Following the opening of new terminal buildings at the airport and recent plans to start development on a new marina this year, the resort of Dalaman is bound to become a must-visit destination for many European travellers.

Situated on Turkey's popular south-west coast Dalaman has, until recently, been just a transit point for holidaymakers heading out to other resorts nearby, but a recent focus on providing better facilities itself has meant more people remaining in the area for their holidays. The coast around Dalaman has some fantastic beaches, with the breathtaking Olu Deniz claiming to be the most photographed beach in Turkey. From the air the curving bay and headland, fringed by azure waters, make a spectacular site and certainly one that is helping put Dalaman on the map.For those who like to remain at the beach later in the day, the Buzz Beach Bar, with its rooftop terrace, has been selected as one of the sexiest beach bars in the world by a leading travel magazine.

Sarsala Cove is another popular beach area located just 8 miles from Dalaman. It's a favourite stopping point for many of the boats following the Blue Cruise up the coast and although the water's edge is largely taken up by pine trees, there is a good sized beach with a dedicated safe swimming area.

With further controlled deveopments like new golf courses already in place, Dalaman is taking every step it can to grow its attractiveness as a tourist destination while being careful not to spoil the natural beauty that brought visitors to the area in the first place.(Picture Dan Taylor )