DALAMAN

Dalaman gained district status in 1983 and was structured as a single municipality through the merger of the Atakent and Dalaman towns, which were previously part of Köyceğiz District. This historic transformation laid the foundations for the modern administrative structure of the region.

Due to the lack of comprehensive archaeological excavations and surveys in the area, there is not much detailed information about the history of Dalaman. However, it is known that Dalaman is located within the ancient Caria and Lycia regions, which suggests that the history of the area dates back to ancient era.

Main Historical and Archeological Destinations

Kalynda Ancient City

Kalynda Ancient City is located in the north and northeast of Şerefler Village. The ruins in the area, including castle remains, rock tombs, and walls, belong to different periods. Kalynda is considered part of Lydai, Lissay, and Caria in the Kapıdağı region and came under the control of the Lycians during the reign of Pericles. The rock tombs belong to the Lycian period, while the walls and castle remains date back to the Byzantine period. Kozpınar was situated on an old trade route and has historically been an important rest stop.

Hippucome Ancient City

Hippucome, meaning “City of Horses” in the ancient Carian language, is located on a hill in the İt Asarı area of Çöğmen Village, 30 km from Dalaman. The discovered ruins make Hippucome an intriguing historical site.

Among the structures in the city, six rock tombs stand out on the southeastern cliffs. On the southwestern cliffs, there are rock tombs similar to those in Fethiye Telmessos, as well as building ruins dating to the Roman and Byzantine periods. These remnants reveal the region’s historical texture and traces of life from different periods.

By visiting Hippucome Ancient City, you can explore this history-filled area and witness the region’s rich past.

Kapıdağ Peninsula

Kapıdağ Peninsula has an independent and scattered but quite enjoyable historical route, covering the Ancient Cities of Caria, Lissai and Lydai. This region, known as Krya in ancient times, is defined as the city of Caria by some historians and as the city of Lykia by others. The rock tombs in Taşyaka are considered a significant evidence of this region’s Lycian identity.

The ancient settlements on the Kapıdağ Peninsula include the ruins of Lissa, located in southwest of Krya and south of Lake Kargın, and the city remains of Lydai at the western tip of the Fethiye Gulf. In Lydai, which gained importance during the Byzantine period, you can also see remnants from this era.

The historical sites on Kapıdağ are often referred to as Krya and have been identified by historians as Carian and Lycian cities. These differences are often explained by political reasons. The fact that Krya was recorded separately from the Lycians in the Ancient Tribute List suggests that Lycians may have lived here. The presence of rock tombs in Taşyaka indicates that the region was included in the Lycians in later periods, probably during the time of Pericles.

The Kapıdağ Peninsula invites you to explore the perfect blend of history and nature.

Natural and Cultural Heritage

Dalaman Kapıkargın Sulfur Spa

The Sulfur Spa, known as the Healing Sulfur Lake, are located within the Kapukargın neighborhood. The Sulfur Spa are situated on a 42-acre plot of land. This area, including the pools, is being prepared by the Dalaman Municipality as a Picnic and Recreation Area, with the aim of being developed for tourism. The area is planned to offer services such as a beach volleyball court, cafe, restaurant, shower cabins, restrooms, and parking. The Sulfur Spa, which contains 17 different minerals, is known to be good for conditions such as psoriasis, muscle, and knee pain. Due to its high selenium and calcium content, the pool is particularly effective in treating skin diseases. There are also designated areas around the spa for camping and caravans.

Main Bays and Beaches

Dalaman is a district that is famous for its natural beauty and stunning beaches. This region, where blue and green meet, offers impressive natural landscapes. Notable natural attractions include especially the Göcek bays, as well as the Kurşunlu, Akbük, Göbün, Boynuzbükü, and Sarsala bays.

In the south of Dalaman, on the Kapıdağı Peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, there are ruins of the ancient cities of Lidai and Lisai, dating back to the Carian and Lycian periods. In the forested and mountainous areas to the northeast of the district, one can find rock tombs and other ancient remnants from the Lycian and Carian periods in the villages of Kayadibi, Çöğmen, Kavacık, Gürleyik, and Bozbel. Şerefler village is four kilometers away from the town center and attracts attention with ancient ruins from the Lycian period.

The Kalynda Ancient City, located on the Dalaman-Fethiye road, is one of the historical treasures of the region. Moreover, the Hippokome settlements and rock tombs in the village of Çöğmen are fascinating sites for history enthusiasts.

Sarsala Bay

Sarsala is a romantic bay ideal for a peaceful getaway, surrounded by pine trees, where you can enjoy the deep blue waters of the sea.

Boutique facilities have been built in Sarsala Bay, which has remained relatively untouched and it promises the pleasure of sea, sand and sun intertwined with nature.

Recommended Activities

The Dalaman Creek, known in ancient times as the Indus, is now one of the most popular courses for rafting enthusiasts. The creek features two distinct sections with two different levels of difficulty. The upper section, rated as a Class 3 difficulty, can be navigated effortlessly with rafting boats. This makes the Dalaman Creek an attractive option for both experienced rafters and beginners.

The Kapıdağ Peninsula, located between Sarsala and Hurmalı bays, is the largest peninsula in the Western Mediterranean Region after the Teke Peninsula. There are rich historical ruins on the hills that become steeper as you go inland. These impressive natural structures and historical riches are important elements of the peninsula waiting to be explored.

Airport

Possible transportation to Seydikemer-Fethiye-Dalaman-Ortaca-Köyceğiz-Marmaris and Datça districts via Dalaman International Airport