Datca Guide

Datça is a district of Muğla and in recent years, it has become an increasingly popular holiday destination. Those looking to escape the typical crowded resorts often head to more tranquil and nature-surrounded places like Datça. Among Datça's most remarkable features are its untouched and unspoiled nature, 300 days of sunshine per year, fresh air rich in oxygen, and constant breeze that keeps the heat from becoming overwhelming. Along its coast, you'll find rows of charming fish restaurants, where appetizers and salads are prepared with the region’s exceptional olive oil. Datça Peninsula is considered the third richest in oxygen in the world and is one of the 100 locations globally protected under the "Hotspots in Europe" campaign. Its famous honey and almonds are also among its key highlights.

There are beautiful hiking trails around Datça, many Blue Flag beaches, and it enjoys sunshine 300 days of the year. You'll find yourself admiring the almond trees and the colorful bougainvillea blooming everywhere. Olive and carob trees add a special charm to the scenery. On your way to the villages, you’ll see beehives on the roadside producing thyme honey, pine honey, and carob honey unique to Datça.

The history of the Datça Peninsula dates back to around 2000 BC. The first known inhabitants were the Carians. However, Datça saw its most glorious era under the Dorians. Due to economic reasons, the city was relocated in the 4th century BC to the area now known as the ancient city of Knidos. By connecting the island with the mainland, they created two separate harbors, which significantly advanced trade in the region.

After the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines, the area came under Turkish rule. As a result, you can see traces of many different cultures. The first excavations to shed light on the region’s history were carried out by the British in the 1860s.

With its nature, history, sea, and charm, Datça hosts many local and foreign tourists throughout the year. However, compared to other resorts, it still maintains a peaceful and calm atmosphere. In fact, tranquility is one of the main reasons people choose Datça. You can still find secluded beaches and coves, away from the crowds.

 Some Notes About Datça:

Datça was taken under protection by the special environmental board and 70% of it was included in the scope of natural and archaeological sites, Datça has a blue sky 300 days a year, Datça is the district with the richest villagers in Turkey, Datça is the district with the highest education rate in Turkey, Datça has the lowest crime rate in Turkey, Knidos, which is 28 km away from Datça, is a science, Did you know that Sostratos, the architect of the Iskendiye Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, lived here, that electricity did not come to Datça until 1978, and that the house of Can Yücel, who called Datça ‘the world's largest open-air asylum’, which was converted into a museum in Eski Datça, was opened only on August 12, the anniversary of the poet's death, except for research?

For breakfast we recommend Cafe in, Mehtap cafe (old Datça) and Yeşim Terrace.

For the beach, we can recommend Hospital six beach in the center, Kargı bay, Palamutbükü, Gereme bay, Taşlık beach and Mandalya Kargı and Hayıtbükü.

For dinner we recommend Villa Aşina Hotel restaurant, Emek Restaurant, Maradona Restaurant, fish=Hüsnü's place, Cafein for world cuisine. Kargı Bay Yeşim bar minced meat pita and çökertme kebab are also very delicious.
I also recommend the kekik restaurant on Kumluk beach, the fish is excellent and the appetizers are great. Friends meyhanesi in Palamutbuku, Sarıhoş Restaurant in Palamutbükü, it is very pleasant to sit at the tables they set up on the beach in the evening, I recommend stuffed squash blossoms and sea bass with almonds.
In Ovavukunde Poyraz restaurant, the appetizers and all the dishes are gourmet masterpieces, Ercan Bey's dishes and appetizers are perfect, and Ortam restaurant in Hayitbukunde are other places I can recommend.

Sightseeing: We recommend Knidos Ruins and Old Datça as places to visit.
A car ride on the Balıkaşıran road is also enjoyable.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Datça Hotels page.