Dilek Peninsula. Photo by Fatma İrem TINAZLI. Wikimedia Commons
Top 10 Interesting Facts about Dilek Peninsula
Dilek peninsula is a national park in western Turkey which was established on 19th May 1966.The large delta of the Büyük Menderes River is also part of the park.
The park is located in the Kusadasi district of Aydın Province which is part of the Aegean Region in western Turkey.
Shuttle buses and ferries from the district’s center of Kuşadası, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the park, drop and pick people visiting the park at Güzelçamlı.
Güzelçamlı is a small coastal town located directly west of the Dilek Peninsula National Park.
The park is one of the most biologically diverse parks in the entire world.
Hundreds of species of birds, mammals, plants and aquatic life can be found living in the park.
The Peninsula is separated by the Mycale Strait; a very narrow strait from the Greek Island of Samos.
The top 10 interesting facts about Dilek Peninsula include the following.
1.Almost all Of Plant-life In Turkey Exist In The Park’s Ecosystem
Büyük Menderes Delta. Photo by Fatma İrem TINAZLI. Wikimedia Commons
People wishing to learn about plant-life should start with the park. A wide variety of forms of vegetation grow in the park and the Büyük Menderes Delta which is part of the peninsula.
The park has been found to contain over 804 species of plants out of which 18 species can only be found in Turkey and 6 cannot only be found in the park.
All natures’ beauty on offer in the magical country of Turkey is found in the park which has been described as nature-lover’s dream.
2. Dilek Peninsula Is Like An Open-air Zoo Where Animals Are Not Caged
The Mediterranean Monk Seal. Photo by G.dallorto. Wikimedia Commons
The Mediterranean monk seal which is one of the 10 rarest marine mammals in the world can be found living on the park’s shores.
Many other animals are found in this park such as the wild boar, caracal, lynx, the golden jackal, the striped hyena, wild cattle and horses among others.
In the Menderes Delta over 256 birds many of whom are also exceptionally rare live in the park. Some of the rarest and more spectacular birds that can be found in the park include pygmy cormorant, the Dalmatian pelican (of which there are only an estimated 3,000-5,000 breeding pairs left in the world), the little egret, the lesser kestrel, and the white-tailed eagle among many others.
The peninsula is truly a paradise of animal lovers as it holds 36 species of mammals, 42 species of reptiles, and 45 species of marine life, dolphins jump in the sea and sea turtles roam freely.
From the shoreline tourists can see a wide variety of marine life.
3. The Park Offers Visitors A wide Array Of Activities To Participate In
Visitors to the park have a wide variety of activities they can participate in and enjoy themselves year round.
Visitors can go paragliding, admiring the scenery, swimming, bird watching, wildlife walks, photography, fishing and cycling among others.
4. Attractions Are Also Available Within The Borders Of The Park
Within the borders of the park are various attractions that can intrigue visitors.
These attractions include: an Ionian sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon Helikonios and the meeting place of the Ionian League called the Panionium. Other attractions are the Cave of Zeus, the old village of Doğanbey and Priene or Miletus remains which are ancient historical cities.
5. At The South Of Dilek Peninsula Lies Remains of The Ancient City Of Karina
Visitors to Dilek Peninsula are able to tour the remains of Karina; one of twelve Ionian cities in the ancient world which is located to the south of the park.
The buildings of the parliament dating to the 7th century AD as well as other remains are still standing and visitors can tour the site of the city and see these ancient remains.
6. Visitors To The Park Can Tour The Panionium
Panionium Theatre Ruins. Photo by Isabeau. Wikimedia Commons
The Panionium which was a sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon Helikonios can be visited by people who visit the Dilek peninsula. The Panionium was also the meeting place of the Ionian League.
Panionium which was also the site of Panionia, a religious festival and games and one of the most sacred spots of all ancient Greece formed part of the Ionian League’s twelve cities.
The ancient theatre and seating areas for the panionia as well as ruins of the rest of the city can be toured by visitors to the Dilek Peninsula.
7. Doganbey Village Can Be Toured In Dilek Peninsula
Doganbey Coastline. Photo by Mr. V. Yuksel. Wikimedia Commons
The Doganbey village which is like an open-air museum exhibiting unique examples of Greek and Turkish architecture is located on the southern tip of the Dilek peninsula.
The Doganbey village is the only settlement that is located on the borders of the National Park. Visitors are able to clearly appreciate what makes it a special place as they stroll through the narrow streets lined with colorful flowers, plants and lush trees.
8. The Crystal Clear Sea Can Be Viewed At The Dilek Peninsula
The peninsula boasts of four pristine small sheltered bays namely İçmeler, Aydınlık, Kavaklıburun and Karasu which are accessible to visitors.
However, İçmeler is probably the best for families to visit as its sand is the finest and it’s most well-known.
Wild boars can be seen at Aydınlık among other animals as most of them live around there. Regardless of the season the four coves have clear crystal waters which are usually very calm.
9. Visitors Can Visit The Olukludere Canyon
Olukludere Canyon is an important canyon which is 18 kilometers in the peninsula. The canyon has designated hiking paths which visitors can follow to bond with nature.
Hikers can take between 4 to 5 hours of comfortable hikes through the vegetation, waterfalls and wonderful landscape within the canyon in the peninsula
10. Visitors Can View Amazing Sunsets At The Peninsula
Dilek Peninsula located at the westernmost tip of Turkey has amazing natural beauty and hosts many animals and birds.
The sunsets at the peninsula have been described as simply amazing due to the natural beauty of the landscape. Many have called them as sunsets to die for.
The mountainous terrain of the peninsula and its numerous caverns, canyons and valleys make the area of high interest to both tourists and researchers and it also gives some of the most memorable sunsets in the world.
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