As far as Iım concerned, you can just skip this town. But donıt stop reading, because the surrounding region represents some of the Turkish Mediterranean coastıs most unspoiled and unvisited retreats.
Because itıs so hard to reach by land, and because most visitors to this region come with their own set of sails, the Datça Peninsula retains much of its mountainous, meandering and often overgrown character. Head out to the tiny yet tremendously appealing towns of Bozburun and Selimiye, past the cliff-backed beaches of Hisarönü and Türunç and Gökova.
About a half hourıs drive to the east lies the river town of Dalyan, and jumping off point for the Lycian city of Kaunos and a swim along the breeding grounds of the Caretta Caretta turtles of Iztuzu Beach. Ancient Lycia shows off its best side here, thanks to clusters of architecturally-correct temple facades carved impossibly high on the cliffs above town.
Where I Stay
If youıve arranged for a Blue Cruise or a flight in or out of the Western Mediterranean, you just may find yourself in need of a hotel room for a night. In that case, I recommend the boutique style Almena Hotel (www.almenahotel.com).
Buster, my Jack Russell Terrier, and I, had a grand old time at the Golden Key, Hisarönu (www.goldenkeyhotels.com), where we both romped through the gardens and onto the sandy beach. Cabin-style villas with full amenities turn this part of the peninsula into your private home, replete with covered porch for after-swim relaxation. There are also a number of hotel style rooms to choose from. Golden Key also has a retreat-style resort at Bördübet, a hard-to-get-to eden of overgrown fauna and a rambling river that leads to the sea and the hotelıs own private beach.
Perhaps I spoke too soon about the absence of mass tourism. While traffic in and out of Datça is still years away, the opening of new hotel properties may not bode well for the long term. In the short and medium term however, I highly recommend the Mehmet Ali Aga Konak (www.kocaev.com) a traditional aristocratic stone mansion converted to a boutique hotel. The house is a veritable museum of original frescos and handiwork.
Don't Leave Town Without It
Passing an afternoon or overnight (stay at www.palmettoresort.com) in the picturesque village of Selimiye.
A visit to the Greek town of Eski Datça (eski means "old"), about a mile inland from the marina. (You can overnight in Eski Datça at the whimsical Dede Pansiyon; www.dedepansiyon.com)
Muddying up in the mineral rich Sultaniye Mud Baths, opposite Dalyan tow.
Seeing the Aegean meet the Mediterranean at ancient Knidos.
A tour of the vineyards and production facility at the Olive Farm, Datça (www.olivefarm.net)
A boat ride. It can even be a day-trip.
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