DATCA (KNIDOS)

Datca and Environs

The peninsula starts at Bencik, which may be seen as narrow isthmus on a map, and the deep inlet is a preferred anchoring spot for yachts. The 800 metres wide istmus separetes the Gokova and Hisaronu gulfs, and is the narrowest section of the peninsula. It is also knonw as Balıkaşıran, and is the only spot on the earth where you can walk from one sea to another. During the annual festivities, the water brought from one sea is poured into the other in order to wish lasting peace and friendship.

The narrow streets of Datca opening to the Port and its environs are the liveliest places where you can find high quality restaurants and bars. The Old Datca, in other words Resadiye Neighborhood, which is renowned for its old masonry houses, is about 3 kilometres from the centre. Hızırsah Village with its mosque from Seljuk Period, and Kızlan Village with its mosque from Seljuk Period, and Kızlan Village with its windsmills and pottery workshops, are places of interest. The Old Mansion of Resadiye has very attractive internal painted decorations and wooden ceiling decorations, although it is in private hands. The Gebekum Beach which attracts lovers of sun and sea is about 4 kilometres from Datca. The 7 kilometres long beach has dunes moving with the wind and is constantly changing and expanding.

 Boat Tours

Boats depart Datca Horbour every mornign for full day or half day tours to nearby coves and bays. The half a day tours generally go up the coves near Mesudiye Village, and return. The destination of full day tour is genarlly Knidos. On outbound and return legs of the voyage there are stopovers at suitable coves for swimming and meals. The important bays and coves are Kargı (Spear) Bay, Domuz (Swine) Cove, Hayıt Cove, Kızıl (Crimson) Cove and Palamut (Acorn) Cove. You may also reach Kargı Bay on buses departing from the district centre. The beach in Kargı Bay is ideal for swimming and there are various restaurants.

Datca Holidays, Alternative Tourism

As a Special Enviromental Protection Zone, the Datca peninsula has an unspoilt nature with its 235 kilometre long coast, 52 coves, and rich flora and fauna. So, it is one of the prime destinations, with excellent opportunities for eco-tourism, as well as a choice for yachting, gulet cruises, which is mainly concentrated between Bodrum and Fethiye. The sea around Datca is rich with fish, so it is a prime spot for rod fishing. Datca coves are ideal for the windsurfing enthusiast, and low humidity and plenty of oxygen enables you to enjoy a holiday free of sweat - a boon for health tourism.