Dalaman Holidays

Things to do: Relaxing

Dalaman is a perfect destination for those who want to relax and enjoy a quiet holiday. For a unique experience, visit the famous mudbaths of Dalyan which is an amazing way to relax and unwind! These sulpher-rich baths are said to give relief to some rheumatic and skin conditions and could also make you look younger! Fab!

Lazy day boat trips are popular in Dalaman and are perfect if you want to sit back while being looked after by the crew. Many include a delicious onboard BBQ and all inclusive drinks. Marmaris offers lots of boat trips to the islands and bays nearby. The Paradise Island (Nimara) opposite to Marmaris, Turunç, Kumlubük, Çiftlik, and Phosphorus Cave are the most popular destinations for daily tours.

If you want to see how the other half live then visit Gocek, which is often referred to as the “St Tropez” of Turkey. With beautiful unspoilt beaches and an exclusive yachting marina, Gocek is one of Turkey’s most affluent areas to live and is great to have a nosey round.

Things to do: Nightlife

The nightlife in Dalaman is fairly quiet, however Dalaman Town is lively and you will find hotels in Dalaman provide excellent evening entertaining with live music and belly dancing displays.

If you are looking for a great party scene you will love Dalaman’s neighbouring resort, Marmaris. With more than 100 bars and nightclubs making sure you have a fantastic night out. You will also find several beach front lively bars so you can watch the sun set while listening to live music. Hisaronu is also popular with young people who want a good time with many discos, karaoke bars, and sports bars.

For more of a Turkish traditional night you will love the harbour town of Kalkan which will offer you luscious local cuisine alongside entertainment of belly dancing or jazz music.

If however you are looking for a quieter evening then you should visit the smaller resorts such as Dalyan, Kas and Calis beach where you can enjoy the laid back beach bars and luscious restaurants.

Things to do: Cultural

Dalaman’s largest and most exciting festivals takes place at the end of June each year for three days and is a definite must if you are holidaying in Dalaman at this time. The Kas Lycia Festival in Kas showcases international and local folk-dancing troupes and is a fantastic cultural day out for everyone.

The small town of Fethiye, one of Dalaman’s neighbouring resorts, stands on the ancient city of Telmessos and is a fascinating visit if you want to investigate the history and culture of the area. The cliff side tombs and the medieval Knights Castle make Fethiye an interesting and educational town to explore.

Things to do: Adventure

For thrill seekers holidaying in Dalaman why not try the white-water rafting in the Dalaman River which is rated as one of the to rafting destinations in the world. However if you want something a little less dangerous however just as sporty then get your walking boots on for a day of Trekking along the Lycian Way which is a fantastic way of seeing some of Turkey’s most breathtaking sights.

Things to do: For couples

Have a romantic evening and take a moonlit boat trip from Marmaris and cruise along its coastline. There are many moonlit boat tours where you can dance under the stars and sip cocktails alongside your loved one, with many boats putting on entertainment such as belly dancers..

Themed Turkish Nights are an amazing way to spend an evening, and perfect if you are a couple on holiday. Find an organised Turkish Night and enjoy belly dancers, Turkish folkdance, Turkish food and wine and a lot of audience participation.

Butterfly Valley provides a romantic stroll, in a protected area you will walk through thousands of bright, multicoloured butterflies. Take a scenic boat ride or follow the Lycian walking trail to get to the Butterfly Valley and have a relaxing day enjoying the being so close to nature.

Things to do: Eating and drinking

There are many famous dishes to tempt you whilst you are in Dalaman. Turkish cuisine is very tasty and is influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures and includes meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. The meat and fish usually being served grilled and stuffed peppers and vine leaves, kebabs and kofta feature very heavily. The restaurants and cafes in Dalaman are diverse and cater to all tastes and diets, offering both traditional Turkish dishes and international choices.

Things to do: Shopping

Dalaman is great if you want to go shopping, with a fantastic selection of boutiques, craft and souvenir shops and jewellers all with long opening hours meaning you can spend the day on the beach and the early evenings in the shops.

You will find leather goods, carpets and gold and silver jewellery in the shops and roadside stalls in Dalaman however, prepare youself to have to haggle for a bargain. Many shop owners expecting to drop their prices dramatically in order to beat the competition. A local souvenir in Dalaman is a blue glass bead, which according to traditional legend, will protect you from the evil eye.

Fethiye is a colourful and bustling market town and is perfect if you want to experience a traditional Turkish shopping experience. However if you are more interested in designer goods then Isaranou has a good selection, however the prices on items are heavily inflated so as we mentioned earlier, don’t forget to haggle!

Resorts in Dalaman

Dalaman itself is a little Turkish Mediterranean farming town south of the coastal road however Dalaman as a region sports many different popular resorts all benefiting from their own unique twist:

Marmaris

This port is renowned for its natural beauty and possesses two major and a number of minor marinas. Marmaris has a very young vibe and is home to a fantastic nightlife, so if you are looking for beautiful scenery, watersports and a great night out then Marmaris is the resort to choose.

Icmeler

Icmeler lies within the Marmaris resort area, and provides breathtaking mountain top views over the stunning Aegean Sea. Icmeler's former function as a fishing and diving town has elevated it water sports facilities above those of neighbouring resorts, and recent development as a tourist destination has provided high quality restaurants and hotels.

Fethiye

Another marine town, holidaying in Fethiye is really a burst to summer life. Crystal blue waters make the beaches the highlight of the town, although its heritage also plays a part in its tourism, with attractions such as the Lycian rock tombs carved into the faces of the cliffs.

Olu Deniz

Situated at the base of the Babadag Mountain, Olu Deniz provides tourists with the most photographed beach on the Mediterranean. Famous for its lagoon of aquamarine and turquoise, Olu Deniz is considered as one of the best places to paraglide in the world due to its unique panoramic views provided by the Babadag Mountain, with opportunities for beginners to do so.

Book your Dalaman Holiday Now!

Dalaman really is your gateway to a week or two of Turkish paradise, and On the Beach offers holidays to a wide range of resorts, from self catering to all inclusive. Grab a last minute deal to Dalaman, or splash out on that luxury break you have been waiting for! Wherever you go, for the best deals, take On the Beach with you!