Rock Tombs, the Channel and İztuzu in Dalyan

What makes Dalyan special is that it fits three different landscapes into a few kilometres. The channel running past the town links Lake Köyceğiz to the sea; Lycian rock tombs stand in the cliff on the far bank; and where the channel ends lies the four and a half kilometre beach of İztuzu.

Getting there: twenty five kilometres from Dalaman airport, a hundred and twenty from Muğla. Minibuses run from Ortaca. Inside the town a car is unnecessary; everything is within walking distance or reached by boat.

The day: spend the morning at Kaunos. Founded on the border of Caria and Lycia, its theatre, baths and acropolis walls can all be walked, and crossing by boat is both easier and the right angle for the rock tombs. In the afternoon follow the channel down to İztuzu. The beach is a loggerhead nesting ground, so night access is banned and sections are fenced. The return trip through the reed beds is the calmest half hour of the day.

Eating: the restaurants along the channel serve fresh sea bream and bass. Honey and olive oil from the Köyceğiz side are well regarded locally.

Tips: boat fares are shared, fixed and posted at the jetty. Between May and September the turtle rules are binding; driving umbrella poles into the sand is prohibited.