Best Restaurants In Pamukkale

Many of us are foodies on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like GURME RESTAURANT CAFE, Donas, and Reserve Kitchen Co. and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Denizli Province.

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Every day, at lunch or dinner, Istanbulites sit for a while and take in the magnificent Istanbul with view. Wherever they go, they know that there is Maiden’s Tower, Sultanahmet, Galata Tower, Istanbul Strait, magnificent bridges, and an endless sea in the background. Restaurants in Istanbul and Istanbul fine dining restaurant are also great places to have views while you are eating tasty recipes.

Well, having read this article on the best restaurants in Istanbul with sea view, you can call yourself an Istanbulite. We are here to give you all the details you need to experience the city like a local. We have a list of the best restaurants in Istanbul with view. We have prepared this widget including 3 Bosphorus views to experience for your visit to Istanbul and our best restaurant Istanbul with view solutions for them.

Scenario: You’ve been to Istanbul before, but this time you’re traveling with someone who is visiting the city for the first time. Your companion doesn’t know the city and is a little nervous. And you’ve already been faced with heavy traffic, which has stressed you out a bit. Take a deep breath and relax. You know where to go.

Somewhere with delicious food and stunning views. Somewhere that you will feel close to the sea, to be able to smell it and listen to the songs of the seagulls. Somewhere that you can offer a morsel of your delicious meal to a cat passing by or maybe feed a little sparrow that comes to your table. Here is our guide to the best restaurant Istanbul with view and good food.

Plan: Istanbul has many beautiful places to help relieve your stress. These are not restaurants that solely overlook the landscape. They are quiet and peaceful places by the sea. We will share five eateries that are ideal for unwinding over breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Some also serve dinner.

Tip: If you want to make the most of your visit to Istanbul and see all the top attractions without wasting precious time, renting a car is a must! Trust us, navigating the city by public transportation or taxi can be a nightmare. But with your own wheels, you’ll be able to go where you want, when you want, without any stress. Check out the options and prices here.

1. Goze, Sariyer

This patisserie is magnificent, and its sea-facing terrace is fascinating when it comes to best restaurant istanbul with view. You get a feeling that the seagulls and boats are coming toward you. You are now far from the crowd, the sound, and the chaos of the city. You feel as if you are floating with the sea on the sea. Everything served is fresh and natural. Fragrant bread, donuts, and bagels are combined with weekday portions, and there’s an open buffet breakfast on weekends. All you have to do is enjoy the peace and quietness of this Istanbul restaurant with view.

Getting there

Goze has two separate locations in Sarıyer. One is a patisserie, and the other is a terrace. We recommend Goze Terrace. If you are going from Taksim, head to Hacıosman by taking the M2 line. Exit by the elevator in Hacıosman and find the stop for buses going towards Hacıosman / Levent. Take one of the 41SF – Sarıyer or 41C – Sarıyer buses from here. After 12 stops, you will reach the center of Sarıyer. Get off here and head towards Meserburnu Street. After a 2-minute walk, you will reach Goze Terrace.

What to eat?

A mixed breakfast is served on weekdays until 14:00. We recommend you come on a weekday as it gets very crowded over the weekends. You can have unlimited tea with plenty of greens, cheese, and olive varieties, delicatessen products, homemade jams, spring rolls, egg bread, french fries, and much more. In addition, you can try various meat and vegetable products. It is a very rich breakfast menu.

Breakfast is an open buffet from 09:00 until 14.00 on the weekend. The first tea is free. If you don’t want to have breakfast, we recommend you try pancakes with tea at this restaurant with view Istanbul. If you want to see photos, take a look at their website.

How much does it cost?

For breakfast, you pay between 5 € to 8 € per person.

Additional information

The bagels, pastries, and other pastry products of Goze’s patisserie are well-known across the city. The same products are available on the terrace. Goze has a third branch in Atasehir. We haven’t mentioned this one so as not to confuse you. Sarıyer is your destination.

Considering you want to have your dinner on the boat, you should discover this Bosphorus Music and Dinner tour with your private table. And you’ll witness the European and Anatolian sides’ views.

2. Chilai, Bebek

In Chilai, which is one of the most beautiful places in Bebek and best view restaurant Istanbul, you can dine in, have a drink and enjoy the view of the seafront. Breakfast is served in the morning, but this place is at its best in the afternoon. So, there’s no need to rush to reach Bebek. Stop by Chilai for good music and snacks later in the day, rather than for breakfast. If you want, you could spend a whole day at this best restaurants in Istanbul with sea view. The place is designed not just for a pleasant time in the middle of the day but also to have fun later at night.

Getting there

Take the Bahcekoy (42T) or Istinye Dereici (40T) buses from Taksim. Buses stop near the Park Hotel. From the square, walk to Inonu Street. After 5-minutes, you’ll reach the bus stops. After getting on the bus, you will have a very nice journey for about half an hour. During the journey, you can see the Bosphorus from the right side of the bus. If it’s sunny, you can get off at an earlier stop and walk by the sea.

What to eat?

You can have seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and other types of grilled meat. There are also vegetarian-friendly dishes. The rich breakfast, if it were an open buffet, would not be suitable for the concept of the place, in our opinion. The real party starts at noon and goes on into the evening. You can try different flavors from the A La Carte dishes, sushi bar, and fixed menu. If you want the fixed menu, you must be in a group of at least 15 people. Food service is limited to 3 hours. The menu includes pork. If you don’t eat pork in your diet, be sure to mention this whilst booking.

How much does it cost?

This varies depending on what you have. If you have a lamb cage, you pay close to 500 TL per serving. However, if you are looking for an average meal without luxurious products, that will cost around 10€ – 15€ per person. However, these prices may vary. You can get information about prices when making a reservation.

Additional information

Chilai’s music differs on every floor. You can listen to chill out, ambient, bossa nova, and downtempo music in the entrance, garden, and on the sushi floors. There is a DJ six days a week, from 17:00 until closing. Food service ends at 23:00, but the bar is kept open. Then deep house and soulful house music begin.

If you are on the top floor or on the terrace, you can listen to jazz and smooth jazz. Chilai is here to give you an unforgettable time. There is no specific dress code, just be smart and dress stylishly. Casual clothing can cause problems at the entrance of this restaurant with view Istanbul. If you want a private booth or a lodge, you can make a reservation for up to 6 people. Prices vary between 50€ to 150€ depending on the selected dishes. Click for detailed information.

3. Menekse Bahcesi, Rumelifeneri

Rumelifeneri is a lighthouse at the northern end of the European side of Istanbul, where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. It is two nautical miles away from the Anatolian Lighthouse on the opposite shore. The line connecting these two lights forms the northern border of Istanbul Port. The village where the lighthouse is located shares the same name, Rumelifeneri. This is one of the most peaceful places in Istanbul.

Menekse Bahcesi has almost 100 years of history and, for the last decade, has been serving as a restaurant. Mainly Black Sea Region dishes are prepared here. This Istanbul restaurant with view is amazing. The Black Sea on the one side, and the last part of the Bosphorus on the other… You will hear the songs of seagulls flying freely. You will love the sincerity of the environment and the fact that the employees treat you as if you are part of the family. They are aged, and one may feel as if they have gone to their homeland to visit their grandparents in the village.

Getting there

Take the bus numbered 40 Garipce / Rumeli Feneri which goes from Taksim towards Besiktas. Try to sit on the right side of this bus so you can gaze at the Bosphorus throughout the journey. The journey takes about an hour and a half and can be a little longer if traffic is particularly heavy. But believe me, on such a pleasant journey to the best view restaurant Istanbul, you won’t even notice the time passing by.

What to eat?

Menekse Bahcesi serves breakfast and brunch. In the morning, you can have a village breakfast which is brought to the table in portions. We especially recommend “mihlama”. If you arrive later, you can have fish. Shrimp stew and anchovy pan are our favorites. It is an open buffet on the weekend. There is plenty of tea.

How much does it cost?

Menekse Bahcesi usually serves breakfast and grilled fish. There is a price difference between the open buffet breakfast and the spreading breakfast. Expect to pay an average of 10€ per person for spreading breakfast. Click here for the current prices.

Additional information

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As mentioned earlier, Istanbulites love to get over the week’s fatigue and stress with a weekend breakfast in peaceful places such as this Istanbul restaurant with view. Therefore, if you want a quieter breakfast, you may prefer to go on the weekdays in the morning. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.

Social facility venues are operated by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB). There are some nostalgic and interesting ones not only for their views, but their interior design too. The employees of the venues are very warm and friendly. The social facility in Beykoz is on the seafront and offers you some time alone with the sound of the waves. It is surely among the best restaurants in Istanbul with sea view.

Getting there

The shortest way to get to Beykoz would be by crossing the sea. After getting to Uskudar, you can reach Beykoz by taking a bus that goes along the coast. If you are in Besiktas, take a ferry to Uskudar. After arriving at Uskudar, go to Peron 2 in front of the Uskudar Mosque. It is a 4-minute walk. Then get on the 15 (Beykoz), 15P (Soguksu Mah.) or 15T (Tokatlikoy) buses. After a journey of approximately 50 minutes and 29 stops, get off at the IBB Social Facility stop. Walk towards the coast, and you will reach there in a 7-minute walk.

What to eat?

The restaurant is on the second floor of the social facility. In addition to its extraordinarily beautiful scenery, the menu puts a modern twist on the traditional flavors of Turkish cuisine. If you arrive after noon, we recommend Beykoz kebab. If you are there earlier, we recommend a breakfast plate or mixed breakfast.

How much does it cost?

Prices in the municipality’s facilities are always more affordable, so the bill should not give you a shock. You can enjoy a starter plate, main course, soft drink, and dessert for two people at the facilities for an average of 10 € per person. A breakfast plate costs around 3€ per person.

Additional information

The social facilities of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality are located in 19 different places across the city. Their prices are much more affordable than regular restaurant prices, and generally, they all have stunning views, making them the best restaurants in Istanbul with view.

5. Barbayani, Heybeliada

Over the weekend, everywhere in Istanbul usually gets crowded. Princes’ Islands call travelers who enjoy Istanbul through the weekdays. These islands are very important to escape from the city. Barbayani is a calm and peaceful place in Heybeliada and one of the best restaurants in Istanbul with view. Appetizers and fish are always fresh. In the first and oldest tavern of Heybeliada, you will find a friendly atmosphere accompanied by delicious appetizers. The sea is almost under your feet. The view is magnificent.

Getting there

The easiest way to get there is by the city lines’ ferries. They stop at Kabatas, Eminonu, Kadikoy, Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Buyukada and go to Bostanci. On some days and at varying times, the ferries depart from Besiktas. Click to see the schedule.

What to eat?

Barbayani preserves the tradition of taverns, which has developed throughout the years. Here you can find delicious appetizers. If you visit in cold weather, you can have Kars’ famous goose. For fish, we recommend sea bass with Mediterranean delight and basil sauce.

How much does it cost?

Assuming you go to Barbayani in the afternoon, we think you might stay until the closing. For this reason, the portions and drinks you consume will add up, and your bill will go up accordingly. However, on average, we can say that two people spend between 20 € and 30 €. If you want to have up-to-date information on the menu and prices before you go, just call Barbayani.

Additional information

Have cash with you. It is useful to make a reservation in advance. There are places called “Barbayani” in various parts of Istanbul, none of which is a branch of Barbayani. Barbayani is a tavern located only on the islands of Heybeliada and Burgazada. There is usually live music playing. If you can’t behave yourself when the music starts, don’t worry – you will see a lot of people starting to dance. Here, the fun begins all of a sudden. Click here for detailed information and photos.

Plan: A romantic evening. Istanbul will wink at you with its fascinating view. The ferries gliding over the rippling waters, the bridges connecting the two sides, the flickering lights across the sea, the stars in the sky sliding in love… Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, and many more places. Okay, the plan is as follows: We’ll introduce you to five romantic best view restaurant Istanbul and you pick the one that suits you best. What do you think?

6. 360 Istanbul, Beyoglu

360 Istanbul is one of the most beautiful places in Beyoglu and offers a unique view of Istanbul no matter where you take a seat. This place is one of the best restaurants in Istanbul with sea view. 360Istanbul, which has been in operation since 2005, has a 4-tier concept; great food, atmosphere, entertainment, and ambience. The combination and harmony of these four layers make a unique experience. Located on the top floor of the historical Misir Apartment, 360 Istanbul promises a delicious dinner, a fun evening, a pleasant environment with comfortable and extraordinary interior design, and a panoramic view of Istanbul.

Getting there

360 Istanbul is located in the city’s heart. From Taksim Square, walk on Istiklal Avenue. In the middle and on the left is Galatasaray High School. One hundred meters after you pass the high school, you will see Misir Apartment with the 360 Istanbul logo on your left. 360 Istanbul Restaurant & Bar is located on the 6th floor of the Misir Apartment. If you are coming from the tunnel, walk up towards Galatasaray High School. You will see the Misir Apartment on the right.

What to eat?

When you are at 360 Istanbul, you are in a concept restaurant with view Istanbul. You can taste sushi varieties and specialities of Japanese cuisine, where the best examples of world cuisine are also found. There is one highly recommended meal: sea bream on vine leaves. You can also taste various flavors of Anatolia, such as Aegean’s stuffed zucchini flower, Urfa’s special meatballs, tandir kebab, and many more great dishes. All of them are delicious and beautifully presented.

How much does it cost?

For two people, it will cost between 30 € and 50 €, but you won’t regret a single euro you pay.

Additional information

The terrace is closed when it is raining so go when the weather is good. If you want to go with your child, it may be better to go at noon and in the evening. We recommend you make a reservation beforehand. Click here for the website.

Tip: Looking for a lively and captivating area to stay in while exploring Istanbul? We suggest choosing the Beyoğlu district. It’s renowned for its charm and character, with Istiklal Street being a major attraction. The pedestrianized boulevard features an intriguing mix of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, and is traversed by a charming red tram. To find the perfect accommodation in the area, click on this link that will open in a new tab and browse through the selection of hotels available.

7. Kalpazankaya, Burgazada

You are overwhelmed by the crowd of the city and want to go to one of the Princes’ Islands for some silence and peace. But where can you dine in there? All the islands have nice restaurants. One of the best restaurants in Istanbul with sea view, where you can see the small boats getting lost among the sparkles over the sea and feel yourself in a paradise, is Kalpazankaya. In the past, counterfeiters printed money here, and when you walk from the restaurant to the sea, it is possible to see the rock and the cave where the money was printed.

Getting there

Get off at Burgazada Pier as traveling by the city lines’ ferries. From here, walk to Kalpazankaya. The road is a little long. If you don’t want to walk, you can take electric vehicles that go up. There used to be horse carriages. However, these were hurting the horses, so they were banned. Now, you may take the electric vehicles.

What to eat?

The appetisers at Kalpazankaya are very good. We recommend salmon wrapping with asparagus as well as tandir kebab and Ayvalik Turkish delight. You should try the stuffed squid and flounder with orange sauce on the seafood menu. You can ask and learn about which dishes are on the menu before you go there.

How much does it cost?

The prices in Kalpazankaya are slightly above average. You can reach their current menu via the link. It costs an average of 75 € for two. Is it worth the view, the friendliness of the employees, and the taste of the food? That’s for you to decide, but if you ask us, it definitely does.

Additional information

Don’t expect a luxurious restaurant. Sometimes, even service errors may occur. This place is a country restaurant on the island. Instead of going to this Istanbul restaurant with view by ferry, you can also take a sea taxi. For this, you can call the restaurant and ask for a sea taxi and get detailed information.

8. Filizler Koftecisi, Uskudar

There is an icon of the city in the landscape of Filizler Koftecisi. Going here before dusk and watching the sun go down will be one of the most romantic moments of your life. In front of you, Maiden Tower is standing with all its sadness and loneliness. One of the best restaurants in Istanbul with view is Filizler Koftecisi. When you got there, you will understand what we mean.

Getting there

Filizler Koftecisi is located in Uskudar’s center. After arriving at Uskudar Pier, you will get to Filizler Koftecisi with a 16-minute walk on Salacak – Harem coastal road.

What to eat?

Serving Balkan meatballs for more than 25 years, Filizler Koftecisi’s menu offers a rich selection with its authentic meatballs, grilled meat varieties, steak products, and world-class specialties.

How much does it cost?

For two, you pay an average price of 10 € to 13 €.

Additional information

Filizler Koftecisi is not a place people would call “so-so”. Either they like it very much or not at all. Is it possible not to admire this magnificent view? Sometimes waiters can be captivated by the scenery and forget the service! If you come here for the view, everything will be fascinating for you. Balkan meatballs are very tasty, but the view of Maiden Tower is mesmerizing too. Click for detailed information.

9. Deniz Yildizi Restaurant, Cengelkoy

The bridge connecting the two continents is almost under your feet at this best view restaurant Istanbul. The food is delicious. Leave yourself to the arms of sweet peace in Cengelkoy, one of the most beautiful places on the Anatolian Side. While eating your meals, sip your favourite drink, chat, and enjoy each others’ company.

Getting there

Deniz Yıldızı Restaurant is located in the most central part of Cengelkoy. From Besiktas, go to Uskudar by boat or ferry and, from the bus stops in front of the Uskudar Mosque, take the 15F (Kadikoy, Uskudar, Beykoz) bus. After 10 stops you will get off at Cengelkoy stop. It is, in total, a 14-minutes ride. After getting off at this stop, you will see Deniz Yildizi Restaurant in a 4-minute walk.

What to eat?

There are dishes to suit all tastes in Deniz Yildizi Restaurant. However, as the name suggests, seafood is their specialty. If you want to taste special appetizers in the restaurant, we recommend the eggplant salad and “kayakorugu”.

How much does it cost?

Prices will depend on how much you order, of course. For an up-to-date menu, we suggest you contact the restaurant but you can expect to pay an average of 75 € for two people.

Additional information

Prices are above average at this restaurant with view Istanbul but the dishes are incredibly delicious. Yet, be careful what you order, and check your bill item by item. Sometimes a meal is counted as two because two people eat it. If the total price ends up being different from what you have calculated, call the waiter, the manager, and/or the venue operator.

If you can not get enough of the Istanbul Bosphorus view, you should have the Bosphorus sightseeing cruise experience with an audio guide option.

10. Endam Leb-i Derya, Beyoglu

For more than 15 years, this tavern has been watching Taksim silently. From here, you can see the fascinating Istanbul. This best restaurant Istanbul with view consists of threee floors. On the top, there is a terrace. They call it the “Captain’s Lodge” and define it as “refined, small but very personal”. One floor down is the main hall. The view of Istanbul from here gives you the feeling of limitlessness and eternity. There is a tavern downstairs. A nostalgic and friendly place and one of the best restaurants inIstanbul with sea view.

Getting there

If the weather is nice, you can get here from Taksim Square by walking on Istiklal Street. If you feel tired or don’t want to walk, take the M2 subway from Taksim, get off at Sishane and walk down Istiklal Avenue and the Kumbaracı Slope. You can reach Kumbaracı Slope by taking the nostalgic tram from Taksim to Tunnel. From Taksim Square, you will reach Leb-i Derya in a total of 6 minutes and four stops.

What to eat?

Leb-i Derya has a culinary culture that is fond of gastronomy. Each three-floor welcomes a different world cuisine, but they have one thing in common; delicious food. As an appetizer, you should try goat cheese fried in puff pastry with pomegranate syrup. Tarama, spicy mackerel, shrimp with aubergine puree, ribs, tandoori, and topik (a dish made of chickpeas, onions, currants, cumin, and tahini) are specialties of Leb-i Derya. Order steak as the main course. You will not regret it.

How much does it cost?

It is wise to contact the venue for current prices. An average of 70 € is paid for two. Prices are slightly above average.

Additional information

Kumbaracı slope is a harsh street to walk on under rainy and snowy weather. When you come to the door of the apartment, you go to the top floor with an elevator. Click for detailed information.

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Last updated on June 5th, 2023

I decided to feature another road trip along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and this time it covers the distance from Fethiye to Pamukkale. Since I had several requests from readers regarding this route, I thought it was the right time to write a separate post about it.

In fact, if you are preparing to visit the Turkish Riviera (mainly that part between Mugla and Antalya) together with Pamukkale, I have a series of posts about various road trips in this region.

Along with this article, I have also written posts about Antalya to Fethiye road trip and Antalya to Pamukkale drive. With them, you can plan your own mega road trip from Antalya to Pamukkale and then to Fethiye or in opposite direction, and see one of the most beautiful regions of Turkey.  

So without too much intro, let me briefly talk about my favorite stops on the route between Pamukkale and Fethiye.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

How to Travel From Fethiye to Pamukkale

This is an itinerary for a road trip on the stretch of the road between Fethiye and Pamukkale. So obviously, the best way to travel between these two destinations is by car.

The best company where to rent a car particularly in Fethiye is DiscoverCars.

In Turkey, we usually hire cars either through LocalRent or DiscoverCars. But in Fethiye LocalRent’s deals are usually more expensive. If you are looking to save, book through DiscoverCars then. Although you may want to compare both of these companies and see what’s on offer at the time of your holiday.

And if you plan to drive around Turkey, don’t miss my tips for car hire and driving around Turkey. 

Those who don’t want to rent a car can cover part of this route by bus. There is a bus between Fethiye and Mugla that makes stops in some places along the coast that I mention on my list. And there is a bus connecting Mugla and Denizli (Pamukkale area), so using public transport is also possible.

Those who wish to visit Pamukkale from Fethiye on a day trip should look into organized tours. However, day trips are pretty exhausting, to be honest. It’d much better to go for at least two days and spend a night in Pamukkale.

Fethiye to Pamukkale Distance

As always, I also want to mention quickly a few words about the distance between these two destinations and the best way to travel between them.

The shortest route from Fethiye to Pamukkale goes through Serinhisar, Akalan, and Cameli towns and the entire distance is around 200 km (125 miles). However, that’s not the road I advise you to take because there is simply not much on it for a traveler.

Instead, I recommend you choose a bit longer road and drive through Tavas, Koprubasi, Cicekli, and Akyaka (the map is included below). In this case, the distance is going to be around 300 km (186 miles) but the road is very scenic with many interesting sights to see.

On this road trip, as with others, you can also drive slowly and split a trip into 2 or even 3 days, pausing for a night in small towns on the coast before you reach Pamukkale. However, it is very doable to cover the distance in one day and see everything if you hit the road early.

12 Incredible Stops to Make on Fethiye to Pamukkale Road Trip

1. Göcek Town by the Sea

Göcek is one of the cutest small towns on the Turquoise coast of Turkey in Mugla province in the Fethiye district which is considered ‘Turkish Paris’. It is famous for its beautiful marinas, crystal clear sea, and quiet enjoyable life. Gocek is developing quickly, attracts many local tourists and in summer it is a very busy place.

People mainly come here to distract from all the stresses of today’s life, go on a cruise around the bay or to nearby islands, spend time by the marina, swim on local beaches or to numerous coves, and eat quality and satisfying meals. Thanks to the green pine forests that surround the whole Göcek, it is also a nice alternative to Fethiye where to stay overnight since many accommodation options here meet all holiday needs and are located in a perfect natural setting.

When you make a stop here on the way to Pamukkale, you may even want to change a plan and stay in this town longer. Go for a walk to D-Marina (the only marina in town, so finding it easy even without a map), visit Gocek Market, go by boat to Cleopatra Bath Cove or Shipyard Island, walk around Gocek town center to check their fantastic restaurants, souvenir shops, and small businesses hidden in green gardens and surrounded by colorful flowers.

You will find the atmosphere of Göcek dazzling with the aromas of flowers in the air and high oxygen levels.

If you are hungry, in the center you’ll find many good restaurants for a local or international breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2. Dalyan 

Dalyan is another stop on Fethiye to Pamukkale drive that is worth a separate trip to be honest. It is also a quiet, peaceful holiday resort that has the most beautiful green and blue of the Mediterranean sea and offers great opportunities for walking, boat tours, healing waters, and mud baths after lunch or dinner. 

There are actually so many places to visit and see in Dalyan that you can fit them all in 3 days (and more). But if you are stopping by just for a few hours then you may need to plan ahead of time where to go and what to skip. 

The first thing you need to do as soon as you arrive is to go see Tombs of the Kings. This is a unique ancient site that was carved into the mountain in the 4th century BC. The best way to see it is on a walk along the road, while sitting by the river, or on a boat. If you want to go to the rock tombs, I recommend you do it from the side of the ancient theater, because the other side is a steep cliff.

As for other must-do things in Dalyan, don’t miss Iztuzu Beach, a unique narrow but long beach between the sea and river which is also a home for Caretta turtles. 

If you have time, go on a river cruise along the Dalyan River. Boat tour companies are located in the center and it’s easy to purchase a ticket. Here are the coordinates of one of the companies.

But for the most complete experience, better go through my guide to Dalyan and its delta to know how to plan your trip, be it for one day or for a few!

3. Yuvarlakcay Defne Restaurant

After Dalyan, once you get back on the main road D400, I suggest you take a detour, turn towards Beyobasi and drive on the country road. It makes a loop through a few villages and connects with D400 again near Zeytinalani. But it is a pretty drive and the road passes near a number of restaurants by the river with incredible scenery and great food. 

After spending some time in Dalyan, you will be hungry. But instead of eating in Dalyan, you can dine along this road in one of the restaurants. Our favorite one is Defne restaurant located here because tables stand right on the river and there is a swing where visitors can ride over the water and take photos.

It’s a beautiful place with nice amenities, delish food, and affordable prices. If it’s full, there are other restaurants nearby that also have beautiful settings by the river.

4. Köyceğiz Town on the Lake

Köyceğiz is a charming town on the lake with the same name on the opposite side of Dalyan located at a point where Mediterranean and Aegean regions meet. There is no direct access to the sea here but natural beauty is abundant and air is saturated with history.

You can make a quick stop to walk on the Koycegiz waterfront (where this restaurant is located) with many venues, hotels, and small shops and see a different side of the region. If you wish to swim, then drive to a small Ekincik village surrounded by olive and pine trees. It has its own gorgeous bay with a bit sandy and a bit stony beach.

This is a nice place where to make a stop on the way from Fethiye to Pamukkale or back from Pamukkale to Fethiye for people who are looking for a very quiet and peaceful environment. With a nice atmosphere, different accommodation options, and close proximity to Dalyan it is also a popular place where to stay overnight and have a break.

5. Sultaniye Mud Baths

Sultaniye Hot Springs is actually located in Dalyan but to visit it everyone needs to drive through Köyceğiz. So it is very easy to reach this place if you have a car and desire to improve your health a bit in one of the most popular hot springs destinations in Turkey.

In fact, Dalyan is famous for springs and mud baths and they are one of the most well-known activities and the reason why tourists from Europe come here.

Especially to Sultaniye Hot Springs which is among the oldest mud baths. Its history dates back to the 100s BC and it is good for rheumatism, sciatica, and some skin diseases. These hot springs were used by many civilizations over all these centuries and have survived to the present day.

Today it is a clean, affordable place operated by Dalman municipality which is great to stop at to find peace and relaxation.

If you prefer you can visit it from the center of Dalman by a special bus. However, if having a car, it is much more convenient to drive from Köyceğiz town along the pretty road. It is also possible to reach Sultaniye from Dalyan by boat. 

6. Toparlar Waterfall 

The next location where it is easy to stop by on the way from Fethiye to Pamukkale is Toparlar Waterfall. It is very close to the main road and within short walking distance. On hot summer days Toparlar is a nice place where to cool off, go for a swim, and have a quick but enjoyable time among beautiful nature, particularly pine trees.

Toparlar waterfall consists of multiple falls of various sizes and while they are rather small, the scenery is spectacular. Near one of them, there is a rope tied to the tree branch which is used by many people for swaying and jumping into the water. The first waterfall and pool you reach by walking is the biggest one. 

In April, May and June, the flow rate of the waterfall is the highest and the depth of the pool reaches 5 meters. Rocks are a bit sharp and unstable due to their structure, so do not enter with bare feet and be careful. 

When you will be driving from Köyceğiz, Toparlar falls will be on the right after the Toplarlar settlement ends. There will be a sign pointing out the direction of the falls. You need to pull off the main road and drive on the off road for about 500 meters following the sign. You’ll see an area where to park your vehicle and from there walk further around 1 km to the waterfall.

The exact location of the falls is not on the map, so I am dropping coordinates here.

7. Akyaka Town 

Akyaka is not directly on the route to Pamukkale, but it is a short detour and a must-visit town on the Turkish Riviera if you are in the area. Not many people know about this gem and rarely add it to their itineraries, but it’s such a cool holiday destination! 

Akyaka is another charming town in Turkey that has a calm, creative environment, and huge coworking space ideal for those who work online. 

Turks know it as a kitesurf spot with its naturalness, greenery, and plenty of wind. It is a completely different place with its historical buildings, sea and sun, nature and unique scenery, fish restaurants, and friendly people.

There are many activities you can do in Akyaka – from water sports and swimming in cold waters to canoeing, boat tours, camping, and fishing. For me personally, Akyaka is special because of the Azmagi river which is a gift from nature that allows getting rid of the heat of Muğla province.

The river with a water temperature of 8-10 degrees is stretching for 2 km and is perfect for swimming on a hot summer day or going on a boat tour any time from spring to fall.

If you don’t have much time or don’t want to break this trip into several days and stop overnight on Pamukkale to Fethiye trip, visit Akyaka quickly to hop on a boat to cruise the surrounding area. Some tours go to nearby bays and coves while others, shorter ones have transparent bottoms and allow to see fish and a beautiful underwater world of clean waters of the Azmagi River. These shorter tours are quite popular here.

Our favorite activity is to rent a canoe and go down the river on our own, listening to the sound of nature in the place known as the TurkishAmazon. While you row in the canoe, a boat from the rental shop moves along with you. If you get tired, they tie the canoe to the boat and pull you back to the shore.

8. Sakar Gateway Panoramic Point

Just after you leave Akyaka and drive for a bit, make another stop by the road to get a pretty view of Akyaka bay and Aegean Sea. The viewpoint is here. You’ll see there is also a big observation deck where to stop and enjoy the view, but people walk around to take photos from different spots.

The only disadvantage of this place (as many other panoramic viewpoints in Turkey), there is some trash around.

Where to Eat on the Road Between Pamukkale to Fethiye

Besides those restaurants that I have already mentioned above, I’d also love to share a few places on the way from Akyaka to Pamukkale. That’s the longest stretch that doesn’t really offer anything major worth stopping for. But it is full of some excellent restaurants with very well prepared Turkish food:

Cinaraltina Restoran – they have very good menemen, gozleme, and drinks, and everything is served in a traditional local setting. It is a good place to stop for a quick break.

Yesil Vaadi Restaurant – a place to stop for pide and lahmachun that come straight from the oven. All other lunch and dinner items get the highest reviews as well.

Ortatepe Kir Kahvesi – a Turkish-style cafe where you can have a fulfilling traditional Turkish breakfast (all day long) or order popular meat dishes like kofte or different types of kebabs. It’s also a good place to stop for a tea or coffee break. 

Where to Stay on the Road Between Fethiye and Pamukkale

As with other drives in Turkey that I wrote about earlier, a road trip between Pamukkale and Fethiye may be extended over several days simply because there are lots of sights and activities. But of course, you can cover it within a day.

Those who wish to take it slower and stay overnight on the Turkish Riviera have many options. And I’d love to mention some of them that we’d choose for ourselves. They are perfect for people who travel by car:

Casa Margot Hotelin Fethiye – if you still haven’t booked accommodation in Fethiye, let me share with you one of my favorite hotels there. This is a boutique hotel in the center of Fethiye, on the hill with incredible views, panoramic pool, and spacious clean rooms. It is perfect for honeymoons in Turkey, staycations, and couples getaways.

Kerem Apart Hotelin Gocek – a great budget option, yet beautiful, clean, and with perfect mountain views! It is hidden away 1 km from the Gocek marina, so every guest can enjoy complete calmness and tranquility. There is also a pool and restaurant on premises.

Alp Suites Mandalin in Akyaka – a boutique hotel option only 200 meters from the beach in the historic part of the town. While from the outside it looks just like an old traditional Turkish house, inside it’s all modern and new.

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