Having spent many happy childhood summers in Dalaman, I’d always dreamed of returning to this idyllic haven on the west coast of Turkey (Türkiye). But it was only after sharing a delicious meal (lahmacun – a type of flatbread) last year in a local Turkish restaurant that I decided it was the time to relive my youth and head back to the Turquoise Coast.
Thankfully, my partner was on board with the idea – especially after a quick scan of Jet2holidays’ impressively frequent flight schedule, generous 22kg baggage allowance and variety of ultra-stylish hotel options confirmed it as the ideal destination for a romantic break. So off we went, excited to dip our toes into the dazzling azure waters, sample zingy salads in the sunshine and enjoy balmy sunset strolls along the coastline.
Having recently experienced its magic firsthand, here’s my list of recommended things to do, see and eat there.
What to do
Swim in the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz
Cruise around the coastline
We hopped on an elegant gulet boat and toured the Mediterranean coastline. Many of these excursions stop at hidden coves and secluded beaches, perfect for a crowd-free photo backdrop.
Sink into a mud bath
One you’ll probably want to reserve for hair-wash day, but absolutely worth it for the baby-soft skin that follows. We headed to the Dalyan Mud Baths and slathered ourselves in therapeutic mud before rinsing off in the thermal waters.
Explore the Blue Lagoon
A paradise for nature lovers, neighbouring district Fethiye’s Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz offers the best kind of day trip: shallow waters, beach bars with great cocktails and serene vibes all round. If you’re feeling daring, you can head up Babadağ mountain and paraglide over the lagoon during sunset.
What to see
Explore the beautiful Kalkan coastline
Quaint fishing villages
Dalaman’s charming villages are filled with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses and peaceful harbours with colourful fishing boats. We adored Kalkan, with its laid-back atmosphere, perfect for leisurely wanders around boutique shops, and rooftop restaurants with stunning sea views.
Ancient city ruins
History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Ancient City of Kaunos. We explored its impressive ruins, including the grand theatre, rock-cut tombs and city walls. The panoramic views of the Dalyan River and the surrounding countryside are hard to beat during golden hour.
The Turquoise Coast
This stretch of coast takes its name from the mesmerising blue water, and each beach here has its own unique charm, from serene coves perfect for a private escape to bustling shores lined with chic beach clubs. Framed by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, it’s an unbeatable setting for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying a cocktail or two.
What to eat and drink
Tuck into fresh local produce
Turkish classics in Ölüdeniz
Dalaman’s international culture makes it a top choice for all kinds of dining. Start with mezze: small plates of hummus, cacık (yoghurt with cucumber and garlic) and spicy ezme. For mains, don’t miss out on pide (thin layers of dough topped with meat, cheese or vegetables) and freshly grilled sea bream. We loved dining at the waterfront restaurants, where the fish is often caught that very morning.
Local markets
For the quintessential “picky bits” lunch, visit Dalaman Market. Here, we sampled fresh olives, cheeses and the flakiest pastries, curating a well-stocked bag of goodies to be washed down with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and extra-strong Turkish coffee.
Seaside dining
We spent our final evening in Dalaman tucking into a candlelit meal of tender lamb and ruby-coloured wine, while watching the sunset fade to pink over the marina. The seaside restaurants in Göcek (worth reserving in advance) are perfect for special occasions.
Another option is to visit Fethiye Fish Market, where you can choose your seafood and one of the nearby restaurants will cook it right in front of you.
Where to stay
Live the marina lifestyle and hire a yacht in Göcek
Göcek
This chic marina town is perfect for those seeking luxury. We stayed in a boutique hotel with picturesque views of the harbour, a private beach and a fab range of fine dining options nearby. Göcek’s classy nature extends to its water sports and array of yacht-based excursions, too.
Ölüdeniz
Just steps from the beach, Ölüdeniz has a range of all-inclusive hotels to suit all styles. While it’s commonly a family-friendly favourite, it’s also got a vibrant range of bars, restaurants and beachfront excursions, all framed with a backdrop of the mountains. Perfect for daily dips in the Blue Lagoon.
Sarıgerme
For a more peaceful vibe, check into an apartment or villa in Sarıgerme. This coastal village is a perfect base for beach days, mountain backdrops and the chance to spot loggerhead turtles.
Jet2holidays offers affordable, luxury getaways across a selection of stunning locations in Turkey (Türkiye), with flexible durations and 22kg of baggage included. Packed with history, culture, delicious food and sparkling beaches, book your couples’ escape to Dalaman at Jet2holidays.com