A leisurely river cruise serves up a new perspective on Dalyan's abundant natural beauty. With a visit to the mud baths, a riverside lunch and an afternoon relaxing at Turtle Beach, there's lots to look forward to. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, ‘Turtle Beach is a testament to the community's commitment to conservation. It was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but instead it remains a sanctuary for nesting Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species.'
Sail down the River Dalyan on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – for a fun session caking on the anti-ageing clay at the Dalyan mud baths. Great for skin and circulation, it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a soak in the mud and a cleansing dip in the warm sulphur pool. Next, you'll tuck into a local lunch at a riverside restaurant, before rejoining the riverboat to cruise past Lycian Rock Tombs dating to 400BC carved into the cliffs.
You'll step off the boat at Iztuzu Beach, a magical spot that retains its wild drama. The 4km sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis which is a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Ceren adds, ‘This tour is one of my favourites, as you get to see the river and a great beach in one trip. Turtle beach is special because it's not like a busy resort beach. It's really relaxing.' Round off your day with the return river cruise to Dalyan.
