Köyceğiz is one of the 13 districts located within the borders of Muğla province. According to the 2016 census, nearly 35,000 people live in the district. Köyceğiz, which receives the most rain after Rize in Turkey, is seen to rain for two or three months in the winter. The livelihoods of the district's residents are agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry and tourism activities. Thanks to the favorable opportunities offered by the climate and geographical structure, agriculture is quite developed and is the main source of income.

Historian Herodotus, geographer Strabon and English archaeologist Hoskin provide historical information about Köyceğiz. The history of the village dates back thousands of years. The history, which dates back to 3400 BC, has kept records of more than one civilization. The Carians are the first community to have existed in the vicinity of Köyceğiz. Then, in order; The Scythians, Assyrians, Ionians, Dorians, Achaeans, Persians, Hellenes, Seljuks, Romans, Seljuks, Menteşeoğulları and Ottomans also established living spaces on these lands. In the 2000s BC, the Greeks began to establish colonies in the region. In this way, connections were established between the Carians and the Greeks, and in the 1000s BC, there was considerable movement and innovation in the region. The city of Kaunos, where Lake Köyceğiz meets the Mediterranean, became an important trade center for the Carians through its port.

During the Ottoman Empire, it became a part of the Kuvay-ı Milliye during the War of Independence and played a role in defending the homeland. According to a legend, the name of the village was changed after the city, which was located on the plain, was flooded. People who saw the few remaining houses said: “The whole city has sunk, only Köyceğiz is left on the shore.” It is still thought to be 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 springs, plateaus, bays and historical ruins.

Where is Köyceğiz?

Köyceğiz is located in the south of the Aegean Region of the Republic of Turkey, at the point where the Aegean Region meets the Mediterranean, in the province of Muğla. It is located on the 60th kilometer of the Muğla-Fethiye highway.

How to Get to Köyceğiz?

To reach Köyceğiz by air, Muğla Dalaman Airport can be preferred. The airport is 28 kilometers away from Köyceğiz.

To reach by road, the journey from Muğla by car takes approximately 1 hour. The distance between Muğla and Köyceğiz is 55 kilometers. The distance between Istanbul and Köyceğiz is approximately 800 kilometers and the journey by car takes an average of 11 hours and 30 minutes. The journey from Ankara takes approximately 9 hours. It takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes from Izmir 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 by the Dalyan Strait. The lake is fed by waters coming down from the mountains in three branches. And the excess water is transferred to the Mediterranean through a 10-kilometer-long canal. There is also a small lagoon lake called Sülüngür, consisting of fresh and salt water, at the end of the Dalyan Strait. This lake is the spawning ground of grey mullets. On the seashore, there is a beach that is 5.5 kilometers long and 50 to 200 meters wide. In addition to the opportunity to do water sports such as surfing, sailing and rowing, the eye-catching view offered by the lake is a mine for photographers. Boat tours are also organized on the lake. In addition, walking or driving around the lake is a very nice experience.

Sultaniye Thermal Springs, which are good for skin diseases, have a peaceful atmosphere. The thermal waters contain radon, calcium sulfate and chloride. Sultaniye Thermal Springs are ideal for healing and resting.

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 port city of commercial importance, is one of the most visited spots in the region. Over time, the sea was filled with alluvium, which disabled the ancient city's port. You can take a short journey through history by visiting the ruins of the theater, church, bath and temple in the ancient city.

Ekincik Bay is a favorite stopover for yachtsmen. Its crystal clear water and unique natural landscape have gained many regulars.