Your Guide to the Dalyan Mud Baths
When you visit a tourist resort in the Dalaman region of Turkey, you will be offered various different excursions that you might like to go on during the time you’re in the resort. Some of these are better than others, but for something a little different, and a great day out, you should definitely say ‘yes’ to the Dalyan Mud Baths.
The mud baths in Dalyan are known for their healing and therapeutic properties, and it’s also a great, fun day out! The trip is usually sold as a package, and you will enjoy a few hours at Turtle Beach, as well as a river boat ride down the Dalyan River, passing by the famous King’s Tombs. For a full day out, you’re getting a great value for money here, as the trip usually costs somewhere between 60-70 lira per person. Considering the great Turkish lira rate currently that’s a day out for virtually nothing!
A Full Day Out
It’s best to book this day out via a tour operator in resort, but it’s always a good idea to avoid your travel company rep, and instead to go out onto the streets and find an excursion office. The prices are almost always lower here, and you can sometimes haggle too. Regardless of where you book it, the set up of the day is usually the same.
- You’re picked up at your hotel in the morning (quite early)
- You are taken by bus to Dalyan, where you will enjoy free time at the mud baths
- You will sit and have lunch by the river (food usually included)
- You’ll then board an open boat and sail leisurely down the Dalyan River, going past the iconic and very old King’s Tombs, which are carved into the mountainside – remember your camera for this one!
- You then arrive at Turtle Beach, where you can spend time swimming, sun bathing, and generally chilling out. This is a nesting area for turtles during the low season
- You board your boat again, and hopefully you will see a turtle or two!
- You head back to Dalyan main town and board your bus, where you return back to your hotel
As you can see, it’s a full, tiring day out, but it’s a fun one!
All About The Mud Baths
So, what do you do at the mud baths?
When you arrive, you’re shown to a series of huts, where you can change your clothes. The last time I went, there were no lockable doors, as this is all set out in open nature – for that reason, wear your swimming gear underneath your clothes!
You then head to the mud bath, where you literally wallow in mud! It’s never too crowded here, so you don’t have to worry too much about not having space. Cover yourself in the mud and have a little fun! You’ll also have the chance to have your photo taken. Make sure you get yourself as muddy as possible, because it’s not only about being totally un-photogenic, but it’s also about the healing properties of the mud.
Once you’ve done rolling around, you head to the sulphur pool. It’s warm, it’s small, but it smells like rotten eggs! Hence the name ‘sulphur pool’! This is necessary though, and it’s all about the natural hot springs that are found in the area. This is what really kicks off the rejuvenating properties for your skin, so make sure you soak all of that mud off.
Once you’ve done soaking, you head to the showers, where you wash yourself and notice how soft your skin is! Be aware that these showers are a little on the harsh side – the water doesn’t trickle, it cascades!
From there, you dry yourself off, get changed, and you’re done! You’ll feel refreshed and ready for lunch by this point.
If you’re travelling with kids, the mud baths are a fantastic part of your holiday, and a great day out overall. This is a trip you shouldn’t miss.
