İztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach)

Turtle Beach, or İztuzu Beach in Turkish, is a large breeding ground for the rare and endangered loggerhead sea turtles. The beach is located just south of the town of Dalyan, Turkey along the Aegean Sea. Due to its protection status, the beach is quiet, though there are a few cafes and tourist facilities in the area. There are no showers on the beach because they don't want shampoo to contaminate the beach and harm the turtles. Certain sections of the beach are off limits during breeding season in order to protect the turtles and their eggs. The beach has been under threats of over development for decades, which would have a devastating effect on the turtles. Luckily there are groups fighting to stop the development and continue protecting the turtles and their habitat.
Other activities in the Dalyan area include visiting the ruins of the ancient trading town of Kaunos, enjoying the Sultaniye hot springs and mud baths, swimming in Köyceğiz Lake, and admiring the facades of Lycian tombs located above the Dalyan River.

Practical Info

Turtle Beach is easy to reach by public transport from the town of Dalyan. Dalyan is located about 17 miles from the Dalaman Airport, and between Marmaris and Fethiye. You can reach Dalyan by bus from either Marmaris or Fethiye, or join one of the many tours that include the beach. The beach is closed from 8pm to 8am May through October, which is the turtles' breeding season.