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Lake Köyceğiz

The lake is fed by the plentiful waters of the seven arms of a stream that flows down from the mountains. This is why it does not change either in summer or winter. It empties its excess water through a narrow 10 kilometre long channel, the Dalyan Strait, into the Mediterranean Sea. If you do not have a detailed map of the region with you while you wander you can get confused over which side is water and which side is sea. The best clue you have are the reeds of the lake. The area covered by the Dalyan Strait and the lake is 6,300 hectares. On the edge of the strait there is a lagoon called Lake Sülüngür which holds a mixture of sweet and salty water. This lake is where the sea bass their lay eggs. The coast bordering the sea varies in width from between 50 to 200 metres and it has a beautiful 5.5 kilometre long beach. (See the İstuzu Beach section.)

The lake has been almost completely cut off from the sea by the sediment carried down by the water. However, there is still a channel that links the lake to the sea, allowing water to run off. The delta was formed by sediment brought by the Nam Nam and Yuvarlak. Streams

Those interested in photography and aqua sports will find it quite difficult to leave here as the lake area gives you such wonderful scenery. And even if you area not into sports such as surfing, sailing, rowing do not stay away from the lake. You can go on small boat trips in the evening or late at night and sing to the lonely night and the stars.

If you have an interest in fishing do not forget to pack your rod and tackle as the lake offers a chance even to amateur fisherman and you will not return empty handed.

A trip around the lake, either on foot or by car, is very pleasant too. A boat trip on the lake is also very interesting. The small island in the lake is locally known as Hapishane Adası (Prison Island). In the past the island was used for military purposes and then had a prison built on it. You can also see the remains of a Genovese castle on the island. Another name given to the island is Aşıklar Adası (Lovers Island). According to a legend, two lovers, when their request to marry was refused by their families, sought refuge on this island. They got away from the pressures of the families but could not escape their destiny. They were bitten by a large snake and both died right there. This is just one of the many island and snake stories which feature in Anatolia folklore.

In the true meaning of the word, Köyceğiz means "heaven of water". The sea, the lake, the rivers feeding the lake, the channels connecting it to the sea all reinforce this. Indeed, wherever you dig in town, even just a few metres down, you can strike very clean water. Thus the town is very suitable for agriculture as well. The plantations that are irrigated by the underground water do not dry out, even in the hottest of summers.

The region is surrounded by mountains and blanketed by forests of Sığla and pine trees as can be found nowhere else in the world.