Description of the attraction
On a narrow picturesque peninsula, which forms the natural border between the Mediterranean Sea (Hisaronu Bay in the south) and the Aegean Sea (Gokova Bay in the north), seventy-five kilometers southwest of Marmaris, is the quiet fishing village of Datca. It is surrounded on three sides by the sea. Mainly fishermen lived here, feeding their families with fish caught in the sea. A little-worn dead-end road to the ruins of the town of Knidos runs along the peninsula.
It is also worth noting that the air here is wonderful, and the humidity in this area is practically zero, so all doctors recommend this area for rest for people with respiratory and heart problems.
Beautiful nature, bays devoid of vegetation and crystal clear sea characterize Datca. Fifty-two beautiful bays are located around the peninsula. The Datca - Marmaris road is truly mesmerizing with its amazing beauty. Datca is known for its honey, almonds, organic vegetables and of course fish products. There is also a beautiful underwater world, which is very attractive for divers.
As the legend says, when smallpox was an incurable disease in the days of Ancient Rome, wealthy aristocrats who fell ill with this disease, having equipped a ship, set off on their last journey. Tired, they landed off the coast of the Datca Peninsula and decided to stay here forever. One can only guess how surprised other Roman travelers were when, after a few years, they found those doomed to apparent death alive and well. They were cured by the local climate.
The outstanding historian Strabo wrote in his works that if a person somehow gained the protection of the gods, as a reward he would be sent to this peninsula in order to live a long life there.
The banks of Datca are currently perhaps the most beautiful place to visit in seaside Turkey. It is not for nothing that this place was nicknamed the Turkish Riviera. Even in the number of yachts located here, Datca can compete with the French coast: they can be seen everywhere, from Marmaris to Bodrum. Also here is the largest number of yacht clubs in the country, which sets certain features and style of recreation, far from mass tourism. From here, for example, originate "Blue Cruises", so named because of the turquoise color of the local waters.
Everything looks pretty romantic: all week tourists take walks on local wooden sailing ships (gulets) along the coast, stopping only in the most famous historical places, where a large number of Roman, Greek, Lycian, Byzantine and other ruins are concentrated. One of these places is the ancient Greek Tekir - a place that exemplifies the features of the ancient Greek urban planning: the temple of Dionysus, the amphitheater and the market square, even in a state of ruins, will give you an idea of the power of bygone civilizations. Compact gulets enter amazingly beautiful and picturesque lagoons, where you can swim in complete privacy.
You can also enjoy life on the shore, the air here, thanks to the coniferous forests, takes the third place on the planet in terms of oxygen concentration in it, and the local fish restaurants are not inferior to the Italian ones at all. A great discovery awaits wine lovers here: you should definitely try Sarafin Fume Blanc, its taste will change your idea of Turkish winemakers.
Tourists who do not like the noisy bustle of resorts, as well as those people who love nature, almost untouched by human hands, will feel comfortable here. The sparkling bays here can be admired for hours. Especially beautiful at night in Datca. The starry night sky is so beautiful here that you can look at it all night long, forgetting about sleep.
Rest here has always been appreciated because of the very clean water. In Datca, you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday in unspoiled bays with golden sandy beaches. These beaches are well worth the swim. You should definitely visit Kargi Bay.
You can go to nearby villages, as well as go hiking. It is worth looking at the Resadie district, located 3 kilometers from central Datca. There you will see Turkish stone houses.
The boat trips that are advertised in the western harbor will really give you an enjoyable day out. Usually boats call at Palamut Bükü, Domuz ukuru, Mesudie Bükü, to the ancient city of Knidos and make three stops for swimming.
It is very pleasant to walk on the peninsula, enjoying the silence, mountains, sea coast, as well as the smell of fruits. The road runs at the top, so the neighboring Greek islands are very visible. The path is decorated with olive and tangerine gardens.
