İztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is both a Caretta caretta nesting site and a perfect holiday location for summer lovers. This natural wonder in Muğla is a unique spot with its clear sea and peaceful atmosphere. It also offers unforgettable memories for visitors who want to observe the Caretta caretta during their hatching season. 

Let's explore İztuzu Beach to meet the unique nature of the Mediterranean, discover the nearby historical heritage, and have a dreamy summer holiday full of coastal joy:

İztuzu Beach provides the ideal environment for swimming and sunbathing with its turquoise, clear waters and fine-grained sand beach. The harmony of blue and green creates a refreshing atmosphere during the sunny and warm summer season. In addition, the beach is one of the Caretta caretta nesting sites and offers unforgettable memories for nature lovers. Between May and September, you can observe this rare and special sea turtle species and their hatching times. 

The beach is close to Dalyan River and Sultaniye Hot Springs if you’re looking for a place to rest and refresh. The famous Kaunos Archaeological Site and Köyceğiz are also nearby and well worth a visit for culture and history enthusiasts. The unique natural beauty, historic sites, and peaceful atmosphere make this region ideal for a full day of exploration. You can also enjoy a wonderful culinary experience by tasting the unique and distinctive dishes of Mediterranean cuisine at nearby restaurants.

İztuzu Beach holds ecological importance since it is a Caretta caretta nesting site. In the protected zones of the beach, you can observe the moments when they hatch and make their way to the sea. If you’re planning to witness this natural miracle, İztuzu is among the most suitable places as one of the rare protected areas where this phenomenon can be observed. 

On the beach, there are some restrictions and rules to protect this rare turtle species and its natural habitat. Caretta caretta nests are marked with cages or signs so visitors don’t accidentally disturb them. Walking, placing umbrellas, or setting up sunbeds is not allowed in these marked areas. Also, beach access is restricted at night (8 PM to 8 AM), and diving or snorkelling near nesting areas is discouraged to protect the turtles. 

You should visit DEKAMER, a centre for sea turtle rescue, research, and education, to learn more about the Caretta caretta and to get guidance and information on observing their hatching.

The Dalyan River flows into the sea at its mouth near İztuzu Beach. After swimming and sunbathing on the beach, you should come here to explore the unique view of the river and also the natural beauty of the region. By joining the frequent boat tours, you can enjoy a peaceful evening accompanied by the river’s beautiful scenery. 

If you want to rest, you should visit Sultaniye Hot Springs to relax and find healing. The last recommended location will be Çandır Observation Terrace, which is closer to the beach side. To take photographs of the unique nature of the region and immortalise holiday memories, you can hike this hill. It offers great shots for nature photography with its unique view of the deep blue sea and rocky formations.

Near İztuzu Beach, you can visit one of the most significant ancient remnants and archaeological sites of the area, the Kaunos Archaeological Site. The site gives remarkable insights into ancient Carian and Lycian civilisations and has a special role in discovering the historical background of the Mediterranean. 

Visitors can explore the remnants of rock-cut tombs, a theatre, an acropolis, Roman baths, a basilica, and a harbour at Kaunos. The renowned and impressive rock-cut tombs can also be seen from the Dalyan River during a boat trip. A unique experience to discover the region’s past and the lives of ancient civilisations that once lived here.

The other remarkable location near the İztuzu Beach is Köyceğiz, one of the Cittaslow towns of Muğla. After the swimming and sunbathing on the beach, you can walk around this town and explore its peaceful ambience, adorned with green nature. This coastal town, bearing traces of local culture, is a wonderful stop for those interested in Turkish Riviera heritage.

Going on nature walks to discover its natural beauties, such as the Toparlar Waterfall and Lake Köyceğiz, is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. In addition, you can buy organic products, homemade jams, olives, and local herbs from local markets. Meet with the unique culinary culture of the Turkish Riviera by tasting these unique delicacies.

İztuzu Beach is located in the southwest of Türkiye, near Dalyan in the Ortaca district of Muğla. You have several options to reach the beach. The easiest way is to take a public boat from Dalyan town centre, which takes about 30–40 minutes. 

You can also take a minibus from Dalyan, and it takes roughly 20 minutes to get there. If you prefer to go to the beach in a private car, it takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Visitors can also reach the beach by private boat, but speedboats are not allowed within 1 km of İztuzu Beach because it is a protected area for the nesting Caretta caretta.