The direct flight from Bratislava to the Turkish city of Dalaman is operated by Ryanair since 2018 with a small break during the pandemic. In just two and a half hours of flight, you have access to the beautiful coastline of the Aegean Sea, crystal-clear beaches, majestic mountains, green valleys, and last but not least, small islands. Rent a local Fiat Egea car, arrange tandem paragliding in Ölüdeniz, and the adventure can begin. Moreover, the trip to Turkey is favored by the regularly weakening Turkish lira exchange rate (at the time of our visit, the rate was 1 EUR = 21.50 TRY).
Detail Google map with attractions
Detailed map of our points of interest
1. Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island)
Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra’s Island, is one of the most perfect spots near Dalaman. Legend has it that Cleopatra met her lover Mark Antony on this island and for years the island has been idealized for its connection to one of the most romantic stories in history. Organic sand was brought to the island by ships from the Red Sea specifically for Cleopatra. Each grain of sand is a perfect sphere, which is why the beach is strictly protected by the government to prevent sand removal. The closest port to Cleopatra’s Island is in the village of Camli. You pay 150 TRY per person for the boat (with a minimum of 6 people) and an entrance fee of 250 TRY per person for the national park on-site.
2. Ölüdeniz and Kumburnu Beach
Ölüdeniz is one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey, surrounded by pine forests and mountainous landscape. The Blue Lagoon translates literally as the “Dead Sea” (ölü = dead, deniz = sea) because the water is extremely salty. This beach is also unique in that it attracts paragliders who enjoy this beauty from a bird’s eye view. Babadağ (Father Mountain) towering over Ölüdeniz is a geological wonder that creates incredible thermals and ideal conditions for paragliding. Ölüdeniz is reportedly the best place in Europe, if not the world, for cross-country and tandem paragliding flights. A tandem flight costs approximately 100 USD. At the tip of the whole beach is another pebble beach, Kumburnu Beach, where the water is calm with a shallow entrance and plenty of beach services (as well as people).
3. Aşı Koyu Beach
The Aşı Koyu Beach belongs to those less touristy places, as it is accessible via an unpaved road. We took the risk with a rented car and it wasn’t that bad, just a light off-road experience. The reward, however, is totally worth it – a peaceful, magical cove with dark sand awaits you. Besides enjoying a waveless swim, there were plenty of little fish near the rocky cliffs. Above the beach, there is a zipline set up, so it must be quite an attraction during the season. The entrance fee to the beach is 25 TRY per person, payable directly at the beach bar.
4. Amyntas Rock Tombs
The town of Fethiye is known for its historical landmarks. It is remarkable how well-preserved are the 2500-year-old rock tombs carved into the cliffs. If you have been to Petra in Jordan, these Lycian tombs may remind you of a miniature version of them. A symbolic entrance fee is paid to visit the main tomb on the hill. In the town near the harbor, there is a more than 2000-year-old amphitheater, which was discovered by chance during road construction. It is a theater that even witnessed the rule of Alexander the Great.
5. Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is a massive valley surrounded by rocks and at the same time a magical place. You can take a walk or hike here in the company of butterflies and beautiful fauna and flora. At the end of the valley, there is a hidden beach that you can also see from the viewpoint above the valley on the main road. It offers a similarly breathtaking view as Navagio Beach on Zakynthos.
6. Iztuzu Beach
Iztuzu Beach is a famous spot known for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. It is located in a natural reserve on a peninsula partially washed by the sea and partially by the marshy delta of the Dalyan River. In ancient times, the inhabitants used Iztuzu Beach as a port, which was an important customs office and trade hub. An interesting fact is that you can swim here in both fresh river water and salty sea water as the beach is situated at the river mouth. The entrance fee for a car to the beach was 50 TRY.
7. Dalyan Town
The second town where you can admire the Lycian tombs of kings, carved into massive rocks along the river. They are estimated to date back to 400 BC and are the resting place of kings from the ancient city of Kaunos. It won’t be as close a view as in Fethiye, but with a good zoom, you can get a nice close-up. Next to the tombs, the main attraction is a scenic boat trip along the Dalyan River.
8. Sarigerme Beach
Sarigerme Beach is a wide, fine sandy beach with turquoise blue and shallow waters that remain calm until noon, with small waves in the afternoon. The water is cooler than on neighboring beaches because the Dalaman River flows here. The beach is very well equipped with services, there are plenty of sunbeds and picnic areas for families with children. The entrance fee to the beach on foot was 15 TRY per person.
9. Kabak Beach
Kabak Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay surrounded by pine forests and mountains. The water is calm with crystal-clear turquoise color and soft sand. You can rent a kayak, go snorkeling, or simply lie on the beach and enjoy. Entry is free, and visitors can contribute any amount they wish to its development by placing it in the designated box.
10. Viewpoint of the city of Marmaris
It’s just a stone’s throw from Cleopatra’s Island to the city of Marmaris. As the final stop of our trip, we planned to visit the Seyir Terası viewpoint overlooking this town. From a bird’s eye view, it is a beautiful coastal town surrounded by green mountains, so if we have enough time next time, we will definitely explore it up close. Although Marmaris is known for its honey, its main source of income is tourism.
