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The Datca Peninsula, with its rugged landscape of pristine nature, flanked by pristine coves and forested areas, is worlds away from the tourist-bustling towns of this popular Mediterranean corner. I can feel it.
Stretching between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Turkey, the elongated headland is largely uninhabited and pristine, and is very different from nearby Marmaris and Bodrum.
Datça is protected from large-scale tourism projects by strict construction laws, and the small, eponymous port town located roughly in the center of the peninsula remains rooted in its past.
Datca Port is the center of local life. Fish restaurants with simple wooden tables and chairs line the waterfront, and the back streets that run up and down the hilly residential area are lined with small shops selling local products and modern cafes.
On the slopes, the sparkle of the Aegean Sea can be seen through the white houses with orange roofs overlooking the harbour. The easy-going rhythm of daily life is undisturbed by mass tourism.
Beyond the harbor, nine small villages are scattered around the peninsula. Narrow streets lead to the ruins of Cnidos, a former Greek city in the ancient Caria region, one of the main local attractions.
Located in the westernmost part of Datça, this historic site is at the end of a road that winds between fragrant pine forests, towering mountains and orchards where the famous local almonds are harvested.
In summer, Turkish tourists flock to major bays such as Paramutbucu, with its long pebble beaches, aquamarine waters, and small family-run restaurants.
Locals prefer to spend the day in one of the many unspoiled coves, some of which only they know.
A 10-minute drive south of downtown, the narrow streets of Old Town Datcia, lined with historic stone houses, cafes, and shops, are almost always crowded. The former villa of revered Turkish poet Can Yucel attracts tourists.
A stroll along the waterfront promenade in the town of Datca, known as Sebugi Yol (Path of Love), reveals one of the peninsula’s newest accommodations, adjacent to the ancient ruins of a bathhouse discovered during construction.
A collection of two-storey homes with local stone facades, spacious minimalist rooms and a restaurant serving contemporary Aegean cuisine. Palaia Hotel It bills itself as a modern and sustainable interpretation of traditional Datca architecture and culture.
“I have loved this peninsula since 2000 and when I stumbled upon this property I wanted to create a peaceful place in harmony with the surrounding environment,” says Palaia owner Ismet Tekinalp.
“One of the most precious things at Datça is the air quality. I wake up every day just breathing in this pure oxygen.
“Those who come here will see the ancient ruins of Knidos, explore beautiful coves such as Heitbucu, taste the wonderful local Datca almond and pine honey, and take part in the annual Almond Blossom Festival in February. I think we need to.”
Traditional stone houses set in gardens in the middle of Datca’s old town function as modern boutique hotels.of Ultaba House There are four rooms with high ceilings, a small stylish atmosphere and a terrace overlooking the lush garden.
It is located in a small village called Kumari, further away from Datcha town. Mr. Gokap Visitors looking for an even more tranquil escape can stay at home in a traditional stone house in the middle of Datça’s mountainous landscape, surrounded by olive groves and swaying almond trees. .
In downtown Datcha, Periban and Datça Köy Urunleli We sell local almonds in every conceivable form. Shelves are crammed with packaged nuts, sold raw, roasted, blanched, shelled, or in almond butter, flour, marzipan, halva, and oil.
in Meshul Datcha Badem Kurabeisisi, the smell of freshly baked almond cookies fills the streets. Glass displays display everything from plain almonds to cookies with chocolate, green apple and walnuts, to cookies topped with raspberries and blackcurrants.
Popular local specialty Barbadem, Almond Brittle with Honey, is sold at Kaya Barari, which specializes in local honey, including honey made from pine and almond blossoms. Barbadem is a heavenly ingredient in local thick ice cream made from goat’s milk. Tekin Usta, a small shop in the old town of Dača, serves the best food.
Located in one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, Datcia also has a small wine scene worth exploring. Founded in 2011 by the Israich family. Datcha Vineyard and Winery In addition to wine tastings, the restaurant also offers a menu of vintage-inspired Italian dishes, including cheese tortellini with sage sauce and braised lamb pizza.
Many tourists drive past the small village of Yaka, about a 30-minute drive west of town. Yakamengen Without looking twice. But inside this small, restored olive factory, locals have created a unique restaurant that serves dishes made primarily from indigenous plants, vegetables, and seafood.
Just a few steps away. UKKSA (International Academy of Arts and Culture of Knidos) and its Sculpture Garden, hestia Focuses on dumplings from around the world. There is a sister store nearby, Hestia Maywhich serves dumplings as well as traditional meyhane (Turkish tavern) dishes such as stuffed zucchini flowers and fried cubed liver.
tango and silence
At the western end of the peninsula, down an undeveloped road that cuts through the idyllic hinterland, Knidia Eco Farm One of Datcha’s best kept secrets, it’s a place where you can delve deeper into the tranquility of nature.
Founded in 2000 by Ali Sommer, who left the urban chaos of Istanbul to become a farmer, this 12-acre farm, vineyard, and orchard was established in 2007 with four wooden cabins and four stone houses. We have started accepting guests. Almost all meals are made with ingredients grown in Africa. Cooked over a wood fire in Knidia’s garden. The nearby beach of Deirmenbucu is a haven of tranquility.
“I think one of the most valuable things here is the peace,” Summer says. “The night sky is pure, there are no artificial sounds or lights, just nature and the sound of the wind.
“Daça is one of the rare places in Turkey where you can find an Aegean landscape that has remained untouched for centuries.
“Protection laws have worked well here for many years, and the rugged terrain has also hindered construction progress. We hope it stays this way, that it continues to be protected, that people abide by these laws, and that things remain as they are. hoping.”
Ms. Aisa Boyle who presides over a tango school tango kairos Her German dance partner Axel Kolff is also exploring a more tranquil lifestyle at the dacha.
“Many people who moved to Datcha have the same story,” she says. “They work extremely hard and reach a point in their career where they need to change things up and slow down.”
With years of experience both nationally and internationally, Boyle and Kolff host classes, events, and attend performances.
“Dutcha is a peninsula, but it’s more like an island. We’re very isolated and have our own way of life,” says Boyle. “People say if you’re in a hurry, you shouldn’t be in Datcha because people here are relaxed. You often see shops that are closed because the owners are at the beach. That’s perfectly fine.”
Feride Yarav-Hekeroth Freelance writer based between Istanbul and Lake Constance and author of his own guidebook “500 Hidden Secrets of Istanbul”. Her work has appeared in Kinfolk, Brownbook, The Travel Almanac, Wallpaper*, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler.