Turkey / Marmaris / Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)

— Natural Site

Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)

Last updated: August 2026 Read time: 3 min
Iztuzu Turtle Beach Dalyan — sea turtle on beach shore, illustrative
Location Near Dalyan (day trip from Marmaris)
Hours Daylight hours, nesting-season restrictions apply Daylight hours
Ticket price Free (small parking fee may apply)
Typical visit Half day
Nearest transport Dalyan day trip from Marmaris, by river boat or road

Iztuzu Turtle Beach Dalyan — Iztuzu Beach, commonly called Turtle Beach, is a protected 4.5-kilometer sand spit near Dalyan where endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest, separating the Dalyan River delta from the Mediterranean Sea. It’s typically visited as part of a Dalyan day trip.

Why visit Iztuzu Beach? (Iztuzu Turtle Beach Dalyan)

Iztuzu Beach earned protected status specifically because of its importance as a loggerhead sea turtle nesting site, and conservation rules restrict beach activity and lighting during nesting season to protect eggs and hatchlings. The 4.5-kilometer stretch of sand is genuinely substantial by regional standards, giving even peak-season crowds room to spread out, and its position separating the freshwater Dalyan delta from the open Mediterranean creates a distinctive landscape most beaches on the coast don’t share. Beyond the turtles, it’s simply a good swimming beach — clean, sandy, and less developed than more built-up resort beaches closer to Marmaris.

Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

What should I know before visiting?

  • Nesting season restrictions apply — respect any marked nesting areas and follow posted conservation guidance.
  • The beach is reached either by boat along the Dalyan River or by road from Dalyan village.
  • Facilities are more limited than developed resort beaches — bring your own shade and water.
  • Typically combined with the Kaunos rock tombs and mud baths on a full Dalyan day trip.

How much are tickets and what are the hours?

Beach access is free, though a small parking or environmental fee may apply depending on arrival method. Open during daylight hours, with nesting-season restrictions on certain areas.

How do I get to Iztuzu Beach from Marmaris center?

Reached as part of a Dalyan day trip from Marmaris — typically a 1-1.5 hour drive to Dalyan followed by a river boat to the beach itself, or a direct road route via Dalyan village.

Iztuzu Beach: Interesting Facts

  • Stretches approximately 4.5 kilometers, separating the Dalyan River delta from the Mediterranean.
  • Protected since 1988 as part of the Köyceğiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area, with an average of around 300 turtle nests per year.
  • A protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
  • Conservation rules restrict certain beach activities and lighting during nesting season.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, which lay their eggs on the sand during nesting season, giving the beach its common English nickname.


Yes — outside of specific marked conservation restrictions during nesting season, it’s a genuine swimming beach, clean and less developed than resort beaches closer to Marmaris.

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Prices and availability are handled by the ticket provider — we just point you there.

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Nearby Attractions

Kaunos Ancient City rock tombs — illustrative ancient ruins, Turkey

Kaunos Ancient City & Rock Tombs
Dalyan River Cruise Mud Bath — illustrative Aegean landscape

Dalyan River Cruise & Mud Bath Tour
Marmaris Castle Museum — illustrative harbor view

Marmaris Castle & Museum

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