Located a few miles inland on the edge of the river delta, Dalyan is a sleepy little town of around 3000 residents just a half hour transfer from Dalaman International Airport with both charter and scheduled flights from many UK airports. As a holiday destination, it offers many charms to the visitor. There are no high rise mass market developments and even in high season, families with kids tend to be local Turks rather than holiday makers.
The beach, a short bus or boat ride away, forms a 7km long sand bar to the mouth of the river. At each end, there are cafes, changing facilities and beach loungers with sun-shades but the more central section is virtually deserted, except for the turtles that come out at night to mate and lay their eggs. A great day out is to take the bus to the eastern end then amble along the sand bar to catch the public ferry boat back into town.
Other local excursions are to take a rowing boat across the river to explore the ruins of Cronus or a boat trip up river to the lagoon to watch for wild life before plunging into the mud baths. Further away and a good day out, is the market town of Fethiye.
Gay life in Dalyan centres around the gay owned and operated Queens Hotel and its welcoming bar, pool and roof top terrace. It’s a restrained scene, mainly of expatriate Europeans and Americans, which reflects the Muslim sensitivities of the locals but it is never-the-less great fun. Visitors are warmly welcomed. Dalyan has several small discos and clubs which are accepting of same-sex couples as are all the many restaurants offering a wide selection of both Turkish and International dishes at reasonable prices. Turkey is not a clothing optional destination and nudism and extreme dress are frowned upon. Nevertheless, there are stretches of the beach which are virtually deserted and also the secluded roof top terrace of the Queens Hotel which offer opportunities for an all-over tan.