İztuzu Beach
A 4.5 km sandspit between the sea and the Dalyan delta — a protected nesting beach for loggerhead sea turtles.
İztuzu, often called Turtle Beach, is a long ribbon of sand separating the Mediterranean from the freshwater channels of the Dalyan delta. It is one of the Mediterranean's most important nesting grounds for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and strict rules keep the beach undeveloped: no buildings, marked nesting zones, and a night curfew in summer. A sea-turtle rehabilitation centre at the river end lets you meet the animals the protections are built around.
“For an undeveloped wild beach that doubles as a loggerhead turtle sanctuary.”
Take the river dolmuş boat from Dalyan one way for the delta scenery, and stay off the marked nesting strips near the dunes.
Boardwalks at the river end; the rest is soft sand. A beach wheelchair is sometimes available at the entrance.
Good to know
- Is İztuzu Beach free to visit?
- Free. Free; access by dolmuş boat down the river or by road. Closed at night in nesting season to protect turtles.
- How long should you spend at İztuzu Beach?
- ~4h
- When is the best time to visit İztuzu Beach?
- Morning
- Is İztuzu Beach wheelchair accessible?
- Boardwalks at the river end; the rest is soft sand. A beach wheelchair is sometimes available at the entrance.
