You reach Villa Amber through the "Eski Köycegizköy" ("Old-Köycegiz") village over a short path along an idyllic stream. Old-Köycegiz with its ancient ruins is peacefully located between a large lake and mountains. It is a marvellous place to relax in the midst of pristine nature. In the village live about 50 families, who you can't see at first due to the shelter provided by large trees. You can buy milk, eggs, butter, seasonal vegetables, home-made bread and yoghurt from the villagers on request. Breakfast, lunch or dinner can be prepared with a day's advance notice. Your entire whole stay can also be on a half or full board basis as requested.

The town of Köycegiz with its wonderful bazaar is about 10kms away. You can fulfil all your shopping requirements in the bazaar on Mondays. To get to Köycegiz you can either rent a car or boat, or you can take the mini cooper that goes to Köycegiz every Monday morning (only on Mondays). If you are a hiker you can also walk three kilometres along the lake side to the main road and take a "dolmus" (hailed shared taxi) from there.

Köycegiz lies in an area steeped in ancient culture. The ancient village of Kaunos on the south side of the lake is mentioned in the texts of Homer. Excavations conducted by the English archaeologist Hoskyn have proved that the area was settled around 3,000 years ago. Today you can visit well-preserved temples, an acropolis and an amphitheatre. In the nearer surroundings of Köycegiz you will also find ancient thermal baths and natural sulphur springs. The Thermal Springs of Sultaniye are beneficial for various diseases and good for the health and beauty of the skin.
The lake area shelters many rare bird species, reeds and turtles. You can reach a 7 kilometre-long beach over a direct water connection to the Mediterranean Sea, which is surrounded by fresh water of the lake on one side and salt water of the sea on the other. With a little luck you may spot the rare giant turtle, Caretta Caretta. The nearest towns are Dalyan, Fethiye and Marmaris. They are somewhat "touristy", but not without their attractions. In Dalyan, for example, you can find huge rock graves and a wonderful ancient town. The Dalaman airport is about 25 kilometres from Villa Amber.




The town of Köycegiz and its environs are a wildlife protected area. Here can be found the famous frankincense tree (Liquid Amber) in the woodlands around Köycegiz . The local produce of honey, citrus fruits and thyme are famous throughout Turkey.

Caunos: A city steeped in the history of Rome and Greece and located at the south of the Lake.. Here can be found the ruins of a Roman Theatre, Roman Bath, greek and roman temples and other sites of archaeological interest.

Rock Tombs: Along the Dalyan River as it makes its way to the sea are 4th-century B.C. Lycian rock tombs carved into the hillside. More pictures of Rock Tombs

Sultaniye: Between Köycegiz Lake and the Mediterranean Sea is a very important Turkish Spa built by the Caunians.. Capable of serving 1,000 people per day, the water at 40°C contains chlorine, sodium, hydrogen-sulphur, fluorine and radioactive elements which according to experts can be good for metabolism, nerves and digestion.. The ruins of earlier baths can be seen nearby and the area is surrounded by pine trees. Pictures of Sultaniye Hot Springs Mud Bath: Next to the Spa are the

Mud Baths. Not only cleansing the skin, it is reputed to be good for rheumatism, dermatological diseases, and have anti-aging properties. Pictures of mud baths

Iztuzu Beach: At the Delta of the Dalyan channel where Lake Köycegiz meets the Mediterranean is a beautiful 8km long Sandy Beach. This area rich with wildlife is the home of the Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Turtle) and blue crabs. Pictures of Iztuzu Beach

Ekincik Bay: One of the major stops on the "Blue Voyage," Ekincik Bay is a natural harbour and home to 50 or 60 yachts. With a sandy beach, picnic area, cafes and restaurants and a forest, it is a place where the sun, nature and history meet to create a small corner of paradise.

Rafting on the Dalaman River: 30km south of Köycegiz along the Dalaman River, organised rafting tours have been giving visitors not only excitement but a unique view of the virtually unspoilt valley.

The Waterfall: Lying 1.5km north of Köycegiz, a path climbing up a hill leads to this waterfall with a natural pool that is suitable for swimming. Here the view is perfect and nature is relaxing.

Ornithology: Turkey, at the crossroads of three continents is on the migratory routes of many birds. Because of the varied ecosystems and National Parks around Köycegiz, many species can be seen in the area. A list of birds seen around Köycegiz on a visit 6-13 September 2002 is here.