Hello to everyone

[Falco9]

Hi,
We have just booked to stay in a lovely Villa in Dalyan for the 1st two weeks in July 09. We have never visited Turkey before, but Dalyan looks so beautiful we had to give it a go. :Happy:
I'm hoping that any regular visitors to Dalyan (there appear to be many, lol ) may be able to offer a little help and advice.

My teenage daughter is vegetarian, so any advice or recommendations on restaurants that cater for vegetarians would be most welcome. Personally I'm a 100% carnivore so any good places for steak etc..would be equally welcome. If anyone has any tips at all for a first time visitor to Dalyan (things to do, must see places & trips. Money..Lira /Sterling or ATM's) we'd be most grateful

As we have 3 teenagers with us, I would also be interested in getting an idea of the cost of living / eating out / drinks etc..just for budgeting reasons.

I am busy trawling through eveyones photo's and tips / comments posted here, and we cannot wait for June 29th to come around

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any advice or help

Best Regards

Rich

[John Codling]

Hi Rich,

Welcome to the forum, not sure about the vegetarian side of things but most restaurants are very helpful and I am sure they would be able to come up with something suitable for you daughter. Maybe one of the lucky ones who live out there may be able to help further.

If you are hiring a car I would recommend a trip to the Botanik in Ortaca, it is cheaper than Dalyan and the food is great there.

If you are hiring a villa you could always go into one of the butchers and get your own steaks for the barbie.

regarding prices a large efes was last year 3.5tl - 4.0tl, a bottle of wine in a restaurant is around 25tl upwards (wine is expensive in turkey). Food is dependant on what you have and where you eat, for instance in the botanik we had a meal for two with a couple of beers for 44tl that was one starter and two main courses (sea bass and a chicken casserole).

Hope you enjoy your stay.

[CantWait]

Hi Rich - one of my daughters is also vegetarian - no problem at all - she loves the food, most eateries have a good selection of veggy options - could try Saki Restaurant (from mosque, facing the river turn left, walk along river to end of path, Saki on left) family run, wide selection of fresh Turkish starters mostly vegetarian, no menu but they'll explain what everything is in the cold cabinet. Would recommend looking in the cold cabinet in any restaurant, they often have things not on the menu. Cost of meals varies considerably - the 'Turkish places' (e.g. Chagri, off the market place) you'll eat simply but well for under 10 lira each, more sophisticated restaurants maybe 20-30 lira each - any more than that and you're in the wrong place! Would also support Johns suggestion about eating in - good butchers, fishmongers and fruit & veg shops in town, very reasonable prices and all very helpful, or go to the market on Saturday for fruit and veg, cheese, olives etc very cheap -nice to BBQ by the pool on a warm July Dalyan evening

As a first timer you'll have no shortage of things to do - boat to beach for the journey, dolmus to beach for the beach, trip up river to the lake, beautiful plus you'll have to get dirty at the mud baths, night time trip on the lake, Golbasi or Ley Ley restaurants (out of town but will pick you up - look for a leaflet) for Turkish breakfast, Turkish bath, just exploring Dalyan and the area on foot, row boat over the river and walk up to Caunos (time it so you miss the hottest part of the day). Once you've exhausted Dalyan there are lots of excursions from local operators - would recommend the 12 Island Cruise and Saklikent(?) Gorge, bike, scooter, car hire. Having said that we always go with the best intentions to have a very active holiday and end up settling into the gentle pace of Dalyan life and not doing very much at all apart from enjoying being there - even the kids relax into peaceful, non-demanding mode

My only word of warning is don't go if you don't want to get hooked - Dalyan has a nasty habit of working its magic on visitors and they keep going back - it's a wonderful place and I'm sure you and the family will have a great time...... sorry, another word of caution - Dalaman airport is horrendously expensive, on the way back go prepared with tasty (and cheap) food and drink bought in Dalyan

Have a great time

Mike

[Tubby2]

Welcome, oh how envious I am, I wish I was going out in June but unfortunately have to wait until September. I wholeheartedly agree with everything said before. We too go with good intentions of doing lots, but as above just tend to chill and enjoy the pace of life in Dalyan and come home feeling very rested indeed and gearing up for the next trip.

As far as food for the carnivores, if a good steak is in order, try Ramazan Hahn on the main street next to Paradise Jewellers, ask for their Texas steak, it is humongous and is to die for, comes with a fried egg on top, also their lamb chops are very good, never on the menu but just ask and they will get them from somewhere. Last year we hit on a tiny restaurant called Fiesta across from Cahgri Pide in the market area. 2 fish and chips, not battered, but done to a T and salad, bread, two drinks, the wine glass was enormous! for if I remember rightly 22 lira total, thats about ?8ish in English money. Great value. You will have a wonderful time trying the many restaurants in Dalyan they are not in short supply! Enjoy your trip and we look forward to hearing about your first and I suspect, won't be your last, trip to Dalyan.

[Andy]

Welcome To The Forums Rich

you will enjoy your stay in Dalyan

[The Winters]

Hi Rich, we can certainly endorse everything that everyone else has said. Ramazan Han steak is to die for. Our daughter in law was with us last year (and returning again in June) is also vegetarian and had no trouble wherever we ate in finding meat free meals, most places will make anything you request, we also had two small fussy children who never went hungry without having to opt for the burgers and chicken nuggets! Suggest you try some of the small out of the way eateries that cater for the locals - excellent value, these are tucked away from the main tourist routes maybe no frills but certainly quantity and quality - the Fiesta being one of our favourites who went out of his way to cater for our grandchildren.

Sure this will not be your one and only visit because once been never forgotten.

Regards
Irene and Roger:Stars:

[Dalyansteve]

Hi Rich and family, I am sure that you will all have a great time and some of us reckon that when you get bitten, the mosquitoes inject something that makes you want to come back.
In the course of your stay you will meet many people who come here regularly and of course you will meet some of the residents, Dalyan is like that, very laid back and very friendly.
As for eating out, look for where the locals go, don't be put off by somewhere looking like a grotty hole in the wall and if you are on a budjet avoid fish at riverside restaurants, the others were too polite to say that.
However, you will have to dine at a riverside restaurant, as it is your 1st time, it will still be cheaper than an expensive restaurant in the UK.
If you drink spirits, bring duty free, you can bring up to 5 litres each. Imported spirits are very expensive. If you like wine, buy it from a supermarket, most over 10lira a bottle are drinkable, in a restaurant it will cost 30 lira or more so most of us drink beer and/or water when out.
All restaurants offer vegetarian food and if you are lucky your daughter might get a whiff of a real turkish kebab and want to try it, chicken doner in the square is particularly tempting. Those of you that know Bulent Usta the doner man, will be pleased to learn that he is moving to the old Mem's restaurant, inbetween the Sea Brease and Old pizza Carretta.

[The Winters]

Hi Rich

Just re-read your post and realized no-one has answered your question regarding money. We take both sterling and a cash card, there are plenty of ATM machines around - even though they keep moving them! (Do inform your bank though that you will be using your card in Turkey - some banks have been known to put a stop on cards where people have changed their normal usage). There is no need to change money in the UK before you go, but if you feel more comfortable before you go don't change very much just ?20 would be suffcient.

Sometimes you can get a good deal by paying in sterling - but check on the rate offered first. We have been to Dalyan for 2-3 times a year for the past 12 years and have never been seen off. It is a good idea to learn a few Turkish phrases before going as it puts you in good stead, people do not treat you as first time visitors and try to charge too much. A good web site is www.digitaldialects.com/Turkish.htm - our 7 and 9 year old soon learnt a few words to impress the locals - have fun.

Irene and Roger
:Cool:

[John Codling]

Thanks for that link Irene and Roger very useful, you never know even Andy the forum owner may learn a few words now!!!!!

[Julie]

John, Dont you think thats asking a lot.It takes him all his time to remember Okcular. HaHa


Sorry Luv :Happy:

[Vgb]

Hi

I thought I'd jump over to this thread to keep all the good info in a line.

The answer on mossies prompted a thought, is it worth taking repellent or is it not really neccesary?

Also, we need to get from Dalaman airport to Dalyan, is it possible to pre-book a taxi or are the taxis at the airport reliable and honest. I did not fancy a route via Baghdad and are there any local customs to observe. I recall in Stockholm there being formal notices advising to agree the price before getting in the taxi.

And a last one, we need to vacate our villa in the morning but then have an evening flight; is there a left luggage or similar that we could use, or any ideas how we could use the time?

Top site and thanks to all.

Vince

[Dalyansteve]

To answer Vince's question. If you or anyone else is Likely to get bitten, it could even start at the airport when you arrive, bring some repellent with you but buy the local stuff straight away as it works very well and is fairly cheap. Don,t worry about anything medical wise as the chemists are extremely good and you can get almost anything over the counter. Moscitoes(please excuse my spelling I have lived here a long time) are usualy active at dusk for an hour and at dawn, if you are in a restaurant at dusk and you have forgoten to apply Sinkov(local brand) just ask, they will have some.

Transport to and from the airport, the taxi prices are fixed but you would be better off booking a transfer through a local company such as www.kaunostours.com who are very reliable and they will probably know the villa or hotel you are staying at, whereas the taxi driver might not have a clue. You can also hire a car and book tours through them. If you do book through them please mention my name, I do like people to know when I recomend them.

If you have to vacate the villa early and you have made arrangement for a transfer with Kaunos for example, you will be able to leave your luggage in their office(by arrangement) there is not a left luggage facility anywhere else. Another option is to book a hotel for the day so you can at least have a shower and some where to change or have a rest, this could also be arranged by Kaunostours. This will be your least stressfull option.

[Vgb]

Steve

Many thanks for the information and I will mention your name. We are very interested in local customs, cuisine and life. I'm afraid I am a rubbish tourist by some standards and am turned off by watneys red barrel and package tours. The advice that you and the others have seen gives me the warm feeling that Dalyan is a bit special.

regards


Vince

[Dalyansteve]

Vince, if that is your definition of being a rubbish tourist, you are going to feel most at home in Dalyan as most do come here independantly.

A word of advice about tours, please try to leave some gaps in between for the beach, going to Caunos and having a day by the pool. Day trips are a full day and can be tiring. The only one that needs 2 days is Ephes and Pammukale which gives you a hotel night away and you still leave early and get back late.

You can even not do some of the tours so that you have something to do next time you come!!

[Falco9]

I just wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone who took the time to respond to this thread. It's much appreciated and I will be printing off everyones replies and recommendations to take with us.

My daughter is delighted that for once she will be able to enjoy a variety of restauarants, but we also enjoy barbecuing and will take your advice about enjoying some home cooking as well.

I hope I have a chance of bumping in to some of you whilst we are there. I'd be happy to buy you a beer (efe's is is?)

Dalyan sounds better and better by the minute

The countdown begins:Happy:

Best Regards

Rich

[Vgb]

Falco

I would have no problem accepting a beer of a Yorkshireman, having never tried it before :Happy: but we will be there at the end of August.

Steve

I downloaded the Kaunos Holiday guide which was very informative. The only thing that raised my eyebrows was the bit where it mentioned the temperature going into the 40s in July and August. Is that an extreme case or inland, local guides I have seen state about 30-33. Unfortunately, Nadia is Swiss and melts in extreme temperatures.

regards

Vince

[Julie]

Falco

I would have no problem accepting a beer of a Yorkshireman, having never tried it before :Happy: but we will be there at the end of August.

Steve

I downloaded the Kaunos Holiday guide which was very informative. The only thing that raised my eyebrows was the bit where it mentioned the temperature going into the 40s in July and August. Is that an extreme case or inland, local guides I have seen state about 30-33. Unfortunately, Nadia is Swiss and melts in extreme temperatures.

regards

Vince

Yes the weather is usually in the middle to late 40s.Last year we was there July and the year before August and that was the temperature.

Regards Julie

[Vgb]

Ouch, I think that Nadia will go nocturnal.

regards

Vince

[Tubby2]

Falco 9 enjoy. I too am a fellow yorkshire person, hailing from not too far from you, Brighouse to be exact , although I live in leafy Cheshire now, I would be happy to accept an Efes from you, unfortunately we will not be there until September. You will have a wonderful time and I'm sure you will find many more willing to accept an Efes. I don't think I have ever come across a place where the people are so friendly and they have a wicked sense of humour. Have fun.

[Dalyansteve]

I will be here!! I'm always here and I never say no to a free beer as long as it is in the evening, on a day that I am drinking beer and it has to be ice cold. There what a fussy sod I am, otherwise it will be just water or a black coffee, which I am just as happy with.

Temperatures, every year is different, but usually some time in June July or August we get a period of extreme heat lasting upto a fortnight. If it is in June or july it is not so bad, in August we usually get high humidity as well.
So the answer as to what to do if it is very hot is
A. drink lots of water day and night,
B. avoid alcohol during the heat of the day
C. keep out of the sun as much as possible and
D. remember the sun strength during these months is at its highest so plenty of protection. having a siesta before going out in the evening is not a bad idea either, the hour around dusk works quite well.

Another tip is do not set your airconditioning too low, you only nead to lower the humidity and have a temperature slightly lower than outside. If you set it to 18c, as some people do, you will not want to leave your room and you won't sleep properly try 25 to28c and you should be fine.
If you do all these you will enjoy your holiday, you will still get a suntan and you probably won't get holiday tummy. I am convinced the main cause of this is too much alcohol during the day combined with a larger amount of oil in your food than you are used to. When having salad ask for it Yagsiz pronounced yarsiz and hopefully they won't smother it in oil.
Dehydration is the most common problem so you must try to drink at least 2 litres of water a day each.

[Andy]

good advice Steve

[Vgb]

Thanks again Steve, I will gladly stand you a beer.

regards

Vince

[Falco9]

Thats at least a couple of beers heading your way Steve, Like you I like my beer ice cold so we already have something in common (we're a pair of fussy sods (lol))

Great advice though which we will definately take on board. Once again my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to post a reply. It makes a huge difference to our approach for our holiday and as the comments are universally positive we cannot wait for June to come around

I think we are going to like Dalyan!

Best Regards

Rich

[Dalyansteve]

Sorry we all seemed to have forgoten about Nadias problem with the heat. I prsume your villa has a pool and at least 1 room with aircon. IF it is too hot for you, you can keep cool in the pool or escape to an airconditioned room if you start feeling woozy. You will be able to go out shopping and eating etc. at night. If you go on any daytrips by bus, they will all be airconditioned. On a boat there is nearly always a breeze just remember to keep in the shade. If you hire a car get an aircon one. So I don't think you will have too much of a problem.
This is one of the main reasons people return inMay/June and Sept/oct when it is still warm but cools down a lot at night. Don't forget the Turks have to work in all weather and even they recomend you to come then.

[Vgb]

Thanks again Steve, the villa does have a pool and air-con.

In Cyprus last year, she stayed in the shade during the afternoon while we dipped in and out of the pool. We tended to shop early and eat at dusk or dark. Unfortunately, we are limited by school holidays but may consider October for a return visit.

Note to self - Check Max/Min temperatures and not mean when selecting a time to travel.

regards

Vince

[Terrey]

Hi to everyone,I have been reading all your helpful posts.We too are coming to dalyan for the first time in july,we also have to come in the school holidays ,boo hoo,the most expensive time.We are staying at the sahin apartments ,we have three teenagers with us,hopefully they will be able to walk around some of the time on their own.Has anyone stayed at these apartments or perhaps tell me how far out of village they are?Really excited about coming to dalyan ,we have been to many other resorts in Turkey but this is our first non-beach holiday.Appreciate any info.
Best regards Teresa:Stars:

[John Codling]

Welcome to the forum Teresa,the Sahin apartments are about a ten minute walk from the centre of Dalyan see http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g311315-d314731-Reviews-Sahin_Apartments-Dalyan_Mugla_Province_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html.

You should have no worries about letting the teenagers walk around on their own, Dalyan is a really friendly place. Dalyan is not too far from the wonderful Istuzu beach which can be reached either by boat or dolmus. When you can sit on a lovely sandy beach with not a hotel in site and crystal clear water you know you have found the right place.

This is view from the beach back towards Dalyan.

[Dalyansteve]

Hi Teresa and familly, if you have been to Turkey before you know more or less what to expect.
One strange thing about Dalyan is that kids and teenagers seem to love it here as well. I can't work out why. Perhaps you can work it out when you are here and let everyone know.