MARMARIS GUIDE
Köyceğiz Day Trip from Marmaris by Car: the Lake, Toparlar Waterfall, Yuvarlakçay, Sultaniye and Ekincik
Last updated: 7 November 2026
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Köyceğiz is a quiet town on the north shore of the lake of the same name, about 62 km and 55–60 minutes by car from Marmaris. Around it you will find a waterfall, the ice-cold stream of Yuvarlakçay, the Sultaniye hot springs across the lake and Ekincik Bay on the open sea; they lie far apart, so a car is the easiest way to see them. This guide gives the distance we measured from Marmaris to each stop, road notes and four ready day routes.
At a glance: Marmaris to Köyceğiz
- Distance
- About 62 km from Marmaris, 55–60 minutes
- Road
- From the Gökova junction east on the D400 towards Fethiye; no tolls
- Main stops
- The lakeside, Toparlar Waterfall, Yuvarlakçay, Sultaniye hot springs, Ekincik Bay
- Furthest stop
- Ekincik, 83–84 km from Marmaris; back the same way
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day
- Car delivery
- Marmaris centre, hotels and İçmeler are free delivery points
Short Answer: What to See in Köyceğiz and How Long It Takes from Marmaris
The sights of Köyceğiz are spread all around the town. We measured the distances and times from Marmaris centre with two separate routing services.
| Place | From Marmaris | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Köyceğiz town and lakeside | 62 km, 55–60 min | Promenade walk, lake views, boat trip |
| Toparlar Waterfall | 58 km, 50–55 min | Short walk, cool off in the natural pool |
| Yuvarlakçay | 74–75 km, 1 h 05–1 h 10 min | Cold water, plane-tree shade, trout |
| Sultaniye hot springs | About 76 km, 1 h 30–1 h 40 min | Hot pool, mud |
| Ekincik Bay | 83–84 km, 1 h 40–1 h 50 min | Sea, beach, boats to Dalyan |
Pick up your car for Köyceğiz in Marmaris
Marmaris centre, hotels and İçmeler are free delivery points. Choose your dates and see the price straight away.
How to Get from Marmaris to Köyceğiz
From Marmaris head north to the Gökova junction and turn east onto the D400 Muğla–Fethiye road towards Fethiye. Köyceğiz lies beside this road; a short turn-off takes you into the centre. The drive is about 62 km and 55–60 minutes, with no tolls on the way.
Toparlar Waterfall is on the same road, a little before Köyceğiz. Yuvarlakçay is east of Köyceğiz, towards Ortaca. Sultaniye and Ekincik are on the west and south shore of the lake; you reach them from Köyceğiz on a winding, slow road along the lake.
Open the Marmaris–Köyceğiz road on the mapKöyceğiz Town and Köyceğiz Lake
Köyceğiz Lake is fed by streams coming down from the mountains and by springs, and drains into the sea through the Dalyan Channel to the south. The town sits on the north shore; the promenade along the water, with its palm trees and lake views, is the nicest place for a walk.
The small island in the lake is known locally as Prison Island (Hapishane Adası) or Lovers' Island (Aşık Adası); the remains of an old castle can be seen on it. Boats leave from the shore for trips on the lake; ask at the jetty for times and prices.
- The lake and its surroundings lie within the Köyceğiz–Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area, declared in 1988; leave no litter on the shore.
Toparlar Waterfall
Toparlar Waterfall is a small waterfall about 5–8 km before Köyceğiz on the Muğla side, reached on foot after turning off at the sign on the D400. According to the Köyceğiz District Governorship, the walk from the sign takes about 15 minutes; where the water falls it forms a natural pool you can swim in.
It is 58 km and 50–55 minutes from Marmaris; as it lies on the road to Köyceğiz, it makes an easy first stop.
- The rocks are wet and slippery; wear shoes with good grip.
- The pool can be deep; weak swimmers and children should stay at the edge.
- It gets busy in summer; come early in the morning.
- Bring water and take your rubbish back with you.
Yuvarlakçay: Ice-Cold Water and Plane-Tree Shade
Yuvarlakçay is a stream east of Köyceğiz, in Beyobası, that comes out of a canyon and flows into Köyceğiz Lake. Its water is very cold even in summer; along the stream, in the shade of plane trees, restaurants serve trout and breakfast at tables right beside the water.
It is 15 km and 15–20 minutes from Köyceğiz, or 74–75 km and 1 hour 5–10 minutes directly from Marmaris. On hot July and August afternoons it is a good place to cool off.
- The water is very cold; even dipping your feet is refreshing, but don't stay in long.
- It gets busy at weekends and on holidays; arrive before lunch.
- Ask for prices and the menu before you sit down at a restaurant.
Sultaniye Hot Springs
The Sultaniye hot springs lie on the south-west shore of Köyceğiz Lake, at the foot of Mount Ölemez. According to the Köyceğiz District Governorship, the springs were used by the people of Kaunos around 100 BC; buildings from the Byzantine period now lie under the lake. The water is about 39 °C; the site has a hot pool and a mud area and is run by Köyceğiz Municipality.
From Köyceğiz it is 27–30 km on the lakeside road, but as the road is winding and slow it takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour. From Marmaris it is about 76 km in total, 1 hour 30–40 minutes. Coming from Dalyan, a boat across the lake is quicker; details in our Dalyan guide.
Open Sultaniye hot springs on the mapEkincik Bay
Ekincik is a bay where Mount Ölemez meets the sea, a regular stop for yachts. On the shore there is a restaurant and beach run by Köyceğiz Municipality, plus a few hotels, guesthouses and restaurants; the surroundings have stayed largely natural.
It is 17 km and 30–45 minutes from Sultaniye, or 83–84 km and 1 hour 40–50 minutes in total from Marmaris. On this route, plan to come back the same way. In summer, boats from Ekincik go to the Dalyan Channel and Kaunos; ask locally about the boat schedule.
- The Sultaniye–Ekincik road is a winding mountain road, narrow in places; drive slowly and sound your horn on blind bends.
- Fill the tank in Marmaris or Köyceğiz before you set off.
- If you leave after sunset, expect to drive part of the road in the dark.
Day Routes from Marmaris to Köyceğiz
We measured the routes with two routing services; the times are driving time only, you add the stops. All of them stay under the 300 km daily limit.
Half day: Toparlar, Köyceğiz and Yuvarlakçay
Marmaris → Toparlar Waterfall → Köyceğiz promenade → Yuvarlakçay → Marmaris
- Distance
- 157–159 km
- Driving
- About 2.5 hours
- Trip length
- 1–1.5 hours per stop
Best for: Anyone looking for a cool day in the heat
Swim at the waterfall in the morning, stop for coffee on the promenade and have lunch at Yuvarlakçay in the shade of the plane trees. You are back in Marmaris for dinner.
Lake and sea: Sultaniye and Ekincik
Marmaris → Köyceğiz → Sultaniye hot springs → Ekincik → Marmaris
- Distance
- 190–194 km
- Driving
- 3 h 45 min – 4.5 hours
- Trip length
- Sultaniye 1.5–2 hours, Ekincik 2–3 hours
Best for: Hot springs and the sea in one day
The lakeside road is slow; leave before 9 in the morning. After the springs, swim at Ekincik and drive back over the mountain road before dark.
Full day: waterfall, stream and hot springs
Marmaris → Toparlar → Köyceğiz → Yuvarlakçay → Köyceğiz → Sultaniye → Marmaris
- Distance
- 200–205 km
- Driving
- 4–4.5 hours
- Trip length
- About 1 hour per stop
Best for: Those who want to see Köyceğiz in one day
It is a long day: leave early, have lunch at Yuvarlakçay and spend the afternoon at the hot springs.
Flight day: Dalaman Airport via Köyceğiz
Marmaris → Köyceğiz → Yuvarlakçay → Dalaman Airport
- Distance
- 108–110 km
- Driving
- 2 h – 2 h 15 min
- Trip length
- 2–3 hours in Köyceğiz and at Yuvarlakçay
Best for: Travellers flying home from Dalaman
You can drop the car off at Dalaman Airport; it is a paid delivery point and the fee is shown on the booking screen. Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Practical Tips for a Köyceğiz Trip
Distances and times are approximate and vary with traffic and season.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Köyceğiz from Marmaris?
About 62 km from Marmaris centre to Köyceğiz centre; the drive takes 55–60 minutes. The road goes from the Gökova junction east on the D400 towards Fethiye, with no toll booths.
What are the things to do in Köyceğiz?
The lakeside promenade, Toparlar Waterfall, Yuvarlakçay, the Sultaniye hot springs and Ekincik Bay are the main ones. Dalyan, 24 km from Köyceğiz, has Kaunos and İztuzu Beach.
Where is Toparlar Waterfall and how do you get there?
About 5–8 km before Köyceğiz on the Muğla side; turn off at the sign on the D400 and walk for about 15 minutes. It is 58 km and 50–55 minutes from Marmaris.
Can you swim at Toparlar Waterfall?
Yes, where the water falls there is a natural pool you can swim in. The pool can be deep and the rocks are slippery; weak swimmers should stay at the edge.
Where is Yuvarlakçay and how far is it from Marmaris?
East of Köyceğiz, in Beyobası; 15 km from Köyceğiz and 74–75 km, 1 hour 5–10 minutes from Marmaris.
Can you go into the water at Yuvarlakçay?
The water is very cold even in summer; most people dip their feet or go in briefly. At the restaurants along the stream you sit at tables beside the water.
How do you get to the Sultaniye hot springs?
From Köyceğiz, 27–30 km on the winding road along the west shore of the lake, between 40 minutes and 1 hour. From Marmaris it is about 76 km in total. You can also go by boat from Dalyan.
How hot is the water at Sultaniye?
About 39 °C according to the Köyceğiz District Governorship. People with heart conditions or high blood pressure and pregnant women should ask their doctor before going in.
Can you drive to Ekincik Bay?
Yes. It is reached from Sultaniye on a 17 km mountain road; from Marmaris it is 83–84 km in total, 1 hour 40–50 minutes. On this route, plan to come back the same way.
Can you see Köyceğiz in one day?
Yes. Toparlar, Köyceğiz and Yuvarlakçay fit into half a day (157–159 km); the waterfall, Yuvarlakçay and Sultaniye into a full day (200–205 km). All routes stay under the 300 km daily limit.
Can I collect or drop off the hire car in Köyceğiz?
We have no fixed delivery point in Köyceğiz; if you choose a custom address, the fee is agreed with the office. If you fly home from Dalaman, you can drop the car off at Dalaman Airport; the fee is shown on the booking screen.
