Compared to Akyaka, the Datça Peninsula, which can be considered more untouched due to its secluded location, has a special atmosphere worth seeing: it features both historical sites and picturesque bays.
While Akyaka is famous for
kite surfing, Datça is known for windsurfing. Kiting is also available; however, due to the offshore wind, this place is not recommended for beginner kite surfers.
There are 52 bays here — large and small, with crystal clear, aquarium-like blue and untouched water. It is very pleasant to spend time exploring the surroundings. In the center, there is an old village, also called Old Datça, which has preserved its original appearance. In Datça, where there are no high-rise buildings, stone houses with colorful gardens create a very pleasant view. Datça, famous for its rich flora, was an ancient medical center.
Among the ancient traces that can be found in almost every part of Datça, the largest and most important is Knidos. It was one of the most important port cities of Western Anatolia with the sanctuary of Demeter, temples of Apollo and Dionysus, other temples, two theaters, an odeon, and churches. Many famous ancient Greek figures lived here — the physician Eurypon, the painter Polygnotus, the mathematician Eudoxus, and the architect Sostratus, the creator of one of the Seven Wonders of the World — the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It is believed that the city, whose history dates back to the 4th century BC, was abandoned due to water supply problems.
Since Datça is about 70 km from Akyaka, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance to fully enjoy the peninsula. Be sure to plan a meal in Datça: here you can discover new flavors thanks to the local seafood and wines. You can participate in special tastings at local wineries and vineyards and gain unforgettable experiences. The one day or several days you dedicate to the peninsula will be very fulfilling.
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