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Köyceğiz
is a lovely town which
takes its name from the lake on whose northern end it is situated.
With its citrus groves descending from the plain
to spread around the placid lake
edged by marshes, its village houses and
backdrop of mountains changing colour
from purple to blue, it is a very picturesque
sight.
The town has 2km of promenade,
perfect for lakeside strolls, and is a protected area as it is the
only place in Turkey where sigla trees, otherwise known as "liquid
amber" or frankincense, grow. The Sultaniye hot springs are rich in
minerals and people come here from all over Turkey to take a
therapeutic mud-bath. It is also famed for its thyme and honey. The
weekly Monday market is open all year round as Koycegiz is a
working town as well as a tourist resort.
At the southern end of the
lake, along the river, is the tourist town of Dalyan, with its
ornate Lycian rock tombs, the ruins of ancient Caunos and Iztuzu
beach, nesting place of the rare caretta caretta or loggerhead
turtles.
Climate
The coastal part of Köyceğiz
province has a Mediterranean climate, although
the mountainous hinterland, where winter
rains can continue for 3 or 4 months, has a
cooler continental climate.
History
Köyceğiz town used to be an outlying village of Dalyan but
moved to its present position due to flooding.
A city of Caria and
and subsequently ruled by various tribes, it
became part of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murat II.
With the establishment of
the Turkish Republic, it become a
province of Muğla city.
 How
to Get There
35km from Dalaman Airport, 60km from Marmaris
and 70 km from Fethiye, Koycegiz is easy to reach.
By Road
It can be reached via bus from İzmir, Ankara and İstanbul.
Transportation to the other
parts of the province and
around the town
itself, is by
minibus.
Coach Station Tel: (+90 - 252) 262 46 87
By Air
The nearest airport is Dalaman Airport.
Transportation from the airport, 35 km.
away, is via taxi and minibus.
Airport Tel: (+90 - 252) 792 52 91
ANCIENT CITIES
Caunos Ruins
This independent city state was founded around
the 9th century BC on the border between Lycia and Caria. The
ancient historian, Heredotus, says that
Caunos was a son of Miletus and grandson of Apollo, who was forced
to leave his father's kingdom when Miletus discovered his forbidden
love for his sister. Caunos and his followers then founded the city
bearing his name. The city was later occupied by the Romans.
The ruins visible
today include the acropolis, surrounded by city walls, a 1500 seat
theatre, 4 temples, shops, the agora, Roman baths and the harbour.
Originally on the Mediterranean shore, the retreat of the sea and
subsequent silting of the harbour caused Caunos to be abandoned. It
is now reachable only by boat and there are many tours which visit
the ruins.
Rock Tombs
These dramatic Lycian-style tombs, carved into
the rock face to resemble the facade of grand houses, date to the
4th Century BC. They are found downriver near Dalyan and the sea.
RELIGIOUS MONUMENTS
A mosque and
several mausolea constructed in the
pre-Ottoman period are religious sites
worth seeing.
BRIDGES
Akköprü
Akkopru means White Bridge and this can be found
crossing the Dalyan river, in the village of the same name.
Aqueducts on the bridge
are thought to have
been constructed
during Byzantium times.
This is worth a visit for its pretty setting
alone.
THERMAL SPRINGS
The Sultaniye Thermal and Mineral Springs
are said to have been in use as far back as the
9th century BC by the people of
Caunos. The water
temperature is around 39° C and according to
research by Turkish Universities, the water and mud are beneficial
for a plethora of ailments including: rheumatism and muscle
fatigue, eczema and skin diseases, heart and circulatory problems,
stress and nervous disorders, gastric, intestinal and digestive
complaints, kidney and respiratory system problems, eye diseases
and gynaecological disorders!
The springs are a short road
journey from Köyceğiz, you can also reach them
by motor launch from
the lake.
BEACHES
Dalyan Strait
The boat trip from Köyceğiz lake to
the Mediterranean
along the Dalyan river is through a maze of narrow channels among
head-high reeds, so that you cannot see your starting point or
destination. Above and to your right you
will pass the Lycian tombs carved into the cliff-face and
eventually reach....
İztuzu Beach
It is a unique beautiful beach on which Caretta - Carettas are
lying their eggs.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Yachting When you go to Marmaris from Dalyan, there are bays,
peninsulas and natural beaches sealed within each other. Ekincik,
Karağaç, Aksanlar like secret havens can be found there
jeep safaris, white water rafting, trekking, and mountain biking.
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