Sharing its name with the peninsula it sits on, Datca is an old town in western Turkey which doubles as a great tourist region, especially for those seeking a sailing holiday, particularly because the coast in the region is heavily indented, providing numerous natural coves perfect for mooring.
The whole peninsula is famous with locals and foreign tourists alike precisely because of the aforementioned bays and coves and their stunning natural beauty. So pretty are they, that they are included in the celebrated Blue Cruise along yacht charter Turkey’s southwest coast.
Among the local attractions, you can visit the ancient city of Knidos which is located on the tip of the yacht charter Datca peninsula, about 30km from the city itself. This is the place where the famous naked Aphrodite statue was displayed and records show that it generated one of the earliest forms of tourism as people from all over the Mediterranean came to the city just to see the statue.
Then there’s the natural hot water spring which also feeds a small waterfall and a lake. This river flows directly into the sea warming the water around it somewhat and thus allowing you to bathe in the sea even in the winter months.
When in Datca, make sure you buy some of the local delicacies, like the almond and dried fig desert which is remarkably taste, a fact attested by many tourists each day. Just stop by the local market which is in itself an attraction as well as a golden opportunity to buy some cheap fruit, vegetables and even clothes.
The region is famous for its small scale tourism which is preferred by the locals who choose to operate small family-run business instead of large franchise hotels. The lack of a nearby airport has also put a dent in mass tourism which is either a blessing or a curse, depending if you’re a resident here or not.
For yacht charter crews, Datca is difficult to reach but it’s worth it because it still represents the “real Turkey” with its vintage villages that seem to have remained unchanged for centuries. Also, the region is famous for its high oxygen content in the air and the low humidity which is healthy for those that suffer from respiratory ailments.
When you add the stunning view you get from here of the Greek islands of Kos, Simi and Rhodos and the excellent sailing potential that only increases once you go ashore, you realize that Datca is still one of those undiscovered treasures that has not yet been touched by the hands of mass tourism.
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