Nature, history, grace on Türkiye’s untouched coastline

NESLISAH YILMAZ HIDAYETOGLU

MUGLA : There are destinations that dazzle with opulence and then there are places that move you in silence – where turquoise waters meet golden sands and history peers out from the mountainside. Along Türkiye’s enchanting southwest coast, the stretch between Göcek, Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach offers just that kind of journey: immersive, graceful and unforgettable.

Iztuzu: Where turtles come home

Shaped like a golden arc between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dalyan River, Iztuzu Beach is nature at its most tender. This 4.5-kilometer (2-mile) stretch of sand is a protected nesting ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles. Unspoiled by mass tourism, there are no concrete buildings, no loud music – just sun, sea and serenity.

What to do

• Visit the DEKAMER Turtle Research Centre to learn about conservation efforts.
• Swim in the crystal-clear, shallow waters or walk the length of the beach at sunset.
• Bring a picnic – there are no beach clubs here and that’s precisely its charm.

The nesting cage for the protection of sea turtle eggs at Iztuzu Beach, Muğla, Türkiye, July 9, 2025. (Photo by Neslişah Yılmaz Hidayetoğlu)

Dalyan River: Journey through stillness

The journey to Iztuzu is often made by boat along the tranquil Dalyan River, where time seems to stand still. The river winds through reed forests and opens into a world of reflections and ancient ruins. Each bend reveals a new view, so keep your camera close.

What to do

• Take a traditional wooden riverboat tour from Dalyan to Iztuzu, passing by ancient tombs and thermal springs.
• Stop at the mud baths and sulfur pools, which have long been believed to rejuvenate both skin and spirit.
• Wander Dalyan town for its cozy cafes, boutique shops and traditional Turkish breakfast by the water.

An aerial view of Dalyan, Muğla. (Shutterstock Photo)

Where to stay

Bahaus Resort: Sustainable, chic and surrounded by nature.

Villa Gokbel: An intimate hilltop retreat with sweeping views over the delta.

Savana Otel: A charming boutique stay steps from the river, perfect for relaxed evenings.

Tombs of kings

High above the Dalyan River, carved into the cliffs, rest the haunting Lycian Kings’ Tombs – monumental rock-cut temples dating back to the 4th century B.C. Both visually striking and emotionally stirring, the tombs seem to gaze back at you as the light shifts across the stone.

What to do

• View the tombs from a boat during golden hour: sunset offers the most dramatic light.
• Hike above the town for a closer look and panoramic views.
• Cross the river to explore the ancient city of Kaunos, home to a Roman amphitheater, baths, and agora.

Göcek: Hidden luxury by sea

Tucked between forested hills and jewel-toned bays, Göcek is a sailor’s dream and a sanctuary of quiet refinement. Though luxury yachts line its marinas, Göcek remains unspoiled, elegant and serene.

Where to stay

D-Resort Göcek: Polished, beachfront luxury with a private marina and spa.

Villa Danlin Hotel: A peaceful boutique stay offering traditional charm and warm hospitality.

Rixos Premium Göcek: Adults-only, all-inclusive elegance in a private bay.

Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort: A premium resort with 10 outdoor pools, waterparks and private beach access.

What to do

• Charter a private gulet or boat to explore the Twelve Islands – each a hidden paradise.
• Dine seaside at Lotus Restaurant or Gaia for fresh fish and mezes.
• Shop for artisan jewelry and Turkish linen in Göcek’s stylish boutiques.

Dalaman: Quiet gateway to paradise

Often overlooked in favor of the more glamorous names along the Turkish Riviera, Dalaman is a quiet, sun-drenched gateway to some of Türkiye’s most breathtaking coastlines. Framed by pine-clad hills and kissed by the Mediterranean breeze, it’s both a beginning and a sanctuary.

From here, you are minutes away from the wild beauty of Iztuzu Beach, the tranquil rhythm of the Dalyan River and the secluded luxury of Göcek’s hidden bays. Whether you’re seeking adventure, healing waters, or a soft landing into serenity, Dalaman welcomes you with open skies and open arms.

For a soulful traveler

This journey isn’t about ticking off destinations. It’s about the slow reveal: the hush of water against wood, the scent of pine at dawn, the still gaze of the ancient tombs. Iztuzu, Dalyan and Göcek don’t demand attention; they earn it quietly.

Whether you’re swimming in sun-warmed seas, sailing from cove to cove, or sitting beneath a fig tree with a glass of tea, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Because here, in this untouched corner of Türkiye, luxury isn’t found in excess – but in essence.

Courtesy: Dailysabah