Caunos, Turkey

Caunus is an ancient city of Caria, Anatolia, a few kilometres west of the modern town of Dalyan, Muğla Province, Turkey. Amongst its various archaeological remains is the Carian city wall , the Lycian and Carian tombs, the medieval walls on the acropolis, a Roman fountain dedicated to Vespasianus, a theater from the 2nd century BC, remains of 4 temples, massive Roman baths and a Byzantine basilica of 5th/8th centuries. One of the most beautiful features of the site are the rock tombs sculpted in the form of the porticoes of small Ionic temples.

The border between the sea and the internal marsh is a long narrow beach called "Turtleís Beach." This beach is one of the few remaining locations in the Mediterranean sea that has the right conditions for the Giant Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) to reproduce. The beach is open during the day but swimmers are advised to swim with caution.

Dividing the Dalyan delta is the Iztuzu sandbar stretching for 5 km east from the south of the channel. Iztuzu beach boasts fine crystal sand and shallow turquoise water making it the ideal seaside spot. It can be reached by regular dolmus or boat service from Dalyan.

Things to See & Do

* Ancient ruins
* Rock tombs
* Turtle Beach
* Iztuzu sandbar

General Information

Cruise Season – Feb to Dec
Currency - New Turkish Lira (YTL)
Language – Turkish
Population – 4000 approx (Dalyan)
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC + two hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 90

Port Location – The port is located in Dalyan.

Travel Links - The closest airport is at Dalaman (1 hr.) The easiest way to visit Kaunos is by boat from the resort town of Dalyan. A short boat trip will take you to one of the best sites in this part of Turkey.