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Iztuzu Beach, also known as the "Turtle Beach," is one of the most famous beaches near Marmaris, Turkey. This stunning stretch of golden sand is located near Dalyan, about 95 kilometers from Marmaris, and is renowned for its natural beauty and environmental importance. The beach is situated between the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by lush hills and offering an incredible setting for a relaxing day by the water. Iztuzu Beach is most famous for being a protected nesting site for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta), which has earned it the nickname "Turtle Beach." It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, beachgoers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Iztuzu Beach is located about an hour and a half's drive from Marmaris. The most common way to reach the beach is by car. If you're coming from Marmaris, you can take the D400 highway towards Dalaman and follow the signs for Dalyan. From Dalyan town center, it’s about a 10-minute drive to the Iztuzu Beach entrance. Alternatively, visitors can use public transport, such as local buses that connect Marmaris and Dalyan, or take a taxi for a more direct route.
If you don’t have a car, you can also visit Iztuzu Beach via a boat ride from Dalyan, which provides a scenic journey through the Dalyan River. This boat ride is a popular option, as it allows you to enjoy the stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains while traveling to the beach. The boat trip takes around 20 minutes and is a lovely way to arrive at the beach.
Iztuzu Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The summer months, from June to September, are the most popular time to visit the beach, with temperatures often reaching over 30°C (86°F). These warm temperatures make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. During the cooler months of winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F), but it can be rainy. The best time to visit Iztuzu Beach for pleasant weather is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November), when the temperatures are comfortable and the beach is less crowded.
Iztuzu Beach is open year-round, but it is most active during the summer months. The beach has specific hours for visitors, usually from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the peak visiting times being from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you’re visiting in the summer, it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and secure a good spot on the sand. The beach can get quite busy, especially during weekends and holidays, so arriving early will also help you enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Iztuzu Beach is famous for its natural beauty, tranquil environment, and ecological significance. The beach is one of the most important nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, which comes to the beach each year to lay its eggs. Due to this, Iztuzu Beach is a protected area, and efforts are made to preserve the turtles and their habitat. Visitors are not allowed to disturb the nesting areas, and there are specific zones marked off to keep human activity away from the turtles' nests.
The beach itself is a stunning natural wonder. With its long stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters, Iztuzu Beach offers an idyllic escape from the bustling town of Marmaris. The serene atmosphere and the surrounding natural landscape of hills and river provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach is also accessible by boat, making it an even more special place to visit as you can enjoy the scenic river route to reach the beach.
Entry to Iztuzu Beach is allowed with a small fee to help with the maintenance and protection of the area, including the conservation efforts for the sea turtles. The current entrance fee is approximately 10 Turkish Lira (about 1 USD), which is quite affordable for visitors. The beach is managed by the government to ensure its preservation and to protect the local wildlife. The entrance fee helps fund these important efforts, as well as the facilities provided on the beach.
Iztuzu Beach offers some essential amenities for visitors, including restrooms, sunbeds for rent, a small café, and shops selling food and drinks. Although there are no large-scale hotels or resorts directly on the beach, there are several accommodations available nearby in Dalyan and Marmaris. The beach is clean, well-maintained, and ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. However, visitors should remember to bring sun protection, such as sunscreen and hats, especially during the summer months, when the sun can be intense.
Iztuzu Beach is not just a beautiful natural location but also a site with a rich historical backdrop. The area surrounding the beach was once part of the ancient city of Kaunos, a city that flourished in the 5th century BC. Though Iztuzu Beach itself does not have much visible ancient architecture, the nearby ruins of Kaunos are an important historical landmark. Visitors can explore the remains of the ancient city, which includes a theater, city walls, and tombs carved into the cliffs above the Dalyan River.
In addition to its historical significance, Iztuzu Beach is a symbol of the importance of nature conservation in Turkey. The beach gained international attention in the 1980s when a proposal to build a hotel complex on the beach was met with strong opposition from environmentalists. Thanks to their efforts, the beach was officially declared a protected area to preserve its ecological value and to protect the sea turtles' nesting sites.
Aside from lounging on the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear waters, there are many things to do at Iztuzu Beach:
In conclusion, Iztuzu Beach is a stunning natural destination that offers more than just a beautiful place to swim and sunbathe. It’s a location that holds ecological and historical significance, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Marmaris or Dalyan. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply someone looking to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea, Iztuzu Beach provides a memorable experience for all.
