Guide to Datça

This 50-mile long jagged stretch of coast is one of the most unblemished areas in south-west Turkey. As legend would have it the peninsula was created Zeus - God of the Sky and Light - and with its sweeping bays, sprawling olive groves and deserted beaches it’s certainly deserving of such a story. Until recent years this corner of Turkey has been almost impossible to access by anything other than boat. Now still some distance away from any airports, it remains unspoilt with the addition of some luxury hotels and great restaurants to accommodate the discerning visitors now stopping-off here over the summer months.

The main town of Datça sits at the south of the peninsula as a historic port town which has avoided the traps of tourism and now boasts a cluster of good restaurants and cafes. Go into the thyme-scented hills and you’ll find Eski Datça (Old Datça). This charming village has been revived over the last few years by Turkish city-goers from Istanbul and Ankara buying up second homes to escape the hustle and bustle to the scenic beauty of the coast. Here you can enjoy the stony lanes you associate with a traditional Mediterranean village, lined with bougainvillea-draped walls and tiny cafes and shops.

On the western tip of Datça are the ancient ruins of Knidos (Cnidos) which were once a shipping stronghold and favourite spot for many of the world’s most acclaimed academics, medics and architects. Visitors would come from far and wide to see the famous nude Aphrodite statue that once called it home but disappeared some 1,000 years ago. Today you can see a collection of mosaics, basilica arches and a magnificent sea-facing theatre that are all well-worth a visit.

The spindly Datça coastline is full of fantastic beaches, ranging from shingles and pebbles to beautiful soft sandy stretches. They all however are lapped by the captivating blue of the Aegean Sea and with so many to choose from you’re sure to find your own deserted cove to occupy. The peninsula’s close proximity to Greek island’s such as Symi, Tilos and Rhodes also make it ideal to incorporate with a Greece superyacht charter itinerary where you can experience the variation of the East Mediterranean.

If you are interested in booking a private luxury yacht rental onboard a Gulet or superyacht in the clear Turkish waters, view all Turkey Yacht Charters which are available to rent.