Hotels in Datca

 If you want to have a holiday in a hotel with a peaceful and private beach at the seafront, intertwined with nature, like this summer, don't forget to check out our list of Hotels with the Most Beautiful Beaches for more.Datça. Datça is the place for those who want to escape from the city air and do not want to get caught in it on vacation. Its vegetation, sea, nature, history and atmosphere are warm.There are 52 beautiful bays around this beautiful peninsula, and from time to time you can have a special pleasure in one of the bays. Those looking for a beach can easily swim in one of the 13 km long beaches. Datça has wonderful hiking trails, a climate with about 300 days of sunshine and wonderful blue flag beaches. Datça, which is visited by many local and foreign tourists at all times of the year, has many different categories of accommodation facilities, especially with the new ones built in recent years. Datça hotels are generally boutique or small, in accordance with the fine architecture and care of Datça. Many of Datça hotels are located right by the sea. If you are a nature-loving vacationer, you can also find Datça hotels hidden in the lush nature a little further back. In short, no matter which Datça hotel you stay in, you will wake up to a magnificent nature or sea view, a beautiful morning.

When to Go to Datça?

Datça is one of the most popular vacation spots during the summer months, thanks to its warm and sunny weather—ideal for enjoying the sea. However, with its relatively mild climate, spring and autumn are also great times to visit. These off-peak seasons offer cooler weather and fewer tourists, providing a more peaceful holiday experience.

In short, the best time to visit Datça is generally between May and September. But depending on your preferences, spring and fall can also be perfect for a relaxing getaway. Just remember to check the weather and local events for the dates you plan to go.

How to Get to Datça

Datça is located at the tip of the Marmaris Peninsula, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. If you're traveling by bus, you first need to reach Marmaris, then take a minibus or shuttle to Datça.

Alternatively, you can fly to Bodrum or Dalaman Airports from cities like Istanbul or Ankara. Dalaman Airport is about 155 km from Datça, and there are shuttle services to Marmaris. From Bodrum, you can take a ferry to Datça, which takes around 2 hours.

If you're driving, here are some approximate travel times:

• Muğla – Datça: 125 km, about 2 hours
• Marmaris – Datça: 70 km, about 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Aydın – Datça: 220 km, about 3 hours and 40 minutes
• Istanbul – Datça: 880 km, about 12.5 hours
• Ankara – Datça: 710 km, about 10 hours and 15 minutes
• Bursa – Datça: 645 km, about 9 hours

Places to See in Datça

Gebekum: Located just 4 km from Datça, Gebekum has a 7-kilometer-long beach perfect for swimming. Shaped by wind and waves, the sand gradually spreads and forms a shallow path to a nearby island.

Kargı Bay: Only 3 km from the center, you can even walk there. This bay is shielded from northern and southwestern winds, making it peaceful and naturally beautiful. Its beach is pebbly and has food and drink facilities, a small boat dock, and even a small stream.

Palamutbükü: About 25 km from Datça and 10 km from Knidos, Palamutbükü is one of the most famous beaches on the peninsula. It offers both food and lodging options and a mix of pebbles and sand along its long beach.

Knidos Ancient City: Timeless and unspoiled, Knidos is home to the Temple of Aphrodite and the famous statue of Knidos Aphrodite, the first nude female statue in art history. You can also see the unique Sundial of Eudoxus, a 4th-century BC mathematician and astronomer.

Shopping in Datça

You can find Datça honey and almonds everywhere—markets, bazaars, and shops. Be sure to try "honeyed almonds," a delicious mix of dried figs, honey, and roasted almonds. Fresh and dried herbs are also available, especially in local markets.

Handmade items like needlework, embroidered linens, and silk fabrics make great souvenirs. You’ll find original handcrafted jewelry, trinkets, and region-specific ceramics at artisan stands and shops.

Entertainment in Datça

Boat Tours: Discover Datça’s stunning bays by joining a boat tour. Swim in secluded spots and enjoy breathtaking views.

Hiking & Trekking: There are plenty of trails around the peninsula where you can explore rich flora and fauna.

Water Sports: Try windsurfing, sea biking, or kayaking on Datça’s beaches.

Diving & Snorkeling: The clear waters make Datça a great place for diving and snorkeling. You’ll find several dive centers around the peninsula.

Datça’s History

Let’s take a step back into history. Datça’s roots go back to 2000 BC, starting with the Carians. Later, the Dorians from Greece founded Knidos, making it a cultural hub. Knidos had its golden age under Dorian rule.

In the 13th century, it came under Turkish control, joining the Menteşe Beylik and later the Ottoman Empire, at which point it was renamed Datça.

What is Datça Famous For?

Datça Peninsula: Known for its pristine natural beauty where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.

Knidos Ancient City: A must-see archaeological site with temples, theaters, and ancient harbors.

Seafood & Olive Oil: Enjoy fresh seafood and olive oil-based dishes in local restaurants.

Where to Swim in Datça?

Palamutbükü Beach: Famous for its crystal-clear water and wide sandy beach.

Kızılbük Beach: A peaceful cove surrounded by pine trees.

Hayıtbükü Beach: Quiet and natural, this beach is perfect for a tranquil swim.

Ovabükü Beach: A serene atmosphere with clear water and natural surroundings.

Aquarium Bay: True to its name, the water is clear like an aquarium—perfect for snorkeling.

Top Things to Do in Datça

• Stroll the charming streets of Old Datça
• Watch the sunset at Knidos Ancient City
• Enjoy dinner by the sea at Kumluk Beach
• Visit the Knidos Culture and Art Academy in Yaka Village
• Swim in the blue coves
• Take a boat tour to explore hidden bays
• Try Datça's famous almond-infused desserts, honey, and soda
• Visit Deveboynu Lighthouse
• Go windsurfing

Where to Eat in Datça

Don’t leave Datça without tasting its fish, honey, and almonds. Datça honey is made from a variety of wildflowers and has a unique taste. Datça almonds are so famous, they even appear in ancient recipes.

Try local fish dishes in seaside restaurants, often served with olive oil-based mezes. You might even come across escargot, a local delicacy.

Other local dishes worth trying include könger, ütmek, lokum pilavı, stuffed zucchini flowers, and other interesting flavors like garaville, turpucu, mürdümük, and celpleme.

Have tea at the garden café where famous poet Can Yücel’s photos and personal belongings are displayed.

Recommended Restaurants:

Datça Culinarium: Try the Circassian dumplings, buttered John Dory fish, and especially the Semifredo dessert.

Poyraz Restaurant (Ovabükü): Known for Laos grilled fish. Don’t miss the zucchini flowers and hunter’s pastry.

Garavilla Restaurant: Located in Hotel Mavi Beyaz, offers fresh local herb-based dishes with stunning views.

Antik Cafe: In Old Datça, perfect for breakfast with bird songs or homemade liqueur with live music.

Hüsnü’nün Yeri: A beachfront seafood restaurant at Kumluk Beach with excellent olive oil mezes and grilled dishes.

Mocca Cafe: Located in Datça’s old harbor, offers great pizza, pasta, and desserts.

Erkan's Place: Great for traditional homemade meals.

Le Jardin de Semra: Try the house salad made with local greens and almonds. All vegetables are grown in Semra’s organic garden.

At Yesim Bar in Kargı Bay, don’t miss the minced meat pide and the çökertme kebab absolutely delicious.