I finally arrived in Datça after a short flight from Istanbul to Dalaman, a bus from Dalaman to Marmaris, and a second bus from Marmaris to Datça. It certainly wasn’t easy getting here, but the scenery along the way was gorgeous – mountains, wineries, olive groves, and fruit trees. The weather is pleasant and about 15 degrees warmer than Istanbul.
Today, the sea is rough and stormy, and it’s windy and raining – mostly in spurts. I have a view of the harbor from my apartment – it’s dark with an ominous sky and thunder and lightning. Mediterranean storms come and go quickly, so it’s supposed to clear later today.
Datça Peninsula
The Datça Peninsula is in Muğla Province separating the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Datça is low-key at this time of the year before warmer temperatures arrive and with them the summer rush. The area is beautiful with quiet cobblestoned streets. Many locals don’t speak English. Nearby there’s a pottery factory, farms with olive groves, and the well-known Knidos ruins to explore.
Knidos
Knidos is described as “a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas”. Knidos has two harbors, one on the Aegean Sea and the other on the Mediterranean.
“The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love overlooks the two harbors; the arcaded way was built of stunning white marble with heart-shaped columns. The Aphrodite of Praxiteles statue, one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple.”
Datça Villages
Villages include Eski Datça (Old Datça) with beautiful stone houses built in the area’s unique architectural style. Hizirsah has a famous restored mosque, Kizlan fascinating old windmills, and Cnidus a world-renowned naked statue of Aphrodite.
Coast and Islands
Gulets cruise between Greece and the Turkish coast to cities and islands like Samos, Kusadasi, Didyma, Asin Bay, Rhodes, Kos, and Bodrum. I’m still learning about the area trying to decide the best way to get around. I’ve been sick for a few days – maybe a weather change thing – so I’m lying low for a while.
More later…