 |
DATCA
PENINSULA
The
Datca Peninsula provides a natural boundary between
the Aegean Sea, the Gulf of Gokova to the north, and
the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Hisarönü to the
south. Along all the 75 km from Marmaris to Datca, the
road winds among trees and hills, permitting lovely
views over the expanse of blue. Campers have many
perfect settings to choose from; the less adventurous
can stay in one of the many comfortable holiday
villages. 25 km to Datca is the beautiful blue-flagged
Aktur (2) beach. In Datca white-washed buildings hung
with bougainvillaea decorate the town. The marina is
on the southern bay; while swimmers prefer the
northern bay Around the marina bars, cafes and a wide
selection of shops keep the tourist interested. Some
shops remain open well into the evening. Relaxing over
a pre-dinner drink and then a delicious meal in a
welcoming restaurant is a popular way to spend the
evening hours. Of course, the local eateries offer
both fresh fish and classical Turkish cuisine. With
any remaining energy, take a stroll and find a disco
to your liking to while away until the early morning
hours. 10 km north of Datca, the Karmen Harbor is
connected to Bodrum by a daily ferry line. As you
travel out of Datca, either by road or by boat, you
will find unspoiled bays and golden sandy beaches.
Kargi is one of the most popular. At the end of the
peninsula (38km from Datca) stands the ancient Carian
city of Knidos, described by Strabo as "a city that
was built for the most beautiful of goddesses,
Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas. "
Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourth
century B.C. the city had two harbors: one on the
Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains
of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love
overlook the two harbours; the arcaded way was built
of white marble, heart-shaped columns. The legendary
Aphrodite of Praxiteles' statue, one of the most
beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this
temple. |
