Dalyan Mud Baths

The springs at Sultaniye rise on the shore of Köyceğiz lake at around forty degrees, heavily mineralised with sulphur, and they have been used since antiquity - there are remains of an old bath structure on the site. The modern arrangement is straightforward and undignified: a shallow pool of grey mud where visitors coat themselves head to foot, stand about in the sun until it dries and cracks, then rinse it off in the lake or the showers and soak in the hot sulphur pools afterwards. It is standard on the Dalyan river boat trip, sandwiched between the rock tombs and İztuzu beach, and the boats arrive in convoys, so the mud pool at midday holds a great many grey people photographing each other. The sulphur smell is strong and clings. Claims about the mud curing skin conditions and rheumatism are traditional rather than established - anyone with a medical reason for going should read the site's own posted information and ask a doctor.

What you actually see

• The mud pool - the shallow wallow and its grey coating.
• The sulphur springs - the hot pools for soaking afterwards.
• The old bath remains - the ancient structure on the site.
• Köyceğiz lake - the water the boats arrive across.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Early or late in the day if you can choose - the midday boat convoy fills the pool completely.

Honest expectations

It is messy, crowded and smells strongly of sulphur; take old swimwear, since the mud can stain. Health claims are traditional, not medical advice - check the posted guidance and your doctor if it matters. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

The Kaunos rock tombs and İztuzu beach are on the same river circuit; Köyceğiz town is at the head of the lake.