Datça: A hidden Turkish peninsula, untouched by time

With its unspoiled, rugged landscapes and lush forests bordering crystal-clear bays, the Datça peninsula offers a peaceful escape, far removed from the crowded tourist destinations of the Mediterranean.

The long, narrow strip of land, nestled between the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas in southwestern Turkey, remains mostly wild and uninhabited, offering a striking contrast to the nearby bustling towns of Marmaris and Bodrum.

Stringent building regulations have kept large-scale tourism projects at bay, preserving Datça's traditional charm, with the quaint port town near the peninsula’s center maintaining its historic character.

Datça's port serves as the heart of the community, where simple seafood eateries with wooden tables line the shore, and local shops and trendy cafes dot the winding streets that climb the hilly residential area.

From the hills, glimpses of the Aegean’s vibrant blue peek through the whitewashed homes with orange roofs, overlooking the harbor. The easy-going pace of life remains untouched by mass tourism.

Beyond the harbor, nine quaint villages dot the peninsula. Winding paths through their narrow streets lead to one of the region’s top historical sites: the ruins of Knidos, an ancient Greek city in the historic region of Caria.

At the farthest edge of Datça, the ancient site of Knidos sits at the end of a winding road that meanders through fragrant pine forests, towering mountains, and orchards where the region’s prized almonds are harvested.

During summer, Turkish visitors flock to popular bays like Palamutbükü, known for its long pebbly beach, turquoise waters, and family-run restaurants that line the shore.

Locals, however, prefer to retreat to one of the many secluded coves, some of which are their own private escapes, known only to them.

A short 10-minute drive south of the town center, the winding streets of Datça’s old town, with its charming stone houses, bustling cafes, and shops, are almost always filled with visitors. The former summer residence of famous Turkish poet Can Yücel draws many admirers.

Where to stay

After a stroll along Datça’s scenic waterfront promenade, the Sevgi Yolu (Love Path), visitors come upon one of the peninsula’s newest hotels, set against the backdrop of ancient ruins from a bathhouse uncovered during construction.

A set of two-story homes featuring local stone facades, airy minimalist rooms, and a restaurant offering modern Aegean cuisine, Palaia Hotel presents itself as a contemporary yet sustainable take on traditional Datça architecture and culture.

“I’ve been captivated by this peninsula since 2000, and when I discovered this property, I knew I had to create a peaceful retreat that blends seamlessly with the landscape,” says Ismet Tekinalp, the owner of Palaia.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of Datça is the purity of its air. Every morning, I wake up to inhale this fresh, unspoiled oxygen,” shares Tekinalp.

“Visitors to Datça should definitely explore the ancient ruins of Knidos, discover serene coves like Hayıtbükü, savor the local Datça almonds and pine honey, and join the annual Almond Blossom Festival in February,” he advises.

In the heart of Datça’s old town, a collection of traditional stone houses nestled in a garden serves as a boutique hotel. The Ultava Houses feature four spacious rooms with high ceilings, chic details, and terraces overlooking the verdant garden.

For those seeking even greater tranquility, Gocakapı, located in the peaceful village of Cumalı, offers visitors a chance to stay in traditional stone houses. Nestled in the heart of Datça’s rugged terrain, the accommodation provides a homely atmosphere surrounded by olive groves and almond trees gently swaying in the breeze.

Local flavors

In downtown Datça, shops like Pehlivan and Datça Köy Ürünleri stock a wide array of local almonds in every form imaginable. From raw and roasted to blanched, in-shell, or processed into almond butter, flour, marzipan, halva, and even almond oil, the selection is endless.

At Meşhur Datça Badem Kurabeyicisi, the air is filled with the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked almond cookies. The shop window displays a variety of treats, from simple roasted almonds to cookies stuffed with chocolate, green apple, and walnuts, or topped with raspberries and blackcurrants.

A beloved local delicacy, bal badem is almond brittle coated in honey. Kaya Balları, known for its selection of local honey, including pine and almond blossom varieties, sells this sweet treat. It’s a key ingredient in Datça's thick, creamy goat’s milk ice cream, with Tekin Usta being the go-to spot for the best version.

Situated in one of the world’s oldest wine regions, Datça has a small but intriguing wine scene to discover. Founded in 2011 by the Isleyici family, Datça Vineyard and Winery offers wine tastings and pairs their wines with Italian-inspired dishes, like cheese tortellini with sage sauce or pizza topped with braised lamb.

In the quiet village of Yaka, about 30 minutes west of town, many visitors drive past Yakamengen without noticing it. Yet inside this restored olive mill, locals have transformed the space into a unique restaurant serving dishes made primarily with local plants, vegetables, and fresh seafood.

Just a few steps from the UKKSA (International Knidos Culture and Art Academy) and its sculpture garden, Hestia specializes in dumplings from around the globe. Nearby, its sister location, Hestia Mey, offers a mix of dumplings and traditional Turkish meyhane fare, including stuffed zucchini blossoms and fried liver.

Tango and Tranquility

Tucked away on the western tip of the peninsula, down a secluded road that winds through peaceful forests, Knidia Eco Farm is one of Datça’s best-kept secrets—a place where visitors can truly immerse themselves in nature’s serenity.

Founded in 2000 by Ali Somer, who left the hustle of Istanbul behind to embrace farming, the 12-acre property, including a farm, vineyard, and orchards, started welcoming guests in 2007. The farm’s four wooden cabins and four stone houses offer a rustic stay, while meals made from the garden’s fresh produce are cooked over a wood fire. The nearby Değirmenbükü beach offers a peaceful retreat.

“One of the most treasured aspects of this place is its tranquility,” says Somer. “The night sky is untouched, with no artificial lights or sounds—just the natural symphony of the wind and the environment.”

“Datça is one of the rare spots in Turkey where the Aegean landscape has remained undisturbed for centuries,” says Somer.

“The protective laws have been effective here for many years, and the rugged terrain has limited the development of large-scale construction. I hope it remains this way—protected, with people respecting these laws so that the land stays as it is.”

Ayça Boylu, who co-runs the tango school Tango Kairos with her German dance partner Axel Korf, also sought a slower pace of life in Datça.

“Many people who have moved to Datça share a similar story,” she says. “They worked tirelessly and reached a point in their careers where they needed to step back and slow down.”

With extensive experience both nationally and internationally, Boylu and Korf offer classes, host events, and participate in performances.

“Datça is a peninsula, but it feels more like an island. We're isolated and have our own way of living,” says Boylu. “They say if you're in a rush, Datça isn’t the place for you, because here, people take things slow. It's not uncommon to find shops closed because the owner is at the beach, and that’s perfectly normal.”

Feride Yalav-Heckeroth is a freelance writer based between Istanbul and Lake Constance. She is the author of The 500 Hidden Secrets of Istanbul and has contributed to publications like Kinfolk, Brownbook, The Travel Almanac, Wallpaper*, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler.