Türkçe
İztuzu Beach is a unique beach where nature and sea meet, located in the town of Dalyan in the province of Muğla in southwest Turkey. This beach, which is approximately 4.5 kilometers long, fascinates its visitors with its golden, fine sand and deep blue sea. İztuzu Beach, which is the nesting area of the Caretta caretta sea turtles, is known as an important conservation area worldwide. For this reason, the beach is famous for both its natural beauty and environmental protection works. İztuzu is also known as "Turtle Beach" and the nature protection projects carried out here are exemplary in terms of ecotourism.
A large part of the beach is natural and untouched, which allows visitors to be alone with the sea and nature. The beach, which stretches as far as the eye can see, is ideal not only for swimming and sunbathing, but also for those who want to enjoy nature in a calm atmosphere. A lot of awareness-raising works are carried out here to protect the Caretta carettas, and the protection of the beach is very sensitive. Special protection hours are applied for sea turtles, making Iztuzu a unique destination for both nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful holiday.
Where is Iztuzu Beach?
Iztuzu Beach is located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Dalyan town in Ortaca district of Muğla. The beach is located on the Mediterranean coast, at the point where Lake Köyceğiz and Dalyan Delta meet. Iztuzu Beach is surrounded by Dalyan Canal to the east and natural cliffs and the Mediterranean to the west. One side of the beach meets fresh water and the other side meets salty sea water, making Iztuzu a unique natural wonder. Due to its location, it is close to both the touristic center of Dalyan and the surrounding natural beauties.
Iztuzu Beach offers many options for its visitors for activities such as nature walks and bird watching, along with natural areas such as Sülüngür Lake and Dalyan Delta in the surrounding area. As a corner of heaven known for its untouched beauty, natural landscapes intertwined with the sea and virgin nature, it is one of the indispensable addresses of visitors.
How to Get to Iztuzu Beach? Directions
It is quite easy to reach Iztuzu Beach and there are several different transportation options. You can choose one of the land or boat options to go to Iztuzu Beach from Dalyan. For those who prefer the land route, there are minibuses that go from Dalyan center to Iztuzu Beach. The minibus ride takes about 20-25 minutes and during this time you can have a pleasant journey watching the natural beauties of Dalyan. If you want to go by your own vehicle, you can reach Iztuzu Beach by following the Ortaca road from Dalyan. You can easily reach the beach by following the Iztuzu Beach signs along the way. Transportation is easy as the road is smooth and asphalted.
Alternatively, reaching Iztuzu Beach by boat departing from Dalyan center is also a popular option. Boat tours reach the beach by proceeding along the Dalyan Canal, and it is quite enjoyable to watch the surrounding natural landscapes during this journey. The boat journey takes about 30-40 minutes and you have the chance to observe the Caretta carettas and natural life along the way. This journey by boat is a highly preferred option among visitors in terms of both transportation and a unique experience.
Is There an Entry Fee for İztuzu?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to İztuzu Beach, but it is quite reasonable. As of 2024, the entrance fee is around 30-40 TL per person. This fee is used for the protection and maintenance of the beach. There are also sunbed and umbrella rental services on the beach, for which you must pay an additional fee. Entry fees contribute to projects aimed at the protection of the Caretta carettas and the work carried out to maintain the ecological balance of the beach. The fees are determined so that the support received from visitors helps preserve the natural structure of the beach.
If you prefer to reach the beach by boat, you may need to pay a separate fee for the boat tour. Boat tour prices may vary depending on the number of people and the tour operator. Generally, prices for boat tours departing from Dalyan vary between 150-300 TL and these tours offer both transportation to Iztuzu Beach and the opportunity to explore the natural beauties in the surrounding area. Entrance fees and service charges may vary from season to season, so it would be useful to check the current information in advance.
What is the Specialty of İztuzu Beach?
The most important feature of İztuzu Beach is that it is the egg-laying area of Caretta caretta sea turtles. Every year between May and September, Caretta carettas lay their eggs on the beach, and for this reason, İztuzu Beach is considered an important nature conservation area. Special rules are applied to protect the beach; for example, the beach is closed at certain hours and light pollution is minimized so as not to disturb the turtles. In addition to the Caretta carettas, the beach is also famous for having the cleanest and clearest waters in the Mediterranean. The sea side of the beach is surrounded by salt water, while the Dalyan Delta side is surrounded by fresh water, creating a unique ecosystem.
İztuzu Beach is a place preferred by those who want to get away from the crowds and be alone with nature, with its natural wonders and calm structure. Its fine sandy beach and calm sea are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The natural beauty of the beach attracts attention not only with its sea, but also with the surrounding pine forests and wildlife. Here, you can enjoy both the sea and nature, and have an unforgettable holiday experience in an environmentally friendly way.
How to Get to Iztuzu Beach by Boat?
Reaching Iztuzu Beach from Dalyan center by boat is a very easy and enjoyable option. Many boats lined up on the Dalyan Canal organize trips to Iztuzu Beach at certain hours. During this boat trip, you can observe the surrounding reeds, birds and natural life as you move along the canal. The boat trip allows you to see the untouched nature of Dalyan and the magnificent views along the river. It is also possible to see Caretta caretta sea turtles during the boat crossing, which makes the trip more exciting.
Boat trips usually start in the morning and continue throughout the day. There are also trips organized for the return at certain hours, so it is important to take these hours into consideration when going to the beach and planning your return. The boat trip offers both transportation and an entertaining experience, so it is a highly recommended activity for tourists coming to Dalyan. Boat tours offer you the opportunity to travel in touch with nature, while also allowing you to discover other natural and historical beauties around Iztuzu Beach.
Iztuzu Beach Accommodation Facilities
There is no direct accommodation opportunity at Iztuzu Beach, because the beach has been left completely untouched in order to preserve its natural structure. However, there are many accommodation options in the town of Dalyan, close to the beach. Dalyan offers a variety of accommodation alternatives such as boutique hotels, guesthouses and apart hotels. Eco-friendly and nature-friendly accommodation facilities provide holidaymakers with a comfortable accommodation experience. By staying in the calm and peaceful atmosphere of Dalyan, you can easily reach Iztuzu Beach and discover the natural beauties of the region.
While staying in Dalyan, you will have the opportunity to visit not only Iztuzu Beach, but also other touristic places such as Sülüngür Lake, Kaunos Ancient City and Dalyan Canal. Staying in Dalyan is a great option for those who want to have a holiday in touch with nature. Most of the hotels have adopted practices that do not harm nature and protect the environment. Additionally, restaurants in Dalyan offer a great opportunity to taste the delicious Aegean cuisine of the region, making your holiday even more enjoyable.
