Köyceğiz is one of the 13 districts located on the borders of Muğla province. According to the 2016 census, nearly 35,000 people live in the district. In Köyceğiz, which is the place where the most rain falls after Rize in Turkey, it is seen that the rain lasts for two or three months in the winter season. The livelihood of the residents of the district consists of agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry and tourism activities. Thanks to the favorable opportunities offered by the climate and geographical structure, agriculture is highly developed and is the main source of livelihood.
The historical information about Köyceğiz is presented by the historian Herodotus, the geographer Strabo and the British archaeologist Hoskin. The history of the village dates back thousands of years. History dating back to 3400 BC has kept records of more than one civilization. The Carians were the first community to exist in the vicinity of Köyceğiz. Then, respectively; The Scythians, Assyrians, Ionians, Dorians, Achaeans, Persians, Hellenes, Seleykos, Romans, Seljuks, Menteşeoğulları and Ottomans also established living spaces in these lands. In the 2000s BC, the Greeks began to establish colonies in the region. On this occasion, connections were established between the Carians and the Greeks, and in the 1000s BC, movements and innovations emerged in the region. The city of Kaunos, where Köyceğiz Lake meets the Mediterranean, has become an important trade center of the Carians through the port.
During the Ottoman Empire, it became a part of the Kuvay-ı Milliye during the War of Independence and assumed a role in the defense of the homeland. According to a legend, the name of the village is; The city that was built on the plain is thought to have changed after flooding. People who saw a few houses left behind said: "The whole city has sunk, we only have a village on the coast." It is still thought that there is a sunken city under the lake.
Köyceğiz is a quiet and popular holiday resort with its natural beauty and cute architecture. It is also an ideal Turkish village for relaxing and sightseeing with its beaches, hot spring, plateau, bay and historical ruins.
Where is Köyceğiz?
Köyceğiz is located in the south of the Aegean Region of the Republic of Turkey, at the junction of the Aegean Region with the Mediterranean Sea, in the province of Muğla. It is located on the 60th kilometer of the Muğla-Fethiye highway.
How to get to Köyceğiz?
Muğla Dalaman Airport can be preferred to reach Köyceğiz by air. The airport is 27 km from Köyceğiz.
To reach by road, the journey from Muğla by car takes about 1 hour. The distance between Muğla and Köyceğiz is 55 kilometers. The distance between Istanbul and Köyceğiz is about 800 kilometers and the journey by car takes an average of 11 hours and 30 minutes. The journey from Ankara takes about 9 hours. From Izmir, it takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes and the road is 271 kilometers.
Places to See in Köyceğiz
Köyceğiz Lake is a lake spread over an area of 6,300 hectares, connected to the Mediterranean Sea by the Dalyan Strait. The lake is fed by waters descending from the mountains in three tributaries. And the excess incoming water is transferred to the Mediterranean Sea through a 10-kilometer-long channel. At the end of the Dalyan Strait, there is also a small lagoon lake consisting of fresh and salt water called Sülüngür. This lake is the spawning ground of mullets. On the seashore, there is a sandy beach with a length of 5.5 kilometers and a width ranging from 50 to 200 meters. In addition to the possibility of water sports such as surfing, sailing and rowing, the eye-catching scenery offered by the lake is a mine for photographers. Boat tours on the lake are also available. In addition, walking around the lake or by car is a very nice experience.
Sultaniye Hot Springs, which are good for skin diseases, have a peaceful atmosphere. Radon, calcium sulfate and chloride are present in the hot spring waters. Sultaniye Hot Springs are ideal for healing and relaxing.
The ancient city of Kaunos, which has a value in terms of natural beauty and historical importance, can be reached by boat from Dalyan and Köyceğiz. Kaunos, a commercially important port city, is one of the most visited points in the region. Over time, the sea was filled with alluvium, which disabled the port of the ancient city. In the ancient city, you can take a short journey through history by visiting the ruins of theaters, churches, baths and temples.
Ekincik Bay is a popular destination for yachtsmen. Its clean water and unique natural scenery have made it a lot of regulars.
