5 Amazing Adventures Within 15 Minutes of Dalaman Airport

So you land at Dalaman Airport and rather than make the hour-long trek to Marmaris or Fethiye, you want to start sightseeing RIGHT AWAY. Good news: you are spoilt for choice. Here are five amazing spots all within just 15 minutes of the airport — land, collect your bags and get relaxing.

We know this spot looks too amazing and too remote to be within minutes of an international airport — but little pieces of paradise are hidden all over the Mediterranean if you know where to look. Sarsala Cove is one such gem. The drive down to Sarsala is breathtaking, and arriving in a secluded bay that looks completely untouched by human civilisation in under 15 minutes after landing will genuinely make your head spin. Pack a picnic and spend your first afternoon in blissful solitude.

You have heard just how stunning Dalyan is — and you can be gazing at the Lycian rock-cut King's Tombs across the turquoise river in about 15 minutes after landing. Dalyan has so much to offer: the town itself is charming, with all the restaurants and shops you could want. The beach at İztuzu — protected as the spawning ground of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles — stretches for 7 km of golden sand. Or rent a boat for the day and head out to any of the beautiful islands surrounding Dalyan, passing through the reeds of the Dalyan River as the world slows right down around you.

After that long flight, sometimes you simply need the beach — and Sarıgerme's Blue Flag certified beach is exactly what you are looking for. Its sands have been rated among the finest in all of Europe. There is a lovely café serving cold drinks and freshly cooked food where peacocks, turkeys and all varieties of exotic birds stroll past, enjoying the views right alongside you. For a small fee you can also take a boat out to Rabbit Island (Tavşan Adası), which sits just across from the beach — and spend the day in a secluded cove where nobody will ever find you, all within a few short minutes of landing.

Arrived to find the summer heat in Turkey is no joke? Not to worry — the Yuvarlak Çay Cold Springs are here to cool you right down. Dozens of restaurants are situated directly over the running cold springs, giving the whole area a natural air conditioner as cold air rises up around you. They serve fresh fish pulled straight from the water beneath you, and whole watermelons float in the river keeping cool for the most refreshing of snacks. Restaurants also create small mini-dams for patrons to jump into — beware, the water is genuinely ICE cold. The perfect way to shock yourself out of a long-haul flight and into the spirit of travel, all within 15 minutes of the airport.

There are two sets of 100% natural sulfur springs within 15 minutes of Dalaman Airport, known almost exclusively to locals. The first is on the way to Sarsala Cove — recently renovated and particularly accessible. The second is on the way to Sarıgerme, sometimes called Blue Thermal, and is one of the most naturally beautiful spots you will ever see, giving a genuine sense of first discovery. The extraordinary turquoise colour of the water is something to behold. Many local resorts literally transport the mud and water from these springs to their properties — so seeing the real thing is an experience money cannot easily buy. Ask Turquaz Travel to include these springs in your transfer itinerary.