Dalyan Mud Bath

Bathing options abound in Dalyan. Try the riverside Dalyan Peloid mud spa, with “doctor fish” that nibble away dry skin. Or, cruise across the lake to the Sultaniye Hot Springs, or check out less-visited spots such as Liza Cavus Thermal and the Velibey Thermal Baths. There’s plenty of accommodation in Dalyan, but many travelers visit on a day trip from Fethiye or Marmaris, about an hour’s drive from town.

• The mud can stain swimwear. Opt for dark colors over whites or pastels.

• The pools are appropriate for children, as they’re not too deep.

• The baths can be slippery, making them challenging for anyone unsteady on their feet.

• The baths aren’t accessible to wheelchairs.

Dalyan sits on the Dalyan River, just inland from the Mediterranean, roughly halfway between Marmaris and Fethiye on the Turkish Riviera. As Dalyan can be difficult to reach by public transit, most travelers choose an organized tour with a river or lake cruise.

The mud baths can get crowded during peak European summer vacation time (July and August). Sultaniye is generally less hectic than the town baths. For a more relaxed experience, visit during a shoulder season (May/June and September to mid-October).

Pretty Dalyan offers more than just thermal springs. A cruise down the reed-lined river reveals rock-cut tombs set high in the cliffs, while the city of Kaunos boasts a well-preserved ancient theater. Iztuzu Beach—known as Turtle Beach for the loggerhead turtles that nest there—is home to a number of conservation facilities, and the riverside restaurants are a must.