Photo: FurkanYalcin3 (CC BY 3.0) · Source 11 places to visit in the Ortaca district of Muğla: İztuzu Beach, Dalyan Channel and Dalyan Channel and Kaunos Rock Tombs. Plan your trip to Ortaca with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Ortaca is one of the 13 districts of Muğla. The district covers 285 km², and its centre lies at an average altitude of 28 metres above sea level.
The centre of the Dalaman subdistrict, attached to Köyceğiz, moved to Ortaca village in 1942, and the subdistrict was renamed Ortaca. While a village attached to Köyceğiz, it was made a town (belde) on 25 May 1959, and it became a district in 1987.
Ortaca lies east of Muğla province, bordered by Köyceğiz to the west and north, Dalaman to the east and the Mediterranean to the south. In Muğla province, Ortaca ranks 5th in trade and industry, after Milas, Fethiye and Marmaris.
The Köyceğiz–Dalyan Lagoon system, a natural wonder of lakes and reed-fringed channels, is one of the district’s main attractions. The loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs on İztuzu Beach make Ortaca special. One of its most notable features is that living costs in the district are low compared with other tourist areas.
The Dalyan area was declared a Special Environmental Protection Area in 1998. The settlement was renamed from Terzialiler to Ortaca in 1943. Ortaca became a district in 1987. The first Ortaca Festival was held in 1992.
In ancient times, the land of Ortaca lay within the borders of Caria. The 229 km Dalaman River, which flows from the north and passes along the west coast, forms the boundary between the Mediterranean and Aegean regions. In 1969, theatre and folk groups were formed in Ortaca at a time when there was still no electricity.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The Kaunos rock tombs, reached by boat trip along the Dalyan Channel that connects Lake Köyceğiz to the Mediterranean, are monumental Lycian-type tombs carved into the cliffs in the 4th century BC. Reeds and wildlife can be seen along the channel.
View on mapThe ancient city, capital of the Kingdom of Kaunos, lies on the border of Dalyan and Çandır village.
View on mapThe rock tombs of Kaunos are among the most important symbols of Dalyan.
View on mapAn ancient city within the grounds of the İberotel hotel at Sarıgerme. Parts of its walls can be seen.
View on mapA strait formed by the channels of the Köyceğiz–Dalyan Lagoon system, rich in natural beauty.
View on mapThermal springs on the shore of the Dalyan Channel offer sulphurous water at 40 °C and natural mud pools. The mud bath, believed to be good for skin health, is one of the activities tourists prefer most.
View on mapA quiet bay surrounded by pine forests, 20 km from Ortaca. With its clear turquoise water and natural beauty, it is a popular stop on blue cruise routes.
View on mapA bay on the Ortaca–Dalaman coastline, reached from Dalyan by road or by sea.
View on mapOne of Muğla's unspoiled bays, a favourite stop for boats, yachts and picnickers.
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Photo: FurkanYalcin3 (CC BY 3.0) · Source While you are in Ortaca, you can also see the highlights of Muğla province. These places are in other districts.
Sea bass caught in the Dalyan Channel and prepared grilled or steamed. Grown in a mix of fresh and salt water, it has a distinctive flavour and is the most popular dish in Dalyan's restaurants.
Artichokes grown on the Ortaca plain are cooked in olive oil with carrots and peas. It is one of the most loved olive oil dishes of Aegean cuisine.
Fresh courgette flowers stuffed with rice, onion and spices, then cooked in olive oil. A light and tasty summer dish.
A grey mullet fishing competition was held in the Dalyan Channel. After the competition, about 6 tonnes of mullet sandwiches were handed out.
Dried mullet roe, packaged and exported to Italy and America.
Since the 1980s, Dalyan has gained international fame with the discovery of Caretta caretta turtles. Environmental awareness and a sustainable approach to tourism are an important part of the district's cultural identity.
Kaunos, within the boundaries of Ortaca, was the meeting point of Lycian and Carian cultures. The theatre, agora and temple ruins of the ancient city reveal the region's 3,000-year history.
Ortaca's economy is based on farming and tourism. Citrus, cotton and greenhouse vegetable growing are the main farming activities. Dalyan tourism brings significant income to the district. Beekeeping and olive growing are also traditional sources of livelihood.
Dalaman Airport is 15 km away. Ortaca is 75 km from Muğla and 60 km from Fethiye. The D-400 highway passes through the district. Minibus services to Dalyan run from the district centre.
Top 11 places in Ortaca: İztuzu Beach, Dalyan Channel, Dalyan Channel and Kaunos Rock Tombs, Dalyan Mud Bath and Hot Springs, Ekincik Bay, Kaunos Ancient City, Kaunos Rock Tombs, Kargıcak Bay, Aşı Bay, Sarıgerme Beach and Pisilis Ancient City.
Dalyan Levreği, Ortaca Zeytinyağlı Enginar, Kabak Çiçeği Dolması and Dalyan Kefali are the highlights on Ortaca's tables.
Ortaca is known for its citrus fruit and Dalyan tourism culture. The Ortaca plain is one of Muğla's most productive citrus-growing areas. Growing oranges, lemons and mandarins forms the basis of the district's economy.
Dalaman Airport is 15 km away. Ortaca is 75 km from Muğla and 60 km from Fethiye. The D-400 highway passes through the district. Minibus services to Dalyan run from the district centre.
Suggested visit length: 2–3 days. Best time to visit: May–October.