In Dalaman, ancient sites combine with the natural beauty of the Southern Aegean to create a gorgeous haven for travelers. The area is settled along a waterway connecting the sea to Koycegiz Lake. The actual town of Dalaman is very small, and tourists mostly pass through it only to get to other beautiful towns in the Dalaman region, like Dalyan and Fethiye. At first glance, one would assume that Turkey is not a very good place for families and kids, but with so much history and fun, coupled with outdoor adventures to enjoy, Dalaman is a fantastic place to take the whole family.

Turtle Watching

Turtles are one of the main attractions in the region, specifically the endangered Loggerhead Turtles. The Turkish people are trying to keep their population up. For this reason, the turtles even have their own beach, where they're protected and can be observed from a distance by visitors. As most kids love animals, this could be a fun activity for you and your family to do on a nice day.

Beaches

What better way to spend a sunny day in Turkey than on the beach? The Dalaman region boasts some incredible sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. You can swim, snorkel, build sand castles or simply sun bathe. Water sports like paragliding and banana boat rides are also available. If your kids are older, you could take a diving tour to see some ancient underwater sites. Even if you already know how to dive, it's necessary to go with a registered guide, as the government is trying to protect the sites from theft. To see the gorgeous bays and islets all around the coast, you can take the "Twelve Island Tour," which is available every day for a reasonable price.

Archeology

The history of Dalaman is one of its many charms. Take advantage of the location and see the impressive rock-cut tombs of Kaunos, Xanthos and Myra. These excavation sites have some sarcophagi that are actually submerged, so it's recommended to view the ancient coastline ruins from a Blue Cruise or Blue Voyage to get a better, closer view.

Other Activities

Another fun family activity is going to the mudbaths of Dalyan. Kids are more than welcome and will enjoy splashing around in it, while adults will enjoy the feeling of soaking in the healthy, time-erasing mud. The mud is sulfur-rich, and is said to cure skin diseases and make you look ten years younger. The process is to cover yourself completely in mud and then let it dry in the hot sun. Afterwards, you rinse it all off in a warm, comforting, sulfur pool. You're sure to have a fun but relaxing day.

Don't miss the Saturday market in Dalyan, where you can find some traditional souvenirs to take back with you. Sarigerme also has a small village market on Sundays. For more outdoor adventures, take the family kayaking or rafting down the Dalaman River, or go horseback riding or hiking in the nearby hills; it's sure to be a treat.