The region is renowned for its sailing and you can chose to take part in a sailing course, hire your own boat or just take a day trip. There is a wide variety of boats available from traditional Turksih Gullets to ultra modern Catamarans. The crystal clear turquiose waters also make for perfect diving conditions. There are a numnber of local sailing companies and diving schools to which we are happy to introduce you.
As we are on the south west tip of Turkey, the Greek islands of Rhodes and Kos can be seen in the distance and day trips can be arranged from Marmarais and Bodrum. There are regular minibuses to Datca where taxis are available alternatively you can hire a car or moped. Any of which we would be please to arrange for you. If in Marmarais Don't miss the opportunity to experience a traditional hamam or turkish bath followed by a full body massage.
The Peninsula's beautiful landscape with its many undiscovered classical ruins, its quiet coves and bays, stunning mountain terrain, the highest mountain "Kocadag" peeking at 1162 meters, the lovely valleys and hidden gorges surprise and fascinate the walker. The unique micro climate breads stunning fertile plains dotted with picturesque rural villages and citrus and olive groves as well as unique wildlife and fauna. Use our local knowledge to follow many of the ancient hidden paths. Our Clients often like to combine their walks with, boat trips, mountain biking and visits to local historic sites or general places of interest. One thing you will discover is a unique way to experience this incredible part of the world following trails established thousands of years ago. For an idea of some of the walks available and the possibility of guided walks please ask for more information. The quiet roads and mountian trails also make this a perfect place to mountain biking which we can arrange for you to hire.
For a brief flavour of some of our walks please read below more detailed information can be provided on request:
This hike first leads to the Aegean via a dry brook and follows the shore passing beautiful coves with views of Bodrum and Kos. We then head upwards and reach the enchanting Iskandil plain from where you see the ruins of the Knidos towers. You will constantly come across remains of ancients settlements. We head up the Knidos Mountain and arrive at its highest point. You can then explore this incredible city at your leisure before choosing a boat trip home.
This walk begins at a small mosque near Datca harbour, we then pass the warm mineral lake famous for its health giving properties and follow the winding road up to the highest point in Datca. Through pine tree forests we reach a high plain with red soil and mountains ahead. Following a dried up brook and pasture land we move on with amazing views of the crystal clear aquarium cove and the Greek island of Symi. The path then takes us down to Kargi bay and the beach, where it is possible to swim if you would like. We then head upwards again through a pasture of green grass heading for the Holm Oak Tree which is soon visible and we are rewarded by great views again all the way to Palumut Buku and the Knidos Mountains.
On the way from Datca to Knidos you go through gorgeous mountains with beautiful scenery. The most striking of which is Cataldag Mountain, shaped like the head of a sleeping giant. We follow the cart ways through the gorge shadowed by the mountain to Domuzcukuru (pig pit). This is a beautiful cove by the Med known for the many wild boars that live here. As it is only accessible by boat or foot it remains an isolated place ideal for naturalist surrounded by woods, olive and orange groves. It is also possible to climb this mystical mountain (Approx. 2 hours 30 mins). We follow a foot path popular with goats and shepherds and once up at the peak and behind the old fortress walls you will find building foundations, a cistern and other fascinating ancient remains.
A diverse hike with marvellous views over the high plain from Zeytincik village and down to the stone windmills. We then take a walk through Kumyer village before ascending to the ancient Fortress. This can be then extended to walk through Palumut Buku around then back to the Olive Garden Hotel via the costal roads to Musediye and Ova Buku a further 11 km. The coastal views are spectacular and there is a good variety of slopes and vegetation including; almonds, olives and oranges.
Simple walking tour following short paths through agricultural land and olive and almond groves. Besides the diverse landscape you will see the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea and get an impression of four very different villages. Including: Resadiye, Karakoy, Hizirsah and the historically preserved and charming Eski (Old) Datca. You can also take the tour of the local Olive Farm following the walk.
All the normal preparations should be made for hiking. Appropriate trekking footwear should be worn that help protect your ankles as some of the higher ground is rugged and stony. You should also bring long trousers and shirts that protect you against horny bushes and undergrowth and appropriate headwear to guard against the sun. Depending on the season you should also carry some heavier clothing and waterproofs just in case.
The ideal time for walking is the autumn and spring from September to mid June. Even in January air and water temperatures allow you to swim at relax at beaches surrounded by blossoming heather. Snow blossom of the almond trees cover large areas of the western peninsula by the end of January and are harvested just six weeks later. Many flowers blossom in February and cistus parviflorus, gorse and lavender dominate the valleys and slopes with wonderful colour. Finally blossoms of Papatya's, the wild marguerite or daisy arrive and we know Spring is here again.
The cleaniness of the water mean there are an array of different fish as well as dolphins and seals. When walking if lucky you will see wild boar sometimes in groups, foxes and wild goats. Stone chickens are common in the macchia and you will see eagles amongst other birds hovering on the thermals around the mountain slopes. There are still claims that brown bears live in the north slopes of Kocadag.
"The Datça Peninsula is well known for its unique stands of Datça Date (Phoenix theoprastii), which naturally grows only in southwest Anatolia and on the island of Crete. The peninsula is an Important Plant Area having around 160 rare plant species such as liquidamber (Liquidambar orientalis), a Turkish endemic, Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicia) and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). Area hosts wild goat, wildcat, brown bear. The coasts of Datça Peninsula and Bozburun are among the most important habitats for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)."
The air quality of the Datca area, with a 33% presence of oxygen, is said to protect against heart disease as well as benefit those with circulation, nerve and rheumatism problems. As well as a perfect climate it also boasts some of the cleanest water in the Mediterranean supporting the legendary longevity of the residents of Datça.
Close by the beach in Datca there is a small lake with hot springs increasing its temperature to 40 degrees, inviting on cooler days for a swim. The lake is reputed for its natural healing powers.
Local people live on farming and fishing as well as producing honey. Different varieties are produced each season such as the delicious thyme-scented honey. You will see small children on the road selling jars of honey and home-made salsa, the tomato and pepper puree at the heart of Turkish cooking.
For more information please read the location page of this website. The prices for walks depend on the number of your group and number of walks you wish to take, please contact us for further advice.
