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About Dalaman

Updated: 15 Jun 2021

Created: 18 Oct 2013


When learning about Dalaman, the first thing to appreciate is the ideal location on turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Part of the ancient Lycian empire, Dalaman offers a charming lifestyle and picturesque settings and surroundings for residents to enjoy year-round. Full of culture and history, Dalaman’s most famous king, Croesus, is well known in history and an extravagant and self-absorbed character. A small and quiet area with lots of permanent residents, a close-knit community, and a tranquil lifestyle, Dalaman is home to around 20,000 residents dotted around enjoying the green surroundings, mountain views, and sunny life.

Dalaman Airport


About Dalaman in Turkey


Where is Dalaman in Turkey?

Located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, found in the Mugla province, Dalaman is home to a large International Airport and close to several regions and neighbouring towns. Several Turkish resorts along the Aegean Coast are within easy driving distance, including Marmaris, Oludeniz, Hisaronu, Gocek, and the main town of Fethiye. Getting here from other countries is easy because of the award-winning Dalaman international airport. Otherwise, if arriving by bus, head to Ortaca bus station. If arriving by car, Dalaman sits just off the main D400 highway that runs from the east to west of Turkey. Otherwise, the nearest official port of sea entry for sea goers is Gocek.


Weather and Climate

Boasting a warm Mediterranean climate, Dalaman is generally very sunny throughout the whole year. Enjoy long, dry summers and historically short and cool winters. The weather will typically peak around 35 degrees throughout summer, while winters will see the weather drop to around 18 degrees; there are also some rainy moments during this period, but not too much to distract from Dalaman’s overall sunny climate.


Things to Do in Dalaman

Many residents residing here permanently take advantage of sunny weather, excellent transport links, airport access, and lovely general surroundings. The marina town of Gocek is within easy distance to Dalaman, while Fethiye is just a short drive away, making it easy for those living in Dalaman to enjoy day outs with family, adventures, and enjoy great touristic locations in the region. Favourite things to do in the area include trips to the Knights, Rhodes, and the Greek Islands within a leisurely boat ride away. Many other things to do like Saklikent gorge or Dalayan Mud baths sit further afield but worth the ride for. Don’t forget to go shopping at the local weekly market, and indulge in a traditional Turkish bath, shave and cuisine.


Best Beaches in Dalaman

Twelve minutes’ drive away, Sarigerme was for many years, a well-kept secret until international tourism arrived, and many now say it is one of Turkey’s best beaches. Expect a variety of water sports, as well as bars and restaurants for that mid-day snack. A little bit further at 25 minutes’ drive, Sarsala is relatively unheard of by mainstream tourists but has won an admiring fan base of Turks. Do make the 30-minute drive to Iztuzu beach, a protected area thanks to the endangered Caretta turtles that lay their nests in the sand. It is a picture perfect postcard scene.

Sarsala Bay


Akkaya Lake District

With an International Airport providing several flights to and from Europe, Dalaman is increasingly popular amongst foreign real estate buyers, especially in the area located close to Akkaya Lake district. You can find several bargains and luxury homes for sale. Prices rise steadily in recent but not as much as in neighbouring regions; hence Dalaman still offers incredible deals. With superb lake and mountain views and being close to several forests in Dalaman, Akkaya Lake is the prime area for real estate and those looking to relocate to Dalaman. Set in tranquil and peaceful settings, surrounded by lots of green and nature views, Akkaya Lake is also close to beaches, spas, golf resorts such as Sarigerme Hilton, and much more. See an example property of a lakeside luxury villa.


Real Estate in Dalaman

With an abundance of nature to awe over, an authentic village pace of life, and settings ideal for year-round living, Dalaman is an ideal choice for many who choose Turkey as their new home or want a property for a summer escape. Two reasons stand out as to why buyers choose Dalaman. The first is short transfer times from the international airport of the same name. The second is exceptionally competitive prices per square metre. There are various apartments and villas for sale, and you can browse our property listings here. Each listing includes everything to know, including price, location, home features and enquiry details to find out more or arrange a viewing.

Dalaman property


Overall Summary

Despite being home to one of Turkey’s top touristic airports, many tourists don’t stay in Dalaman, and it is more of a residential area suiting home buyers. A few hotels cater for tourists during the summer months who head to Dalaman for calm holidays and relaxing getaways but other than that, the selection of bars and restaurants make this a low-key area. Likewise for shopping, given the lack of tourists, souvenir shops are rare, and shops are more locally owned rather than big international shopping malls. If you want to buy property in an area with traditional vibes that stays true to its roots, Dalaman will suit you.


From Dalaman to Dalyan

Thirty minutes away sits Dalyan, home to the famous mud baths, Dalyan delta and Koycegiz lake, a stunning place of natural beauty. This is by far the top recommended place to visit for a family day out. Grab a small boat up the Dalyan reed-lined river. On the way, you will pass the famous Lycian rock tombs. Once at the baths, cover yourself with the sulphur-based mud, bake in the sun for ten minutes, then take a refreshing spring water shower to reveal clean, cleansed skin that is better than any beauty salon package. We love sitting by the riverside in Dalyan in a quaint restaurant while tucking into delicious Turkish cuisine. To relax in beautiful surroundings, also visit nearby Koycegiz lake. Find out more about visiting Dalyan here.


Further Reading

Dalaman belongs to Turkey’s Mugla province, one of the top destinations for domestic and international tourism and foreigners buying holiday homes and expat communities. There is little wonder why since it delivers everything one could ask for from an overseas destination. Stretching from the southern Aegean round to the Mediterranean, find out more about Dalaman and the Mugla region here.

Dalaman villa