Unveiling the Timeless Charm of Datça: Turkey's Best Kept Secret

The Datça peninsula, with its untouched and natural rugged scenery, is a serene getaway from the busy touristy towns of the popular Mediterranean region. Forested with pristine bays on both sides, it offers a tranquil retreat.

Located in southwestern Turkey, the narrow and elongated headland between the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas remains mostly unpopulated and untamed, providing a striking contrast to the bustling tourist destinations of Marmaris and Bodrum. The implementation of stringent construction regulations has effectively shielded Datça from extensive tourism development, preserving the charm and historical essence of its namesake small port town situated roughly in the middle of the peninsula.

The Datça port is the central hub of local activity, where charming fish restaurants with rustic wooden tables and chairs grace the water's edge. Hidden among the winding streets of the hilly residential area are quaint shops offering local products and contemporary cafes. As you ascend the slopes, vibrant touches of Aegean blue peek through the orange-roofed white houses that overlook the harbor. Here, the serene pace of daily life remains untouched by the presence of mass tourism.

There are nine small villages scattered across the peninsula beyond the port. The narrow streets of these villages lead to one of the main local attractions: the ruins of Knidos, a former Greek city in the ancient region of Caria.

Situated on the westernmost tip of Datça, this historic site can be reached by traversing a road that winds through fragrant pine forests, majestic mountains, and orchards that yield the renowned local almonds.

During the summer, popular bays like Palamutbükü attract a large number of Turkish tourists with its lengthy pebbly beach, mesmerizing aquamarine sea, and charming assortment of small family-owned restaurants.

On the other hand, locals opt to spend their days at secluded coves, some of which remain undiscovered by others.

A 10-minute drive south from downtown, the old town of Datça is a bustling area with narrow streets lined with historic stone houses, charming cafes, and shops that are consistently busy. One of the main attractions in this area is the former summer residence of the esteemed Turkish poet, Can Yücel, which draws in a steady stream of visitors.

Where to stay

The Palaia Hotel, a modern take on traditional Datça architecture and culture.

Located on the Sevgi Yolu (Love Path), in the town of Datça, lies one of the newest accommodations on the peninsula. As you walk along the waterfront boardwalk, you can admire the ancient ruins of a bathhouse, which were unexpectedly discovered during the construction process. Courtesy of Furkan Uyan/Palaia.

Palaia Hotel, owned by Ismet Tekinalp, is a modern and sustainable interpretation of traditional Datça architecture and culture. With its collection of two-storied houses featuring local stone masonry facades, airy minimal rooms, and a restaurant serving contemporary Aegean dishes, Palaia Hotel offers a tranquil retreat that perfectly blends with its natural surroundings. Tekinalp expresses his deep connection to the peninsula and his passion for creating a peaceful haven on this property since 2000.

"One of the most precious things in Datça is the quality of its air, I wake up every day just breathing in this pure oxygen.

Turkeys hidden alpine wonderland

People visiting this place should not miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular Knidos ancient ruins, discover the stunning Hayıtbükü coves, savor the delightful local almonds and pine honey of Datça, and join in the vibrant Almond Blossom Festival held every February. At the heart of Datça's historic town, lies a charming modern boutique hotel known as Ultava Houses. Nestled amidst a garden, this hotel consists of four rooms adorned with elegant details, boasting high ceilings and terraces that offer picturesque views of the lush surroundings.

Local flavors

Datça's streets are lined with restaurants and cafes.

In downtown Datça, Pehlivan and Datça Köy Ürünleri are two shops that offer a wide variety of local almonds. These shops sell almonds in various forms, including raw, roasted, blanched, and in their shell. Additionally, they also offer almond products such as almond butter, flour, marzipan, halva, and oil. The shelves of these shops are filled with packaged nuts, displaying the abundance of almond options available.

The air is permeated with the aroma of newly baked almond cookies at the renowned Datça Almond Bakery. Their glass display showcases an assortment of options, ranging from plain almonds to cookies filled with delectable combinations such as chocolate, green apple, and walnuts. Additionally, they offer cookies topped with luscious raspberries or blackcurrants.

For those seeking a taste of the local specialty, bal badem (almond brittle with honey), Kaya Honey Shop is the place to go. They specialize in a variety of local honey, including those derived from pine and almond blossoms. Bal badem serves as a heavenly ingredient in the thick, creamy ice cream made from goat's milk, which can be savored at the esteemed Tekin Usta, a small shop located in Datça's old town.

Situated in the ancient wine-making region, Datça on Turkey's Aegean coast reveals a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. Initially established by the Isleyici family in 2011, the Datça Vineyard and Winery not only presents delightful wine tastings but also features a delectable menu of Italian cuisine. Indulge in the harmonious flavors of cheese tortellini with sage sauce or the delectable pizza with braised lamb, expertly curated to complement their exquisite vintages.

In the small village of Yaka, located just a 30-minute drive west of town, Yakamengen often goes unnoticed by passing visitors. However, tucked inside this restored small olive mill is a one-of-a-kind restaurant created by the locals. Here, the menu features dishes made primarily from local plants, vegetables, and seafood.

Located just a few steps away, across from the UKKSA (International Knidos Culture and Art Academy) and its sculpture garden, Hestia specializes in dumplings from various cuisines around the world. Its sister branch, Hestia Mey, can also be found nearby and offers a selection of dumplings along with traditional meyhane (Turkish tavern) dishes like stuffed zucchini blossoms and fried and diced liver.

Tango and tranquility

The Knidia Eco Farm is one of Datça's best-kept secrets.

Yücel Çetin

Located on the western tip of the peninsula, Knidia Eco Farm is a hidden gem in Datça. Tucked away on an undeveloped road amidst peaceful backwoods, this tranquil oasis offers a true immersion into nature.

Established in 2000 by Ali Somer, who sought refuge from Istanbul's urban chaos in farming, Knidia Eco Farm spans over 12 acres of lush farmland, vineyards, and orchards. Since 2007, guests have been welcomed into the farm's four wooden huts and four stone houses. A highlight of the experience is the delicious meals, crafted using ingredients sourced primarily from the Knidia garden and cooked over a wood fire. For those seeking beachside serenity, the nearby Değirmenbükü beach is a perfect sanctuary.

"The tranquility here is truly priceless," Somer remarks. "The purity of the night sky remains untainted, with no artificial disturbances from sounds or lights. Instead, one can solely enjoy the harmonious symphony of nature and the gentle rustling of the wind.

"Datça is a exceptional gem in Turkey, offering an unspoiled Aegean landscape, untouched by human interference for hundreds of years.

In Turkey, a juxtaposition exists between a contemporary city and a legendary destination. The implementation of effective laws has ensured long-standing preservation, while the challenging terrain has hindered any advancements in construction. It is my wish that this harmony persists, with the ongoing adherence to these laws and the preservation of the unspoiled nature of this place.

Ayça Boylu, along with her German dance partner Axel Korf, operates Tango Kairos, a tango school. Seeking a more tranquil lifestyle, Ayça has found solace in Datça, just like many other individuals who have migrated there. "In Datça, there is a common narrative among people," she explains. "They have toiled relentlessly and reached a stage in their professional lives where they yearn for a change, a deceleration."

Boylu and Korf, with their extensive national and international background, organize classes, events, and participate in performances. According to Boylu, Datça, although technically a peninsula, can be considered more like an island due to its isolation and unique way of life. He explains that Datça is known for its relaxed atmosphere and advises against being in a hurry when visiting. It is common to encounter closed shops as the owners often spend their time at the beach, a custom fully accepted in the area.

Feride Yalav-Heckeroth, an Istanbul-based freelance writer, splits her time between the city and Lake Constance. She is the talented author of the popular guidebook, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Istanbul. Her exceptional writing has been featured in renowned publications such as Kinfolk, Brownbook, The Travel Almanac, Wallpaper*, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler.