Winter in Dalyan is Heaven

Dalyan, within the “Turquoise Coast” of Turkey is firmly established as a popular tourist destination through the summer months. One of the constraints on this lovely small town is its accessibility to overseas visitors.

Nearby Dalaman Airport welcomes flights from many countries within Europe and the Middle East yet they are largely confined to the period from Easter until November. A few continue through the winter while domestic flights from Istanbul mean that anyone wanting to visit in the winter can reach Dalyan if prepared to change in Istanbul.

So why would you want to make the effort to change in Istanbul?

What is so special about winter on this Turkish coastline?
Well, this beautiful natural region offers plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts with temperatures comfortable, and sufficient to satisfy anyone looking for good bars and restaurants by night. If you are a hiker or cyclist, perhaps want to take photos that don’t have the heat haze of summer or sit and paint a scene, winter is ideal for you.

Dalyan gets plenty of sunshine through the winter, and even if a cold wind happens, it is easy to find somewhere sheltered and imagine you were enjoying a Northern European summer. Yes, it is cool by night yet you can forget ice and snow. That doesn’t happen.

As a Muslim country, Christmas is not a celebration as such, with New Year far more important to locals. However, Christmas Fairs take place locally and Christmas Eve on the beach has become a tradition that attracts more and more people each year.

Initiated by ex-pats, local Turks arrive in increasing numbers. While rain is possible, the sun has shone each year for many years. Some go swimming in the sea. The shallow water means that sea temperatures remain comfortable throughout winter.

You know about those gloomy days you get in Western Europe when it remains dark until 8am with the sun setting, if you see the sun at all, eight hours later. On cloudy days, “daylight hours” can be depressing. In Dalyan, winter days are longer, by around two hours, and remember there is plenty of sunshine.

To summarise, Dalyan in winter has everything you might want for a winter break, or for a place to live without huge utility bills and gloomy days.

Not convinced?

Well, give it a try; a week perhaps when you should be able to find a direct flight into Dalaman if your dates are flexible. You won’t regret it.