Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey

No one can say that Iztuzu Beach, 13 km from Dalyan on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast, is undiscovered.

After all, loggerhead turtles (carretta carretta) discovered it eons ago.

But it's so big and so distant from big cities that it never seems crowded. (More photos)

If you want to get away from the madding crowds on the beach, just walk a few minutes farther west to your own little section of sand.

Minibuses and excursion boats run daily from Dalyan to the beach. I prefer the excursion boats (naturally).

I consider Iztuzu to be one of Turkey's best beaches.

Iztuzu: a bit of paradise, and not just for turtles.

Shady Copse on Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Mediterranean Turkey