Datca Turkey: 21 Must See Things On The Peninsula
Crystal clear turquoise waters, pristine wild beaches and fragrant pine forests punctuated by the odd charming whitewashed village. Sounds too good to be true right? Well it’s not.
Because due to its remoteness, Datca Turkey remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.
In contrast to the nearby tourism hotspots of Bodrum and Marmaris, instead of resort hotels and colourful waterparks, here you’ll find olive groves and almond farms.
Feeling much more akin to island life, as soon as you step foot on the Datca Peninsula you’ll notice a change of pace. A much slower, quieter one, in tune with the secluded natural scenery of this special place.
Datca Turkey
In this blog post you’ll find information on how to get there and get around. A detailed guide of the main town (Datca) including where to stay and where to eat.
Plus all the very best things to do and must see hidden gems on the peninsula of Datca, Turkey.
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Where Is Datca Peninsula?
The long, narrow headland of the Datca Peninsula stretches out right inbetween the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
It’s in the Mugla Province, which is one of the most visited areas of Turkey. And also really close to the popular Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes.
But despite that, the raw beauty of this thin sparsely populated stretch of land jutting out from the Southwest coast of Turkey, has managed to remain off most tourists' radars.
Datca History
Like many areas around this part of Turkey, Datca’s history is infused with stories of the Greek gods. In fact legend has it that this particular place was indeed created by Zeus himself.
The purpose being that owing to the sheer pleasantness of the place, people and animals sent here would live longer.
During the Persian invasions in 540 BC, the Knidians who lived here thought about digging a canal at the isthmus, which is a thin strip of land forming a link between the Datca Peninsula and the mainland.
And while the defensive plan to try and turn their territory into an island never materialised, the land is currently only a few hundred metres wide at its narrowest point.
In Turkish it is called Balıkaşıran, which literally means, ‘the place where fish may leap across’.
Datca Landscape
Owing to the outline of the Datca Peninsula being awash with an abundance of natural bays and coves, it has long since been popular with mariners. But they haven't always been friendly.
In an effort to protect themselves from pirates, you won’t find many of the historical villages on the immediate coastline. They tend to be set back, so as not to be visible from the sea.
There are nine in total scattered along the Datca Peninsula. There’s Emecik, Hızırşah, Karaköy, and Kızlan in the middle, then relatively close together in the west there is Cumalı, Mesudiye, Sındı, Yakaköy, Yazıköy. The east of the land is extremely mountainous and mostly uninhibited.
But over recent years, the accessible mountains have in fact become an increasingly popular aspect of the Datca Peninsula landscape. With word getting around the rock climbing community, that this place is a winner when it comes to winter climbing locations.
However, you certainly don’t have to own a yacht or be packing ropes and carabiners to fall in love with this place. If you like beaches, history, and wine, Datca Turkey will hit the spot.
How To Get To Datça Turkey
By Plane: The closest airports to Datca Turkey are Bodrum and or Dalaman.
Both have several domestic flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus. Destinations include Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Bodrum, Adana, Trabzon, Gaziantep, Erzurum and Nevsehir. Plus lots of international flights to and from the UK and Europe.
From Dalaman or Bodrum you will then either need to take a bus, ferry or hire a car. See below.
By Bus: From Istanbul there is a direct long distance bus that takes between 12-14 hours and usually costs under €50. Similarly from Canakkale also. You can also jump on a bus in Izmir which takes around 5 hours and costs under €25.
You can check out times, availability and prices here.
To get into downtown Datca you’ll then need to jump on a local Muğla minibus network. Or Dolmus as they are also known. The 9-11 route runs from the main bus station (Datça Otogarı) to the main square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı).
For more local connections from within the Muğla Province there are literally hundreds of MUTTAŞ routes connecting almost every part of the area. Including Bodrum, Marmaris and Dalaman.
You can find all the different routes on their website here. Or there is also app, download here for Google and here for Apple. It is in Turkish though so it might take you a minute to work it out.
And you can either pick up a Muğla Kent Kart (Muğla City Card) at the local kiosks where you can also recharge them. Or you can just pay contactless by card or phone.
By Ferry: From Bodrum you can also take a ferry across the Gulf of Gökova to get to Datca. During Spring, Summer and Autumn the Bodrum Feribot operates multiple sailings every day. Then over winter there is just one sailing every other day.
The journey over the Aegean sea takes around 2 hours and you can find the timetable and prices here. You can book tickets online, however that part of the website is only in Turkish.
The departure port of ferries from Bodrum to Datça is Bodrum Kale Port (Datça Feribot İskelesi) and the departure port of ferries from Datça to Bodrum is Kairos Marina.
The local dolmus bus that runs between Kairos Marina and Datça town centre is the No.9-8.
By Car: The D400 is the only main road on the Datca Peninsula. It runs along the middle about two thirds of the way into Datca town. Travel to the coastal areas and the rest of the area is via smaller roads, some of which are single track.
But we’ve travelled all around here in our 7m campervan without issue, even the smaller roads are in good condition.
Having your own or hiring a vehicle obviously gives you complete flexibility over your Datca Turkey travel itinerary. If you are looking to hire a car, we recommend Auto Europe.
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How To Get Around Datca Peninsula
Once you are on the Datca Peninsula, if you don’t have your own transport, the best way of getting around is using the ‘Dolmus’ transportation (MUTTAŞ).
You can find all the Muğla minibus routes for the Datca Peninsula here. But the most useful ones are as follows:
- No. 9-11: Main bus station (Datça Otogarı) - Datça main square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı)
- No. 9-8: Datça - Kairos Marina (Bodrum Feribot)
- No. 9-1: Datça - Hastane Beach - Eski Datça (Datça old town)
- No. 9-2: Datça main Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı) - Kargi (Kargi Cove)
- No. 9-4: Datça - Perili Köşk Beach - Karaincir Beach - Kurubük Beach
- No. 9-3: Datça - Ovabükü beach
- No. 9-5: Datça - Palamutbükü Beach - Yazıköy (nearest point to Knidos Ruins)
- No. 48-16: Datça - Marmaris
If you put the bus route numbers into the MUTTAŞ app, it will show the exact route on a map so you’ll know exactly where to get on and off. Again download here for Google and here for Apple.
You can either pay by Muğla Kent Kart (Muğla City Card) which you top up at the local kiosks or you can just pay contactless by card or phone.
Datca Town
The main town, Datca, is tucked around a coastal enclave in the middle of the island, making it the perfect base to explore the surrounding peninsula and coastline.
It has a bustling harbour, a large weekly market and is where you’ll find the biggest concentration of hotels and restaurants. But it also retains a chilled and easy going vibe.
Here’s what’s not to miss in Datca Town.
Kumluk Yolu
Roughly translated as Sand Way, this is a promenade (or Kordon) that runs around the harbour and main beaches in Datca Turkey. Walk all of it, or part of it, but it’s really lovely.
Datca Harbour
Whilst there are a few privately owned yachts dotted around, this area is much more of a traditional affair. There’s fishermen selling catch of the day and classic coffee shops.
Ilıca Gölü
Ilıca lake is fed by hot springs, however it’s very temperate and even has ducks and fish swimming in it. But you can swim in it too as an alternative to the sea it tumbles into.
Eski Datça
The area of old Datça was originally the main town, but it was abandoned in the 1980’s for many years. But the historic stone houses have since been restored and these days it’s full of cute cafes and bars with live music. It’s just over an hour walk from town or you can take a bus.
Datça Beaches
There are three beaches in Datca town. There’s Kumluk Plajı with all the main restaurants. It's sandy and great for swimming. Then just past Ilıca Lake, there’s Taşlık Plajı which is a bit more pebbly but has gorgeous clear water. And then there’s also Hastane Altı Plajı to the north.
Tekin Usta Ice Cream
If you are here over warmer months you have to try this unusual treat. Made from 100% goat's milk it won’t be like any other ice cream that you’ve had before, but trust us, it’s delicious.
Datca Municipal Market
Just on the edge of town, you’ll find this vibrant Saturday market where you can find anything from fresh fruit and spices to gorgeous throws and handmade wares. It’s busy and busting and colourful and quite honestly a full multi-sensory experience. You’ll love it!
Where To Eat in Datca Town
The food on the Datca Peninsula as a whole, especially the seafood is incredible. In fact, we had some of the best sardines we’ve had in our lives here. And if you wish you can dine literally on the beach, right by the waters edge.
Here’s our top pick of restaurants in Datca.
Badum Cafe
This pretty but unassuming restaurant has a small menu, but honestly just get the sardines. They are freshly made and served simply with salad bread. And are overwhelmingly good.
Erkan'ın Yerin Korsan Restaurant
If tasty and traditional homemade turkish food is your bag then you will love this place. The soups and salads are really good and there’s a fair few vegetarian and vegan options.
Kylix Restaurant & Bar Datça
If you are celebrating a special occasion while in Datca or simply just after treating yourselves, then this is the place. The views are as delightful as the food and you can use the infinity pool.
Seyir Cafe Restaurant
The baked potatoes are what everyone raves about when it comes to this place, but the breakfast is equally tasty. It’s a lovely location too, by the sea, with excellent service standards.
Baba Lokantası
What this Datca restaurant lacks in location and views it more than makes up for with the quality of food and reasonable prices. The stuffed zucchini flowers, meatballs and tzatziki are winners.
Go at lunch time when it’s fresh and there’s more choice.
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Datca Peninsula Itinerary
The main reasons that most tourists come to the Datca Peninsula are to visit the ancient ruined city of Knidos, chill out on the many gorgeous beaches and sample the wine at the gorgeous vineyards.
Knidos Turkey Ruins
This ancient city, pronounced ‘kuh-nee-dos’ lies scattered across the western tip of the Datca Peninsula. Once only accessible by sea, it dates back to 400 BC, having been created by the Carians who were indigenous peoples of the Aegean region.
Being situated exactly where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean Sea, it has a very strategic location and for centuries was a bustling and prosperous Dorian port.
Built on steep terraced hillsides, rising up above two idyllic bays, it's a dramatic sight. Even in its now ruined state. It’s hard to see the full extent of it because so much has long since been taken back by nature. But slowly and carefully parts of the site are currently being restored.
Grotesquely many of the best preserved pieces were in fact stolen by western architects during excavations in the 1800’s. The most famous of which is The Knidos Lion which is on display in the entrance to the British Museum in London.
How Much Does It Cost?
The entrance fee to visit Knidos Ruins in Datca is €5 per person.It is also included in the Turkey Museum Pass which covers over 300 museums and archaeological sites.
So if you are visiting other more expensive attractions such Ephesus, Pamukkale Hierapolis or Troy it might be worth getting. You can buy the pass online or at most attraction ticket offices
How Long To Spend There?
If you can, we’d suggest allowing yourself a few hours to properly explore Knidos ruins. It’s a vast site with plenty of climbing and uneven paths to reach the best view points.
Nearby Facilities
There’s an onsite restaurant with a lovely terrace overlooking the gorgeous clear blue water. It’s relatively expensive, but worth stopping by for a drink, the view and to use the bathroom.
There’s a small free parking area just by the entrance. If you are in a campervan or motorhome you can usually stay overnight, but expect the police to stop by to check up.
Knidos Winery
Spending the evening amongst enchanting vineyard views tasting great quality wines is hands down one of the best things to do in Datca Turkey.
The place just has a lovely vibe about it and if you manage to catch one of the gorgeous sunsets up there, even better. We tasted eight wines, but particularly loved the Knidos Karası and the Shiraz. And can totally recommend the charcuterie platter too.
It’s best to contact via What’s App on +90 535 989 76 16 to make a reservation in advance.
How To Get There?
To get there by bus, just jump on the number 9-1 or the 9-4 from Datca town centre. You can pay using a Muğla City Card or by contactless card/phone.
The journey should take around 20 minutes depending on how many pick ups and drop offs there are.
Alternatively you can take a taxi. We did this on the way back.
Datça Bag Vineyard
Datca Turkey has a small but increasingly popular wine scene. And this Datça Bag is one of a handful of vineyards that are putting the place on the map.
It's a beautiful setting with a peaceful ambience and insane sunsets. Along with wine tasting you can do cellar tours. There’s also an Italian restaurant on site that serves amazing pizza. The cheese platters are also very good. They also produce olive oil and vinegar.
Email them at info@datcabag.com to enquire about tasting sessions and make a reservation.
You can also stay at the Datça Bag as they have a small guesthouse. Each room has sea views over the vineyards with mesmerising sunsets that you can enjoy from the private jacuzzis.
Check out availability, prices and more photos here.
How To Get There?
The number 9-4 bus from Datca town centre goes right past it and will have you there in less than half hour. You can pay using a Muğla City Card or by contactless card/phone.
Alternatively you can take a taxi. Or the bus there and a taxi back.
Datca Rock climbing
Having only been discovered by the climbing community in recent years, the Datca Peninsula is an exciting new destination in the sport. And with a seemingly endless supply of rock, there are many routes still awaiting their first ascent.
If you need a local guide or equipment, Aykut at Datça rock climbing is great to connect with.
Palamutbükü
This quiet resort town is home to the last of the ‘Three Beauties’ beaches that stretch along this part of the south coast of the Datca Peninsula (Hayitbükü, Ovabükü, and Palamutbükü).
As soon as you lay eyes upon the long beach decorated with pretty pebbles and flanked by clear turquoise water you will be in love. We in fact got stuck here for a couple more days than we had intentionally intended, the allure is so.
The bay has pretty much pure sunshine from April through October, lots of small family run restaurants and is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of almond and olive trees.
If you are here in the sunshine you should sneak in a boat trip to tiny idyllic Palamutbuku Island.
But if you do happen to visit during low season in February, you’ll be treated to the incredible Badem Cicegi Festival. Translated to ‘Almond Blossom Festival’, the three-day event hosts cultural events, workshops and live music and dance shows.
How To Get There?
By car, simply follow the road around the coast, there is plenty of street parking and a couple of car parks available. You can also jump on the number 9-5 bus that runs between Datca town and Yazikoy village.
Where To Eat?
The beach here is backed by lots of cute family run restaurants, here’s our pick of the bunch.
Koza Datça: The gorgeous serves awesome breakfasts, the pastries especially are really good.
Özgür Restaurant Cafe: Fresh delicious seafood right by the sea with a lovely atmosphere.
Park Pita: Set back from the road, it’s easy to walk past but don’t miss it. The food is incredible.
Datca Beaches
Ovabükü Beach
This long picturesque, part pebbly, part sandy beach stretches around a wide natural cove. It’s spacious, is easily accessible and has crystal clear calm water that is great for snorkelling.
There are some trees that provide some natural shade, but there are also sun loungers and thatched umbrellas to rent from the bars and restaurants that back it.
And although it does get busy over summer months, it does still have a peaceful atmosphere.
How To Get There?
Parking isn’t usually a problem so you can drive. Or take the number 9-3 dolmus bus which will have you there in just over half an hour, depending on the number of stops on route.
Karaincir Beach
Literally meaning Black Fig beach this small beach is very popular and does get very crowded over summer months. One of the reasons for this is because unlike many of the other Datca beaches this is a sandy one.
But it is also because the undersea shelf is quite long. You can walk out about 50 metres and the clear turquoise water still only literally be up to your waist. This means that the waves are calm and shallow and the water is quite warm. Which is perfect for families with young children.
Facilities wise there’s free parking, sunbeds to rent, a small cafe, a shower, a toilet and two supermarkets less than 10 minutes walk away.
How To Get There?
You can either drive or the number 9-4 bus will take you out there in around 20 minutes. Just make sure to come early to nab a spot.
Akvaryum Koyu
Translating to Aquarium Bay, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that this small Datca beach has glassy turquoise water that is perfect for viewing the sea life. Definitely don’t forget your snorkelling gear if you are heading here.
And note there’s no facilities, so be sure to also bring an umbrella for shade and plenty of water.
How To Get There?
The access road is a little tricky and there’s no car park so parking is a problem when it’s busy. But you can also try to park by the road side further up.
Domuzbükü Beach
Meaning Pigtail in English, this small Datca beach has an unusual name and is difficult to get to.
But worth it if you can. It’s surrounded by forest and gets its name from the fig and carob trees that attract wild boar. And while it is a stoney beach, the water is lovely and warm. It does get deep very quickly though so please exercise caution here.
How To Get There?
The access road to Domuzbükü beach is quite impassable, it’s really steep with lots of potholes. So it can only really be reached by boat or on foot.
Kargi Cove
The water is so calm and clear in this cove that it almost looks like a sheet of glass.
It’s quite deep with lots of different fish so great for swimming and snorkelling. But it is quite stony underfoot so we recommend taking some sea shoes. And the water is colder here than some of the other bays due to a freshwater stream running into the sea.
There’s a toilet, shower and changing facilities. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available. But they are attached to restaurant here and it has a minimum spending limit of 500TL per person.
How To Get There?
It’s just 10 minutes from Datca Town and there is a carpark so it's easy to drive to if you have a car. There’s a 100TL parking fee. Alternatively you can hop on the number 9-2 bus. Go early in peak season because it fills up quickly.
Perili Köşk Beach
Translated as ‘haunted mansion’, the name of this beach on the Datca Peninsula is certainly curious. Apparently it is just derived from local legends and tales that have been passed down through generations. But there’s certainly not anything eerie about it.
There is however an alluring tranquil island 200m offshore, inhabited only by goats. Depending on the tide it is possible to walk across. But the tide changes quickly and the currents are strong so even good swimmers should be extra careful as people have drowned here.
If you do decide to go across, keep an eye for the families of turtles that hang around here.
There’s no public facilities, but there are a couple of hotels that you can rent sunbeds from. And there’s a coffee shop with a toilet inside one of them too. There’s also a pier for water sports.
The wide beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles and you can usually find a quiet spot towards the end of the bay.
How To Get There?
There are quite a few parking options, but they can easily get full during summer months. The number 9-4 local bus will also drop you here in under 30 minutes.
Barbuci Bükü Beach
Also known as Kurubük beach, this sweeping stunning bay has a pebbly beach but it is still perfectly pleasant. And the water is clear and sparkling, just be sure to bring sea shoes for swimming.
It is one of the more untouched beaches on the Datca Peninsula and there are zero facilities and no shade so come prepared.
How To Get There?
The main road reveals breathtaking vistas on the approach, but the access road isn’t great and parking is just wherever you can find space. Alternatively you can leave your vehicle up on the main road or take the number 9-4 local dolmus bus from Datca town.
Best Time To Go To Datça Turkey?
July and August are the most popular months to visit Datca Turkey, however they are also the most hot and humid months. The months either side of that May-June or September-October are the most pleasant weather wise. Winters can be rainy and rather quite cold.
Where To Stay on Datça Peninsula
Datca Beyaz Ev Hotel
Situated in the heart of Datca town, this modern hotel is just a short minutes walk to both Kumluk and Hastane beaches. Despite that, it’s a quiet location serving lovely breakfasts.
There’s bicycle rental available and rooms even have a kettle and small fridge included.
Check out availability, prices and more photos here.
Orcey Hotel
Located just 100m from the beach with a private jetty, this Datca town hotel is one of a kind. It’s set in the most gorgeous grounds with two outdoor swimming pools and a restaurant.
Rooms have private balconies and the place has more of a villa complex feel to it than a hotel.
Check out availability, prices and more photos here.
Oliva Casa Apart Hotel
This place is set halfway between Hayitbuku and Ovabuku beaches, two of the most stunning beaches on the Datca Peninsula. And all apartments have terraces with mountain or sea views.
Kitchens are fully equipped, even with washing machines plus there’s BBQ facilities.
Check out availability, prices and more photos here.
Goknar Knidos Oasis Nature Hotel
Based amongst the most incredible hiking scenery, this unique hotel has a pool with a view, a private beach and a gorgeous garden. Some rooms have terraces with out of this world views.
There’s a restaurant, an outdoor fireplace and it’s just a 15 minute drive to Knidos Ancient City.
Check out availability, prices and more photos here.
Chalet Stone House in Datça Mesudiye
Two words come to mind about this place, gorgeous and luxurious. If you manage to bag this place you are in for a real treat. Plus there’s a wood burner for over colder months.
But the summer house with comfy seating, BBQ area and insane views is the star of the show.
Check out availability, prices and more photos here.
Datca Turkey FAQ’s
Is Datca Turkey Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you enjoy fascinating history, good food, great wine, and gorgeous beaches all untouched by mass tourism you’ll have the best time visiting the Datca Peninsula in Turkey.
What Is The Nearest Airport To Datca?
Geographically the nearest airport to Datca in Turkey is actually on the island of Kos in Greece. But the closest Turkish airports with much more accessibility are Dalaman and Bodrum.
How To Get To Datca Turkey?
The best ways to get to Datca Turkey are via either Dalaman or Bodrum airports. You then need to take a taxi or local bus. From Bodrum, you can also take a ferry.
Where Is Datca In Turkey?
Datca Peninsula is a long narrow strip of land jutting off the south west coast of Turkey. It’s really close to the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes but its culture is thoroughly Turkish.
