Most visitors to Turkey only pass through the Mediterranean town of Dalaman en route to or from the airport. With the sea on one side and mountains on the other, Dalaman is the perfect place to while away a Turkish vacation.
There’s a huge selection of hotels in Dalaman, from chic spas to small independents. Although Dalaman is not as touristy as other resorts in the area, interest from European tourists is growing. And with such natural beauty, it’s no wonder.
There’s plenty to do in Dalaman; after relaxing on the beach, visiting the Dalyan mud baths, and the Lycian rock tombs, you’ll be a feeling a little peckish.
One thing that will appeal to the adventurous traveller is the lack of English style pubs and restaurants in Dalaman town centre. A holiday in Dalaman will let you try real Turkish cuisine, and not the anglicised version you may find in Marmaris.
Visiting one of Dalaman’s many tea gardens is a must. The bustling chatter of the Turkish tea garden differs quite vastly from the quiet and serene Japanese counterparts. Tea is very important to the Turks, and their tea gardens are a social hub.
The food in Dalaman has an Ottoman influence, also found in modern Persian, Cypriot, Balkan, and Middle Eastern cuisine. This means that food won’t be overpoweringly hot, but will be very fragrant with skilled use of spices. Dalaman is near the sea, so expect lots of fish; particularly sardines and anchovies. Hamsili Pilav, or anchovy pilaf, is one such example.
A trip to Dalaman wouldn’t be complete without trying Ayran; a soft drink made of yoghurt (an important ingredient in the region). Aryan goes particularly well with grilled meat, such as doner kebab. Don’t be put off; doner kebab in Dalaman is a far different to what you may find in a UK kebab shop.
Stuffed vegetable, or dolma, can be found in most restaurants. Dalaman is a great destination for vegetarians as most main courses are based on vegetables; spinach, aubergine, cabbage and artichoke featuring heavily. Borek pastries are worth looking out for, too. Small flaky parcels filled with sheep cheese, potatoes, and vegetables. Perfect for an on-the-go snack.
As Dalaman catches the eye of the tourist industry, it is likely that locally owned eateries will begin to take a backseat to major corporations and English style pubs. It’s best to get there soon for a true taste of Turkey.
James writes for Skyscanner.net, a cheap flights comparison site based in Edinburgh. Skyscanner can now compare fares within Facebook. Try the new Skyscanner flight search app and find the cheapest tickets to Dalaman without ever leaving Facebook.