With the beaming sun, its golden sands and its spectacular scenery, the Turkish Riviera is nothing short of a dream summer destination. Dalaman Airport is hands-down the most convenient point of arrival for European visitors, welcoming flights from over 100 cities , and offering quick, practical links to nearby pieces of paradise. We’re going to tell you about the six best ones — our hot tips for 2023: Sarıgerme, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek, Dalyan, and Rhodes. Whatever you want to do and whatever your budget, this gorgeous part of the world makes for the ideal summer vacation.
Dalaman Airport and Sarıgerme
Sarıgerme is where you’ll find the best high-end experiences — Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Spa
Dalaman is the gateway to the Turquoise Coast; lots of airlines operate routes to Dalaman from all over Europe . The town of Dalaman itself is a little further inland, and the airport is very close to the smaller resort town of Sarıgerme — a secluded spot that sees pretty-much-guaranteed great weather, even in its short, cool winters. Sarıgerme is a real little gem for those who’re looking to relax and recharge somewhere more high-end. It’s home to several complexes offering luxurious experiences: four- and five-star hotels, many with fine-dining options, lush gardens, sporting and fitness facilities, as well as lavish pools and spas. If you are looking to go all out, consider booking a stay at the Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Spa , the TUI MAGIC LIFE Sarıgerme , or the TUI BLUE Sarıgerme Park — all of which are a stone’s throw away from that gorgeous azure sea.
Marmaris
Marmaris harbor — DLM Airport A shuttle or taxi transfer from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris takes around an hour, which isn’t such a long time to travel for such a stunner of a place. The Marmaris area has generally managed to keep the overdevelopment that’s affected other places in the region at arm’s length, although it is becoming more popular a destination every year. It offers a gentle mix of pine-covered mountains, deep blue seas, islands and islets seemingly untouched for centuries, and ancient reminders of empires that have come and gone. Marmaris town itself, however, is a lively place, so as a base to explore, it’s ideal. The town is a higgledy-piggledy collection of buildings built around a sweep of bay, fronted by a popular pebble beach and a long, wide seafront promenade. The fishing boats that bob in the harbor have been outshone by pleasure craft as tourism has overtaken more traditional ways of life, but old-world charm is never far away. 
View over Marmaris Old Town from the Castle walls — Getty Images At the foot of the historical castle, the Old Town squiggles its streets into a labyrinth of ancient, whitewashed houses, tiny cafes, beautiful flowers in window boxes, and the odd cat having a lazy stretch in the sunshine. Some sources say there’s been a castle here since 3,000 BCE, but what we do know is that Süleyman the Magnificent ordered the rebuilding of Marmaris Castle, and it’s now a museum
. To see a bit more, jump aboard one of the many coastal cruises that take you from island to inlet, along the craggy shoreline and through caves only accessible by sea. Otherwise, try a Jeep or quad-bike safari up into the mountains to the rivers, waterfalls and sleepy villages that dot the hillsides. Get off the beaten track and discover Greek and Roman ruins that have lain basically untouched for centuries, before rejoining modern life again back in town.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular means of seeing the gorgeous scenery around Marmaris — Getty Images
As we’ve already seen, Marmaris has some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country, and a great way to explore this is by bike. Either bring your own or hire one from one of the many rental places. There are road bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes, so no matter your fitness level, your ambition, or the terrain, you’ll be able to get out and about on two wheels. It really is a fine way to see the region. Cycle through the deep pine forests and along winding paths that suddenly burst out onto the cliff tops, giving stunning views of the ocean below. Cross wild meadows and fields of fruit trees, breathe in the aroma of herbs and sea air, and get to know the people and culture of the region at your own pace.
Shopping and nightlife
The Grand Bazaar is the natural option for all the classic Turkish wares — Getty Images If you’re seeking a bit of retail therapy on your vacation, Marmaris is probably the best spot for it. Hit the Grand Bazaar for countless independent shops selling clothes, jewelry, homeware and decorations, tea, and traditional sweets. Haggling is commonplace, so you may well be able to bag some treasures for cheaper than advertised. All in all, it’s the most vibrant place to shop in Marmaris — a sensory experience, if nothing else. The long road from the beach in the center of Marmaris toward the nearby area of İçmeler is lined with stores selling clothes, shoes and jewelry. The main appeal here is that it’s so convenient for beach-goers — you’ll pass the shops on your way to and from the seaside without even looking for them. Right on the other end just over five kilometers away, İçmeler started off as a separate resort town, but is now largely considered an extension of Marmaris, and this is where you want to be for the cheaper deals. Expect to come across prices around 25% lower than those for similar goodies in Marmaris town.
But if you’re looking to splash out somewhere more sophisticated, the shopping center at Netsel Marina is your best bet. The surrounding area is generally good for luxury shopping, but this place is particularly pleasant; several high-end boutiques and designer-brand stores are housed in a pretty village-like complex with fountains and palm trees. As its name suggests, it’s right on the waterfront, among a whole host of quality restaurants. Take one afternoon to saunter around your favorite outlets, treat yourself to something pretty, and top the experience off with a delectable meal by the sea.
After lazy days comes the nightlife, and Marmaris has you covered. Indeed, in any town with a street known simply as “Bar Street”, you know what you’re going to get. Bars, eateries and clubs — both indoor and outdoor — dominate this part of town, squeezed into the streets that surround the marina and a green-flanked canal.
Fethiye
The Tomb of Amyntas — Getty Images
Fethiye, a 45-minute journey from Dalaman Airport
, is a bustling port town situated in a stunning natural harbor. Green hills surround the town in a wide arc, yachts bob gently on the clear, blue sea as tourists and locals stroll happily along the waterfront. Indeed, aside from the modern boats, the beautiful setting and the hum of life have been the same for millennia. 
Fethiye has a very relaxed vibe to it — Getty Images This was the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, and you can step back in time to the mighty Tomb of Amyntas, built around 350 BCE, or visit Fethiye Museum
to learn more about the history of the region. One thing that has remained over the years, though, is Fethiye market — a heady mix of sights, sounds, scents and stallholders selling spices, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, yogurt, dates and more: textiles, bags, scarfs — the list goes on.
Outdoor activities from the sea to the sky
The Blue Lagoon is one of Fethiye’s biggest appeals as a destination — Getty Images After the hustle and bustle of the market, you’ll need to relax, so head to the Blue Lagoon near Ölüdeniz. Its placid waters are perfect for fans of sailing, swimming or snorkeling, and if even that sounds like too much work, you can spend your time lying on the sand or eating delicious barbecued foods at one of the beach bars. Another option might be the Gulf of Fethiye 12-island tour. The 12 islands that make up the archipelago each have their own charms — from historical ruins to mud spas — and each one provides more than ample opportunity for swimming or sunbathing. There are companies that run tours, of course, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also rent a boat yourself and navigate the warm water at your own pace. 
Ever been paragliding? The Blue Lagoon isn’t too shabby a spot for it! — DLM Airport For an amazing alternative view of the Lagoon (and not one for the faint-hearted!), you can head up the twisting roads of one of the surrounding mountains and go tandem paragliding. After running toward the edge of the mountain, you’ll take off and meander through the skies over the beaches and the Lagoon, before drifting down in lazy arcs and ending what’s one of the region’s most unforgettable experiences. 
Walk some of the Lycian Way for truly breathtaking views — Shutterstock Finally, for a compromise on land, this’ll pique the interest of any avid walkers. Fethiye is the beginning (or end) of the Lycian Way
, a 500-kilometer hiking route that winds along the Turquoise Coast, past Roman and Byzantine ruins all the way to Antalya. Of course, don’t feel like you have to do the whole thing, but for a day or two, it’s a great change of pace and something that will let you feel like you’ve earned all that relaxation!
Göcek
This doesn’t look like a town center; Göcek is too cute a place — Getty Images
Located between Dalaman and Fethiye, Göcek is where (according to local legend) Icarus crashed into the sea when his wax wings melted. In his brief view from the air, he would have seen a wide, handsome bay, dotted with islands and meandering into coves backed with pine forests. There are island-hopping tours if you want to get out and explore, but staying on dry land means you’ll find the town a calm, elegant place. Restaurants, cafés and boutique shops surround the marina, and the town maintains its stately character due to a law banning the construction of multi-story buildings. As both a quality resort and a base to explore the wider region, Göcek has a lot going for it.
Dalyan
The coast at Dalyan — Getty Images Inland slightly but connected to the Mediterranean via the Dalyan Çayı River, Dalyan is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and natural wonders. The ancient city of Kaunos lies just to the west, with its amphitheater and acropolis, and there are stunning Lycian tombs (dating back around 2,400 years) carved into the nearby rock faces, similar to the Tomb of Amyntas in Fethiye. The 4.5-kilometer-long İztuzu Beach, not far from the town, is a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead turtle. The species has existed for around 45 million years and the beach is obviously protected as an important conservation site, meaning that from May to October, it’s closed from 8 pm to 8 am. Doesn’t stop you sunbathing during the day though, does it, especially considering the beach has won multiple awards as one of the best in Europe. Otherwise, you can simply soak up the local atmosphere. The fertile region surrounding the town is rich in fruit and vegetables — notably pomegranates and citrus fruits — so on Saturday, you can head to the market and buy the freshest, juiciest local produce you can possibly imagine. Delicious.
Rhodes
And lastly, if you ever needed a bonus to your vacation on the Turquoise Coast, the Greek island of Rhodes is just 75 kilometers from Fethiye, and it’s easy to hop over, even if just for a day. SkyMarine ferries sail from Fethiye to Rhodes once a day between May and October , and the journey only takes one hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can sail from Marmaris on one of two ferries a day with Yesil Marmaris Lines . Fly to Dalaman for your summer vacation and have yourself a little Greek interlude — whitewashed buildings, ancient ruins, olive oil — the lot!
So, will it be Sarıgerme, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek, Dalyan, Rhodes or all six? Search for flights to Dalaman Airport today , and make 2023 the year you discover the wondrous Turquoise Coast.
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