BEACHES, RELAXATION, ADVENTURE AND HISTORY
DALAMAN and RESTAURANTS
Dalaman is an area of breathtaking natural beauty located between the sea and mountains, with fragrant orange groves, lovely unspoilt beaches and fascinating ancient sites. The ideal base to explore from or just relax in the rural setting.
Dalaman is rapidly becoming an area of destination rather than just a stop over on the way to some other resort town. Over - development and exploitation of the area is stopped by the protection afforded to the rare loggerhead turtles that frequent the river and beach. Ensuring Dalaman develops in harmony with its surrounding environment and retains its natural beauty.
Enjoy your evenings at some wonderful restaurants offering quality meals made from fresh organic products grown locally in Dalaman. Here are a few recommended by our guests:
AKKAYA GARDEN RESTAURANT - one of the best restaurants in the Mediterranean Region it gets its name from the valley where it is located. There are plenty of places to dine in the garden with secluded seating areas or in a stork's nest. The nests are positioned in the trees and can sit 4-8 people. The restaurant is located deep in the valley amongst the pine trees. It is set amongst waterfalls, ponds, wildlife and beautiful trees and flowers. The food is second to none with an excellent selection of both Turkish and European cuisine.
NAR RESTAURANT - attracting locals and tourists alike, Alfresco dining in the town centre. Wonderful Turkish and International cuisine and specialist coffees makes this a popular venue.
BEACHES, WATER SPORTS AND SPA
SARIGERME BEACH WITH WATER SPORTS: 4 miles of golden sand, shallow sea and the island of Babaada not too far in the distance, is a great day out for all the family. A short walk along the wooded footpath with its turkeys, chickens and peacocks running free, brings you out onto the exceptionally clean beach. Facilities include food and drink outlets, water sports, showers, toilets, beach chairs, umbrellas and dressing cabins are all available. There is a small charge at the entrance which goes towards the upkeep and services for the beach.
SARSALA BEACH: a lovely family beach set in a small bay with a restaurant, changing rooms, shower and W.C. The beach is 6 miles from Dalaman. There are daily "12 island" boat trips available from the small pier price is 20 Turkish Lira per person and includes a BBQ lunch.
WHITE-WATER RAFTING: in Dalaman is one of the most exciting holiday experiences and is perfect for active thrill seekers. The Dalaman River is rated as one of the top rafting destinations in the world. Professionals will guide you every step of the way for an unforgettable adventure on the Dalaman waters.
DALAMAN BEACH: is totally unspoilt, an ideal spot for relaxing, a walk, a family BBQ or watching the sun go down. Just 10 minutes from the Villa.
THERME MARIS SPA: you can buy a day pass to use some great facilities including massage, fitness centre, beauty centre (skin care centre, aromatic bathtub, solarium, peeling, hamam, sauna, pressotherapy, starvac, thermo failure), 3 different outdoor pools with thermal natural water, indoor pool, jacuzzi and mud bath. You can see and feed the endangered Loggerhead Turtles. Located immediately behind Dalaman Beach.
IZTUZU BEACH: visit one of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean coastline. This sand bar that separates the sea from the mouth of the Dalyan Creek is an excellent swimming beach. Situated 30 minutes from Dalaman, Iztuzu Beach has also been preserved, as it is one of the last nesting grounds for the endangered Loggerhead Turtles.
PLACES TO VISIT
SAKLIKENT GORGE: the ideal place to visit if you are feeling especially hot. The gorge is 18km long and so steep and narrow that the sun does not penetrate, so the water is icy cold. The gorge is approached along a wooden boardwalk above the river and opens out to a series of wooden platforms suspended above the water, where you can buy and eat trout at one of the specialist restaurants.
GOCEK: often referred to as the St.Tropez of Turkey, with its exclusive yachting marina and unspoilt beaches, Gocek has emerged as one of the countries most affluent areas to live in Turkey. Take the 12 Island Boat Excursion great day out for all the family. The market takes place on a Sunday, ideal place to buy leather goods, local crafts don't forget to haggle!
DALYAN: only 25 minutes drive to the west from the Villa, you will find Dalyan, a small but exquisite fishing town, which lies next to a meandering river, teaming with wild life. After spending your time browsing the typically diverse Turkish market stalls, why not relax and take a look at the Lycian tombs, carved into the rock face, from the comfort of one of the many romantically set restaurants lining the Dalyan riverside. It only takes you a few minutes from the centre of town to stroll through to the Old Dalyan of gardens and willow trees, to flavour days gone by.
KAUNOS: visit the ancient ruins of Kaunos, situated approximately 10km from Dalyan, and 40 minutes from the villa. Amongst the ruins of the city, you will find an old theatre, a large rectangular building that was probably a temple, others of uncertain description, a Byzantine church, and very curious rock-hewn tombs.
EPHESUS: why not explore the well preserved marble ruins of the ancient capital of Roman Asia, with its 25,000-seat Great Theatre. One of Turkeys most visited tourist sites; Ephesus was once the home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Situated on the West Coast, Ephesus is a good 3-4 hour drive from the Villa.
