Türkiye, the holiday paradise of the Mediterranean and home to pristine beaches with golden sands, turquoise waters, and bright sun, welcomes visitors from all over the world and the endangered Caretta carettas. Indeed, 99 per cent of Caretta caretta nesting grounds are in Türkiye and Cyprus, and more than 20 beaches in Türkiye are protected to prevent environmental factors from affecting Caretta carettas during their breeding season.

Every year between May and August, nature lovers can observe the fantastic journey of these incredible sea creatures on land in Türkiye, where wildlife observation is one of the sustainable tourism experiences, as they return to their birthplaces to lay their eggs on beaches. Beaches like Belek, Patara, Göksu, Köyceğiz-Dalyan, and Fethiye-Göcek are among those, that are under protection. İztuzu Beach in Dalyan is one of the beaches that Caretta carettas prefer the most.

İztuzu: Türkiye's Caretta caretta Friendly Beach

İztuzu is located in Köyceğiz, a Cittaslow (slow city) in Türkiye, between Marmaris and Fethiye. During sea turtles’ nesting seasons, İztuzu Beach, which offers a fantastic experience to witness sea turtle adventures, is closed between 20:00 and 08:00. 

The beach is left to the Caretta carettas when the visitors leave around 20:00. Meanwhile, hatchlings emerge from their shells after incubation, leave their nests, and wander to the sea. While visitors can use their umbrellas and relax on the sun loungers on the beach during the day, they are not permitted to do so in the 'nesting zone'.  A research, rescue and rehabilitation centre is also located on the beach, where ill and injured turtles are treated and released back into the sea.  The Caretta caretta population has increased significantly in recent years due to the protective work done on this beach, where entry and exit points are under control.

İztuzu Beach, one of the rare beaches between fresh water and seawater, offers guests a holiday experience that embraces nature with its sandy beach and stunning views that combine green and blue. Hiking, climbing, beach volleyball, and beach football can all be enjoyed on İztuzu beach, which is regarded as one of the best beaches in Europe. Kaunos Ancient City in Dalyan is one of the attractions for tourists who travel to İztuzu for a holiday and to observe Caretta carettas. With rock tombs dating back to the 4th century, Kaunos Ancient City is one of the most impressive cities of Carian civilisation.

Historical Ruins and Caretta carettas: Patara Beach

Patara Beach, one of Türkiye's longest (18 km) beaches, is also an essential habitat for Caretta carettas. On the beach, there are directions to Caretta caretta nesting locations. And observing the various stages of the breeding process and the turtles here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After enjoying the Mediterranean sun, breeze, and deep blue waters on Patara's vast beach and observing the Caretta carettas, you can embark on a fantastic time travel with Patara's ancient city. Patara, the historical capital of the Lycian League, remained influential throughout the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The ancient city, which stands out with its monumental structures such as the Parliament Building and the Theatre, has been an essential centre for Christians throughout history. Saint Nicholas, also known as "Santa Claus," was born in Patara.