you can rinse off in a warm sulphur pool, thought to have healing properties.
- A Turkish bath (hammam) – An essential experience in Turkey, combining steam therapy, exfoliation and a foam massage for deep cleansing and relaxation. The heat and aromatherapy help relieve stress and muscle tension, while the exfoliation leaves your skin super smooth and soft. This centuries-old ritual is not just about wellness but a great way to immerse yourself in Turkish culture, too.
- Marmaris Atlantis Waterpark – A family-friendly attraction with waterslides, wave pools and a lazy river. It’s by the beach, so you can combine these adrenaline-pumping rides with some relaxing seaside time, too. The park also offers restaurants, bars and sunloungers to make a day of it.
You don’t just have to see one place – check out where else you can tick off within day-tripping distance.
- Fethiye and the Amyntas Rock Tombs – Fethiye is a stunning coastal town that blends history, culture and breathtaking scenery. Wander along its charming marina, explore the lively markets and soak up the laidback vibe. A highlight of any visit is the Amyntas Rock Tombs, an ancient Lycian burial site carved into the cliffs that overlook the town. The short hike up to the tombs gets you incredible views of Fethiye and the gorg Mediterranean beyond.
- Göcek Islands boat trip – For a relaxing day at sea, Göcek is the perfect starting point. This picturesque marina town is famous for its 12 Islands boat tours, which take you through secluded bays, unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re swimming, snorkelling or soaking up the sun on deck, this is one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to experience the Turkish coastline.
- Kayaköy Ghost Village – Step back in time with a visit to Kayaköy. Once a thriving community, it was deserted in the 1920s due to a population exchange between Greece and Turkey. So, today, its stone houses, churches and narrow streets are super quiet but still stunning and a great insight into the area’s history.
- Kalkan Old Town – Kalkan’s Old Town is filled with whitewashed buildings, colourful bougainvillaea and loads of charming boutique shops. The town’s narrow, cobbled streets lead to restaurants, where you can enjoy incredible sea views with fresh seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine.
Markets make shopping a cultural experience, so spend your money here and, really, it counts as sightseeing… Things like leather goods, lanterns and wind chimes are the perfect traditional purchases.
- The Grand Bazaar, Marmaris – Back in the day, this was the ‘world trade centre’ for the Ottoman Empire and now, it’s still a buzzing hub of shops and stalls.
- Marmaris’ Thursday market – This is one of Dalaman’s biggest markets, near the Grand Azur Hotel.
- Fethiye’s Tuesday market – Stalls are open from 9am through to sunset behind the municipal stadium – think fruit, veg and clothes.
- Icmeler’s Wednesday market – This traditional market is in the main square in Icmeler, selling yum street food, fruit, veg, spices, clothes and jewellery.
- Sarigerme’s Sunday market – A smaller market in the village centre, where you can haggle for fashion items and food.
You already know holidays to Dalaman, AKA the Turquoise Coast, are gonna have some beaut beaches.
- Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach) – It’s around five kilometres long, so there’s loads of space, plus the soft sands are perfect for sandcastle-building material. It’s a protected nesting spot for loggerhead turtles, too.
- Sarigerme Beach – Known for its shallow waters and soft sand, Sarigerme Beach is a popular pick for families with young children. The beach is lined with cafés and bars, making it easy to grab a snack or a cold drink and spend the whole day there.
These beaches were born for watersports, like kayaking, sailing and snorkelling.
- Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) – A world-famous beach for paragliding, jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkelling. The calm, clear waters make it perfect for exploring underwater marine life, while the paragliding from Babadag Mountain is known for having some of the best aerial views in the world.
- Calis Beach – Near Fethiye, Calis Beach is a top pick for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its consistent breezes and long shoreline. There are multiple watersports centres offering jet skiing, paddleboarding and banana boat rides.
- Fethiye Bay – A hotspot for sailing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. The calm waters here make it a great spot for both beginners and experienced riders.
Pick one of these beaches to escape the crowds.
- Kayacik Beach – A lesser-known, unspoiled beach with soft sand and gentle waves. Its peaceful feel and stunning sunsets make it the ideal spot to escape the touristy crowds.
- Kabak Beach – Accessible via a short hike or boat ride, Kabak Beach is a remote but so worth it. It’s ideal for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, surrounded by nature
Turkish food is about so much more than your average kebab… you’ll eat well in Dalaman.
- Manti – Turkey’s take on dumplings. It’s made by boiling a spiced meat mixture inside a dough parcel and then they’re paired with seasoned yoghurt.
- Lahmacun – If you like pizza, you’ll love lahmacun. Chefs start with a thin dough base and top it with minced lamb that’s been cooked with cinnamon, allspice, pine nuts and chopped mint.
- Icli kofte – These meatball-like parcels are super common on the mezze table. A filling of ground beef, onions, garlic and cumin is covered in a mixture of bulgur wheat, potatoes and flour, before being dunked in the fryer.
- Baklava – You haven’t had a baklava until you’ve had one in Turkey. These sweet, bite-sized cakes are made from paper-thin layers of pastry, which are dunked in honey and sprinkled with crushed pistachio nuts.
Make sure to sample the local stuff – both alcoholic and non.
- Efes Pilsener beer – This home-grown brew is the lager of choice in Turkey. The drink takes its name from the ancient city of Ephesus and has a bit of a tangy taste, with a bitter-sweet finish. The reason for its unique flavour? Rice is added into the ingredients at the brewing stage.
- Pomegranate juice (nar suyu) – Freshly squeezed and known for its bright colour and health benefits.
- Raki – The national drink of Turkey is an anise-flavoured spirit, similar to ouzo or pastis, traditionally diluted with water and enjoyed with mezze.
From chilled bars to buzzing clubs, Dalaman has a whole range of nightlife.
- Bar Street, Marmaris – The venue for lively pub and club crawls every night of the week. It’s one of the largest open-air clubs on Bar Street, featuring a spacious dance floor, live DJ performances and a terrace.
- Pacha Marmaris – Part of the globally recognised Pacha brand, this club hosts themed nights and live performances.
- Belcekiz Beach, Olu Deniz – The place to grab a cocktail, pull up a bean bag on the sand and watch the paragliders land as the sun sets.
- Harmony Bar, Hisaronu – Offers tribute nights, karaoke sessions and DJ sets.
- Gocek – Known for its marina and upscale ambiance. Gocek is about a more relaxed nightlife with waterfront bars and restaurants.
Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore Dalaman and nearby attractions like Olu Deniz, Saklikent Gorge and Dalyan. The roads are well-maintained, and having your own car gets you easy access to remote beaches and villages.
These affordable shared minibuses are a popular way for both locals and tourists to travel between towns, beaches and key attractions. They run frequently between Dalaman, Fethiye, Marmaris and Dalyan, making them a budget-friendly option.
Taxis are readily available in Dalaman and operate on a metered system. They’re a good option for short-distance travel, like getting to and from the airport or visiting nearby towns. But, for longer trips, we’d recommend negotiating a fixed fare in advance.
You can always pre-book private transfers from Dalaman Airport to your hotel, so your travel is all sorted before you land. You can add this on when you book your holiday with us at the checkout.
Why we love the Dalaman area
Dalaman area FAQs
The most convenient option is to pre-book a private transfer or shuttle bus, which you can do through us when you book. Taxis are available but always confirm the fare in advance, so you know the price upfront and can assess how affordable it is. If you plan to explore the area, then renting a car from the airport is a good option and means you can move around more during your stay.
It’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting mosques or rural villages e.g. covering your shoulders and knees. Tipping is also expected – usually around 10% in restaurants and small change for taxis and hotel staff. And, while haggling is common in the markets here, it should still be done politely.
Tap water in the Dalaman area is safe for brushing your teeth and washing, but tourists are advised to drink bottled water as a precaution, especially for sensitive stomachs. Bottled water is cheap and widely available at supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.
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Dalaman area travel advice
Passports and Visas
Your passport will need to be valid for at least 150 days (5 months) from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist purposes can travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
We recommend you visit the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/health
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