Köyceğiz

Köyceğiz is a lovely town which takes its name from the lake on whose northern end it is situated. With its citrus groves descending from the plain to spread around the placid lake, edged by marshes, its village houses and backdrop of mountains changing colour from purple to blue, it is a very picturesque sight.

The town has 2km of promenade, perfect for lakeside strolls, and is a protected area as it is the only place in Turkey where sigla trees, otherwise known as "liquid amber" or frankincense, grow. The Sultaniye hot springs are rich in minerals and people come here from all over Turkey to take a therapeutic mud-bath. It is also famed for its thyme and honey. The weekly Monday market is open all year round as Koycegiz is a working town as well as a tourist resort.

At the southern end of the lake, along the river, is the tourist town of Dalyan, with its ornate Lycian rock tombs, the ruins of ancient Caunos and Iztuzu beach - the nesting place of the rare caretta caretta or loggerhead turtles.

Climate

The coastal part of Köyceğiz province has a Mediterranean climate, although the mountainous hinterland, where winter rains can continue for 3 or 4 months, has a cooler continental climate.

History

A city of Caria and and subsequently ruled by various tribes, it became part of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murat II. With the establishment of the Turkish Republic, it become a province of Muğla city.

Thermal Springs

The Sultaniye Thermal and Mineral Springs are said to have been in use as far back as the 9th century BC by the people of Caunos. The water temperature is around 39° C and according to research by Turkish Universities, the water and mud are beneficial for a plethora of ailments including: rheumatism and muscle fatigue, eczema and skin diseases, heart and circulatory problems, stress and nervous disorders, gastric, intestinal and digestive complaints, kidney and respiratory system problems, eye diseases and gynaecological disorders!

The springs are a short road journey from Köyceğiz, you can also reach them by motor launch from the lake.

Beaches

The boat trip from Köyceğiz lake to the Mediterranean along the Dalyan river is through a maze of narrow channels among head-high reeds, you cannot see your starting point or destination. Above and to your right you will pass the Lycian tombs carved into the cliff-face and eventually reach Iztuzu beach...