It starts with making plans and choosing a destination. Some are already familiar with Turkey, while others are new to this beautiful country, rich in nature and culture. You can get an impression of it on the Dalyan-Turkey page.
Once you have decided on the beautiful Dalyan area, the process of organizing your holiday begins.
HOLIDAY IN DALYAN, TURKEY
Your essential travel checklist for UK travellers
Planning a holiday to Dalyan? This handy checklist covers the most important things to arrange before you leave the UK, as well as what to take with you for a relaxing stay in beautiful southwestern Turkey.
🛂 1. Passport & travel documents
Before travelling, make sure you have:
- ☐ A valid British passport
- ☐ At least 150 days of passport validity remaining from your arrival date
- ☐ At least one blank passport page
- ☐ Flight tickets and booking confirmations
- ☐ Hotel or accommodation details
- ☐ Airport transfer details
- ☐ Copies of important documents
- ☐ Digital copies stored securely on your phone
Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling, as rules can change.
✈️ 2. Flights & getting to Dalyan
The nearest major airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM).
Before you travel:
- ☐ Book your flights to Dalaman
- ☐ Arrange a return flight
- ☐ Book an airport transfer to Dalyan
- ☐ Keep your transfer confirmation and contact details
- ☐ Alternatively, arrange a hire car if you plan to explore the surrounding area
A pre-booked transfer can make your arrival much easier, particularly if you arrive late in the evening or are travelling with children or lots of luggage.
🏨 3. Accommodation
Make sure you have:
- ☐ Hotel, apartment, villa or guesthouse booked
- ☐ Booking confirmation
- ☐ Full accommodation address
- ☐ Telephone number
- ☐ Check-in and check-out times
- ☐ Information about breakfast or meals
- ☐ Confirmation of air conditioning and Wi-Fi if required
Tip: Save your accommodation details offline so you can access them even without mobile data.
💷 4. Money & payments
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY).
It is useful to take:
- ☐ Debit card
- ☐ Credit card
- ☐ Some Turkish lira for small purchases
- ☐ A second payment card if possible
- ☐ Your bank’s emergency contact details
Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash can still be useful for small shops, markets, taxis and some local businesses.
🩺 5. Travel insurance & healthcare
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Check that your policy covers:
- ☐ Medical treatment
- ☐ Emergency medical transport
- ☐ Cancellation or curtailment
- ☐ Lost or stolen belongings
- ☐ Activities and excursions you plan to take part in
Turkey does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, so appropriate health insurance is particularly important.
Also consider taking:
- ☐ Regular medication
- ☐ Basic first-aid supplies
- ☐ Sun cream
- ☐ After-sun lotion
- ☐ Insect repellent
- ☐ Any personal medical essentials
🧳 6. What to pack
👕 Clothing
- ☐ Lightweight summer clothing
- ☐ Swimwear
- ☐ Comfortable walking shoes
- ☐ Sandals or flip-flops
- ☐ Light jacket or cardigan for evenings
- ☐ Sun hat or cap
- ☐ Sunglasses
- ☐ Comfortable clothing for boat trips and excursions
🏖️ Beach essentials
- ☐ Beach towel
- ☐ Beach bag
- ☐ High-factor sun cream
- ☐ Reusable water bottle
- ☐ Sunglasses
- ☐ Sun hat
- ☐ Waterproof phone pouch
- ☐ Snorkelling equipment if required
📱 7. Phones & electronics
Before leaving the UK:
- ☐ Phone
- ☐ Phone charger
- ☐ Power bank
- ☐ Camera
- ☐ Charging cables
- ☐ Check your mobile roaming/data arrangements
- ☐ Download offline maps
- ☐ Save important telephone numbers
Tip: Download your accommodation address and directions before leaving the UK.
🚤 8. Things to do in Dalyan
Dalyan is ideal for combining relaxation, nature and sightseeing.
Consider adding these to your holiday plans:
- ☐ Take a boat trip along the Dalyan River
- ☐ See the famous Lycian rock tombs
- ☐ Visit the ancient ruins of Kaunos
- ☐ Spend a day at İztuzu Beach
- ☐ Look out for Caretta caretta turtles
- ☐ Explore Dalyan town
- ☐ Visit a local market
- ☐ Try traditional Turkish cuisine
- ☐ Enjoy a Turkish breakfast
- ☐ Take a nature walk
- ☐ Book a local excursion
🐢 9. Visiting İztuzu Beach
İztuzu Beach is one of Dalyan’s most special attractions and an important nesting area for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
Help protect the area by:
- ☐ Following local signs and instructions
- ☐ Keeping your distance from turtles
- ☐ Never disturbing nests
- ☐ Taking your rubbish with you
- ☐ Respecting protected areas
- ☐ Avoiding unnecessary disturbance to wildlife
🚗 10. Hire car or local transport
If you want to explore beyond Dalyan, hiring a car can give you more freedom.
Before hiring a car:
- ☐ Check your UK driving licence requirements
- ☐ Check the hire company’s insurance conditions
- ☐ Check what deposit is required
- ☐ Photograph the car before driving away
- ☐ Check the fuel policy
- ☐ Save the hire company’s emergency number
If you do not need a car for the whole holiday, local taxis, transfers and boat trips can be convenient alternatives.
☀️ 11. Prepare for the Turkish climate
Dalyan can be very warm during the summer months.
Remember to:
- ☐ Drink plenty of water
- ☐ Use high-factor sun cream
- ☐ Avoid too much midday sun
- ☐ Wear a hat and sunglasses
- ☐ Take breaks in the shade
- ☐ Carry water during excursions
Check the weather forecast shortly before travelling and pack accordingly.
📋 FINAL DALYAN CHECKLIST
Before leaving the UK
☐ Passport checked
☐ Entry requirements checked
☐ Flights booked
☐ Accommodation booked
☐ Airport transfer arranged
☐ Travel insurance arranged
☐ Money/cards organised
☐ Medication packed
☐ Phone and charger packed
☐ Sun protection packed
☐ Excursions considered
☐ Important documents saved offline
☐ Latest FCDO travel advice checked
Once you arrive
☐ Meet your airport transfer
☐ Check into your accommodation
☐ Find the nearest supermarket/pharmacy
☐ Get some Turkish lira if needed
☐ Explore Dalyan
☐ Enjoy a boat trip
☐ Visit Kaunos and the rock tombs
☐ Relax at İztuzu Beach
☐ Enjoy Turkish food
☐ Take plenty of photographs
☐ Relax and enjoy your holiday!
❤️ READY FOR DALYAN?
All you really need is a valid passport, your travel arrangements, suitable insurance, some holiday essentials and a sense of adventure.
From the peaceful Dalyan River and ancient Lycian rock tombs to beautiful İztuzu Beach and the turquoise Mediterranean, Dalyan is a wonderful destination for a relaxing Turkish getaway.
Pack your bags, leave the everyday routine behind and enjoy the beauty of Dalyan.
Travel requirements and FCDO advice can change. British travellers should always check the latest official GOV.UK Turkey travel advice before departure.