Turkish Riviera: What to See & Do: On the Water: Iztuzu Beach

Iztuzu Beach

The so-called turtle beach at the mouth of the Dalyan Çayi River is one of the region’s most famous beaches, as it’s a breeding ground for the enormous endangered loggerhead sea turtles. It’s also incredibly scenic: a long stretch of white sand dotted with umbrellas and loungers that can be rented for the day. In the mid-1980s, local groups prevented the building of a hotel in this fragile setting, and today the area is protected. The water is calm and shallow, making the beach a nice place for kids (avoid it during high season, though, because of crowds). The best way to reach Iztuzu is by boat on your way to Kaunos. There’s a small snack bar as well as changing facilities.