Dalyan
Explore hidden villages with timeless charm.
A warm valley where History, Beauty and Culture come together.
Imagine a peaceful meandering river, flowing sedately past a backdrop of pine-covered slopes, littered with the tombs and dwelling places of people who lived in the time before Alexander the Great. Think of tall reed beds, wetland areas where multitudes of birds and wildlife hide from prying eyes and every bend in the river reveals a new vista. Then think of a long golden beach, a 7 km sandbar of soft yielding sand, and you will have found the Dalyan Delta in the South West Mediterranean region of Turkey - the Turquoise Coast.
Designated as a nature reserve by the Turkish Government, this setting with more than 150 species of birds, and many rare plants is one of the last refuges for the endangered Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta), and the secluded haven chosen by a group of English friends to build a Hotel.
Special care was taken to ensure that the Hotel would blend sympathetically with its location by using local stone and pine, whilst protecting and preserving the natural environment and the flora and fauna of the valley. That duty of care has continued during a programme of extensive refurbishment and upgrading of fabric and facilities during the current ownership since 2001.
Significant improvements have included refurbishment of all 26 rooms and the building of a new Garden Restaurant and the Hotel has taken delivery of a new minibus and river boat to transport guests from the Hotel to the riverside and to Dalyan village - an idyllic journey on the gently flowing Dalyan river, adding an extra dimension to the holiday.
- "Our wish is to provide a tranquil family run Hotel with good standards of comfort and service in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
- We aim to contribute positively to the local community in Dalyan and promote awareness of the local environment and conservation in this designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
- We try hard to maintain a sympathetic balance between facilities and services at the Hotel to ensure that these are in keeping with the expectations of our guests from across the World and also in keeping with the interests of the local community and the natural environment. Our dedicated staff, mainly from the local area, contribute enormously with their valuable local knowledge and we encourage guests to explore the region and support our neighbouring community."
Dalyan Village
Facing the ancient and unforgettable Lycian Rock Tombs, their facades imbued with the sun, through centuries of summers - Dalyan is a small village where life for locals & tourists alike, revolves around the village square and waterfront area with its many colourful shops displaying a wide choice of goods. Market day is a must: stalls filled with exotic spices, confectionery, carpets and ceramics for those wishing to take home a taste of authentic Turkey. Nightlife in Dalyan centres around the variety of small bars and restaurants that can cater for the most discerning gourmet and river transport can be provided for guests of the Sultan Palas Hotel.
Wider horizons.
Dalyan is situated midway between the larger resorts of Fethiye and Marmaris, each well worth an excursion as are the world famous Pamukkale and Ephesus sites and the nearby freshwater lake at Koycegiz. We work with a local tour company in Dalyan, to arrange tours for guests, including the popular 12 island boat trip, to the beautiful bay of Fethiye, with several stops for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.
For those wishing to be independent, the Turkish national bus services are well renowned as are the frequent local dolmus buses and numerous boats on the Dalyan River provide the preferred method of local transport.
Walking & Boats
The entire region is a paradise for ramblers and bird watchers, with endless treks winding along the riverbanks, through the reed beds and up into the surrounding pine covered slopes. River boats are readily available from Dalyan village and provide an opportunity to head downstream to Iztuzu Beach or upstream to the renowned Thermal Baths or Lake Köycegiz and beyond.
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