Datca: From ancient Knidos to crystal-clear waters, a timeless destination

Nestled at the crossroads of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, the Datca Peninsula in Mugla, Türkiye, is an undiscovered paradise, offering unique routes and picturesque blue coves.

With its rich flora and fauna, this region, home to the ancient city of Knidos, features 52 stunning bays and coves that beckon tourists throughout the year.

A rich cultural and natural landscape

The Datca Peninsula offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can explore the region’s incredible flora and fauna, while the ancient Knidos city adds a touch of historical grandeur to the experience.

Among the 52 bays and coves of Datca, several are famous for their stunning views and pristine waters, making them popular destinations for maritime adventures.

Blue voyage and water sports

Not only does the Datca Peninsula attract travelers with its picturesque landscapes, but its waters are also ideal for various water sports. The region’s bays, such as Gokceler Bay, Kucuk Cati, and Buyuk Cati on the Aegean side, are frequented by those embarking on a Blue Voyage, a popular Turkish cruise along the coast.

The rich underwater life here can be explored through diving centers, while the favorable winds make it an ideal location for sailing and surfing.

Knidos: Jewel of peninsula

Located 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) from Datca, the ancient city of Knidos is one of the most important historical sites on the peninsula. Dating back 2,600 years, this ancient metropolis lies at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, on the Tekir Peninsula. Known for hosting several famous scholars, Knidos has been a center of art, culture, health, and religion since the fourth century B.C.

Knidos was home to renowned figures such as astronomer and mathematician Eudoxus, physician Euryphon, and the architect Sostratus, who designed the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria. Today, visitors can reach Knidos by both land and sea.

A rich archaeological heritage

Recent excavations and ongoing restoration efforts have revealed significant structures such as the Round Temple, the Dionysus Stoa and Temple, the Apollo Temple, the Bolukrates Fountain, and a small theater with a seating capacity for approximately 5,000 people.

These artifacts reflect the city’s rich cultural and historical importance.

Archaeological work at Knidos is ongoing year-round, led by Professor Ertekin Mustafa Doksanalti of Selcuk University’s Department of Archaeology. The excavations, which began in 1988, have uncovered critical sites, such as the small theater and various structures, with restoration work underway.

Recently, as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s “Legacy for the Future” project, important cultural and commercial buildings have been unearthed, further attracting a larger number of visitors each year.

In 2024, over 125,000 people visited Knidos, a remarkable number for such a historically rich and remote location. According to Professor Doksanaltı, the site is not a place to merely pass through but rather a destination to explore, especially during the year-round visits possible to both ancient sites and archaeological treasures.

A historic journey back to 2,000 B.C.

The history of the Datca Peninsula stretches back to 2,000 B.C., with significant findings from the Karlar, Dorians, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. During the 13th century, the Menteshe dynasty ruled the peninsula, and in the 15th century, it became part of the Ottoman Empire.

The region took the name Datca during the Ottoman period and reverted to its original name after the Republic of Türkiye was founded in 1923.

Fascinating Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion

One of Datca’s most captivating historical structures is the two-century-old Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion, meticulously restored to its original design.

The wooden mansion, also known as “Kocaev” by locals, is one of the oldest architectural examples in the region. Built-in 1809, it was once home to Mehmet Ali Aga, who governed the Datca Peninsula during the Ottoman Empire and invited renowned Istanbul artists to decorate the mansion with paintings depicting scenes from the city.

Today, the mansion serves as a cultural site for tourists interested in Ottoman history.

Flavors of Datca: A culinary paradise

Datca is also renowned for its high-quality almonds, with varieties such as Nurlu, Kababag, Dedebag, and Disli. The Nurlu variety is considered the finest, while the Disli almond is the most popular for consumption because of its unique texture. The blossoming almond trees in January and February offer visitors a visual feast, celebrated annually with the Badem Cicegi Festival, which draws participants from across Türkiye and beyond.

During the festival, local producers set up stalls in Datca’s central market and surrounding villages, offering a wide range of almond-based local dishes. Traditional foods such as keskek, murdumuk soup, bademli tavuk (chicken with almonds), and sultan tatlisi (a type of dessert) are among the highlights.

Eski Datca: Where history and poetry meet

Among Datca’s must-visit spots is Eski Datca, a charming settlement famous for its cobbled streets and traditional stone houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea.

It is also the former home of the late poet Can Yucel, who spent around 30 years living in Datca. Visitors can explore his house and take in the artistic atmosphere that permeates the area.

A vibrant local market

Every Saturday, the town of Datca hosts a traditional market where visitors can find a variety of local products such as herbs, vegetables, and handmade goods.

Datca is also home to local silk ateliers, where visitors can explore traditional methods of silk production.