The quiet Turkish resort that is finally coming into its own

For far too long Dalaman has been the bridesmaid and never the bride, overlooked in favour of more popular Turkish holiday spots. But that perception of Dalaman is about to change as it takes its rightful place among the top Turkish holiday destinations. Because many people take flights to Dalaman Airport, it is often seen as a mere stopover on the way to other resorts, but property investment in the area has given Dalaman Airport and the local road network a much needed boost in infrastructure. The town of Dalaman itself already has a good range of shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as a superb large natural beach, washed by the warm waters of the Aegean. Parts of the beach play host to a variety of local wildlife, including rare loggerhead turtles, which has helped Dalaman resist overdevelopment. Instead the resort sits beautifully among the attractive natural surroundings of azure sea and lush mountain backdrop.

Why Go?
For a relaxing Turkish holiday, Dalaman is a superb choice. As a destination yet to be discovered by most visitors to Turkey, except for when they fly to Dalaman Airport, the resort has fantastic natural surroundings, a large sandy beach and just enough bars and restaurants to make your holiday that little bit special.

When to Go?
The hot summer months of July and August are the most popular time to visit Dalaman, particularly for families with children of school age. The holiday season in Dalaman, like most Turkish holiday resorts, is between early spring and late autumn. April and September are lovely times to visit. The weather is still warm but not scorching hot and the beach tends to be quieter.

How to get there?
One of the very best things about holidays in Dalaman is that the airport is right on your doorstep, so you can easily get flights to Dalaman Airport from your local airport and arrive at your destination in no time. Several tour operators including Thomas Cook and Thomson offer flights to Dalaman, and there are also low cost flights available with easyJet.

Must see
Attractions in the Dalaman area include Dalyan, a tranquil village that has not been overdeveloped and is known for its hot springs and mud baths that provide glorious relaxation and rejuvenation. The area has several ancient sites that you can visit, offering a fascinating taste of the local history and culture of Dalaman. The Kaunos archaeological dig with its half buried tombs is a great example. Dalaman has some of the most diverse flora and fauna in all of Turkey so enjoy a gentle stroll and experience some of the magnificent scenery in Dalaman.