Dalaman Hotels

Dalaman Introduction

If anywhere makes Turkey a must-visit, it's Dalaman. It's an ever-popular destination on the country's Turquoise Coast, with visitors raving about its white-sand beaches, secluded coves and impossibly blue waters. Move inland toward its mountainous backdrop, however, and you'll find a different vibe thanks to crowd-pleasers such as the Kaunos tombs and the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. The area's main town, also called Dalaman, is the perfect spot to barter for blue glass beads and try your hand at belly dancing.

Hotels and other accommodation in Dalaman

The Dalaman area features a range of accommodation options to suit every kind of traveller – from discount hotels with basic provisions but incredibly low rates to sprawling upmarket resorts with about every amenity you can imagine. It's true that flashing the cash will land you in one of the most coveted spots, but the abundance of choice means that Dalaman hotel deals are relatively easy to come by, no matter the time of year. Those travelling solo may enjoy a stay in one of the traditional B&Bs, while the area's self-catering holiday rentals often find favour with families.

Where to stay

If a picture-perfect beach is top of your list, you could do worse than head to Ölüdeniz – a red-roofed town with a decent selection of bars and restaurants and a stunning sand-fringed lagoon. Quieter again is the relaxed village of Sarigerme and the under-the-radar resort of Icmeler, both in the western part of Dalaman. If it's buzzy bars and incredible nightlife that means holiday to you, you'd be far better off checking into a hotel in Marmaris. One of the country's biggest resorts, it's also the liveliest, thanks to the open-air music venues and clubs that line the aptly-named Bar Street.

Things to see

While it can be tempting to spend all your time at the beach, Dalaman is not short of a thing or 2 to tempt you off your sunbed. If you don't want to stray too far, the sapphire seas are perfect for snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving, especially at the protected Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz Beach – home to loggerhead turtles. For foodies, the traditional tavernas dotted along the whitewashed streets of Kalkan are ideal spots to sample authentic Turkish cuisine. During the day, you'll find many of the restaurants open their rooftop terraces – perfect for soaking up views of the bay while you savour fresh fish and farm-to-table dishes. Overindulged? The mud baths and hot springs at nearby Koycegiz Lake have been used for centuries in the belief that their restorative properties will knock 10 years off your age.

How to get to Dalaman

Strong competition between airlines makes it easy to pick up low-cost flights from several UK departure points to Dalaman Airport. Indeed, flights are often so cheap that they cost less than the price of a meal for 2. Pair with one of the cheap hotels in Dalaman and you have the perfect bargain break. When it comes to getting to your resort, available options include public buses, taxis and private shuttles – the latter must be booked in advance. If you plan to do a little travel in Dalaman, it's worth picking up a hire car. Just make sure you have some lira for any tolls along the way.