5 Amazing Adventures Within 15 Minutes of Dalaman Airport

So you have landed at Dalaman Airport, and rather than making the hour-long trek to Marmaris or Fethiye, you want to start sightseeing right away. We have you covered: five spectacular spots, all within roughly 15 minutes of the terminal. Land, grab your bags, and get relaxing.

Sarsala looks far too remote and pristine to be minutes from an international airport — but hidden pieces of paradise are scattered all along this coast if you know where to look. The drive down to the bay is breathtaking, and stepping from a crowded plane into a secluded turquoise cove that looks untouched by civilisation will make your head spin.

Within 15 minutes you can be gazing at the ancient Lycian King’s Tombs carved into the cliffs above the Dalyan river. The town is charming, with riverside restaurants and every necessity, and boats are inexpensive to rent for the day — drifting between the reeds of the Dalyan channel is a holiday in itself. Nearby İztuzu Beach offers 7 km of protected golden sand, famous as a nesting ground of the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles.

Sarıgerme’s Blue Flag beach has some of the finest sand in Europe, with a laid-back café serving cold drinks and fresh food while peacocks and exotic birds strut past. For a small fee, take a boat across to Rabbit Island and claim a secluded beach where nobody will find you.

For contrast, head to the ice-cold, crystal-clear waters of Yuvarlak Çay. Riverside trout restaurants sit on platforms right over the rushing water — an unbeatable first Turkish meal, with your feet practically in the spring.

Round off your arrival day at the famous Dalyan mud baths and sulfur springs. The mineral-rich mud is said to rejuvenate the skin — slather it on, bake in the sun, rinse off in the thermal pools, and start your holiday feeling ten years younger.

Need airport pick-up and a tailor-made Turkish riviera itinerary? See our tours or design your own trip — we will handle every transfer.