Köyceğiz

Köyceğiz, a true earthly paradise located east of Marmaris, is a town and district situated on the northern shore of Köyceğiz Lake. In ancient times, the lake was a bay on the Aegean coast; however, over time, silt from the Dalaman River narrowed the land strip between the sea and the bay, creating the lake. Today, the only connection between the lake and the sea is Dalyan River, where boat and canoe tours are held. Köyceğiz is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos, known as the oldest settlement in the region. Archaeological excavations reveal that settlement here began in the 8th century BCE. The area has been inhabited by Romans, Persians, and Rhodians, with notable ancient ruins including an ancient theater and rock tombs. You can enjoy an incredible boat tour on Köyceğiz Lake with the scent of orange blossoms and sweetgum trees, accompanied by views of Mount Sandras. You might even encounter loggerhead sea turtles, known as Caretta carettas, in the Köyceğiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area. The people of Köyceğiz take pride in their local traditions and offer ample opportunities for visitors to sample the local cuisine. The area is also famous for its recreation trails around the lake and the absence of traffic lights in the town center. Additionally, it’s worth noting that winter heating with coal is prohibited to prevent air pollution.