About Dalaman

Dalaman/ Sarıgerme, because of its’ airport, is known as ‘the gateway’ to the Lycian coast. İt is currently a medium sized predominantly Turkish town a few miles inland, with some development along the long beach, surrounding farmland and forest-clad mountains. However the town has been earmarked as the area most likely to see radical exciting growth in this region over the next 10 years. The Turkish government has designated the town a special Tourism Development Area and big plans are afoot.

The airport has been entirely redesigned and rebuilt and opened in 2006 as the second largest airport in Turkey (after İstanbul). Charter flights, which until now have been limited to summer season (April – October), will fly 12 months of the year from all over Europe. Many companies encouraged by the plans have built 5-star hotels along the wonderful coastline here. The government is going to build several yacht marinas and golf courses and with this investment the area is likely to become the ‘new’ Marmaris. Property prices in this area are very reasonable now but are sure to rise sharply in the future.

Dalaman is at the heart of a culturally rich region and is well placed for excursions to the ruins at Tlos, Patara, Caunos and Xanthos and the fascinating ruins of the old Greek settlement at Kayaköy. The resort towns of Sarıgerme, Dalyan and the sophisticated marina town Göcek are only a few minutes drive away and the stunning beaches of the Fethiye peninsula are less than an hour away. Marmaris, the smart yachting crowd and sophisticated evening entertainment are also about an hour’s distance.Tourism though is relatively new to the Dalaman area and consequently prices are lower than in many of the aforementioned resort towns and cities. Dalaman is the ideal location for a peaceful good value house or apartment central to all the attractions of this wonderful region.

Even before the planned developments take place there is plenty to do and see. There is an abundance of shops, a large weekly market, an authentic Hamam or Turkish bath, resturants serving delicious traditional dishes, small bars, tea gardens and the stunning beaches. There are opportunities to go rafting on the Dalaman river, bathing in sulphur thermals and camping in the pine clad mountains. The land around the town is lush and fertile, planted with sweet smelling citrus trees and watered by many small streams. Wonderful experiences can be had by simply meandering along the myriad of mountain roads soaking in the astounding scenery and visiting villages where time seems to have stood still.