Sarigerme Holidays

Just 10 kilometres from the lively Turkish town of Dalaman, the modern resort of Sarigeme offers a wealth of interesting things to do, from relaxing on the gorgeous sandy beaches to taking part in the wide array water sports (kite-surfing is one of the most popular activities here). Sarigeme is a quiet and tranquil town, but it has a good choice of restaurants and taverns, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe. You can make boat trips and excursions to see the nesting sites at nearby Turtle Beach, or wallow in the rejuvenating Dalyan mud baths. You could also head to the hills for some superb hiking and biking, or visit the spectacular ancient ruins of Kaunos, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The public beach in Sarigeme is immaculately kept and offers fine sand, crystal clear waters, good facilities (including sunbeds and parasols for rent) and a handy little beach café. Note that the beach is part of a nature reserve, and there is a small entrance charge which does towards the upkeep of the coast. There are also a couple of private beaches nearby, attached to local hotels. Boat trips depart from Sarigeme marina to the spectacular Iztuzu Beach, which is a long swathe of sand backed by wooded hills: set in a nature reserve, it is breathtakingly unspoilt, but you should bring your own shade and picnic. It is also known as Turtle Beach, and you might be able to see the turtle nesting sites and perhaps watch the hatchlings scurry for the shore.

Turkey is famous for its delicious cuisine, and Sarigerme has a sprinkling of restaurants serving great traditional dishes. Whether you are craving a taste of baklava (delicious pastries filled with chopped nuts, honey and spices), or you’d like to sample an authentic doner; you’re in the right place. Other delicious local treats to try include the wonderfully fresh seafood, which you might have as part of a meze – a collection of small dishes served as an appetizer. Dolmas (stuffed vegetables), grilled squid, fried mussels and an assortment of tasty dips are all commonly served. Other local favourites that are worth a try are taze fasulye, green beans tossed with tomato and onion, manti (fresh dumplings with lamb or beef), and lahmacun (flatbread topped with lightly spiced meat and vegetables).

Sarigerme is a sleepy little town, and nightlife here consists of relaxed dinners, followed by a drink or two in a local bar. In summer, one or two of the pubs might host live music, or traditional dancing, or perhaps a karaoke night, but there’s nothing in the way of big bars or clubs. The resort is particularly appealing for families and couples, who like the quiet, laid-back atmosphere. If you are looking for some serious nightlife action, local tour operators offer trips to some of the bigger nearby resorts such as Dalaman, Gocek and Marmaris. These all have lively bars and clubs where you can dance until dawn.

There are some great family-friendly Sarigerme attractions for those holidaying with little ones. If you fancy a break from the beach, take a sailing trip along the gorgeous coast, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and discovering hidden sandy coves. If you’re feeling brave, there are some great opportunities for snorkelling when the boat drops anchor – allowing yourself and the kids to take a refreshing dip or take a closer look at the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. For older children, there are a number of diving schools in the area, where anyone from beginner to advanced levels can sign up for lessons, or even take a guided underwater tour. Kids might also enjoy a visit to Turtle Beach, where the endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest; local operators offer regular boat tours, which are often combined with a visit to the mud baths at Dalyan. And what kid doesn’t like getting covered in mud?!

Sarigerme is small and sleepy, blessed with gorgeous beaches and surrounded by a wealth of fantastic activities, from turtle nesting sites to ancient ruins. So, if you’re looking for an idyllic little spot by the sea to kick back and relax with your partner, then it ticks all the boxes. You could laze by the sea and enjoy a long lunch by the sea front, or, if you’re feeling more active book a fantastic diving excursion or try kite-surfing. You could take a dip in the famous Dalyan mud baths, enjoy a romantic sunset trip in a charming traditional sailing boat, or take one of the excursions to a nearby party town such as Marmaris to enjoy the fantastic nightlife.

While it remains a laid-back resort, there are still many things to do in Sarigerme for anyone seeking adventure. Unsurprisingly, activities are mainly focused on the beach, with a variety of water sports on offer for keen adrenaline junkies. Due to the area’s reliable breeze, Sarigerme is a prime spot for kite-surfing, with a kite centre on the beach offering lessons for beginners. Pay a visit to the bustling beachfront and you’ll find a great selection of water sports, including parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing and sailing boats for hire. The snorkelling and scuba diving are particularly good along this stunning stretch of coast, and you’ll find plenty of local suppliers that rent out equipment and run excursions to the best diving sites.

Sarigerme is a modern resort, but it grew up on the site of the ancient ruins of Pisilis. Almost nothing survives of this former Carian settlement, but you can see the remnants of some sturdy walls that would once have ringed the village. The most spectacular cultural sight in the area is Kaunos, once a thriving sea port, although now it is located several kilometres inland. The stunning ruins of this powerful city of the ancient world have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and you will find the ruins of a splendid temples, an amphitheatre, intricately carved rock tombs and panoramic views from the top of the steep terraces.