Explore Datça
We are so incredibly excited to celebrate our special day with you in our favorite corner of the world. To help you make the most of your time here, we’ve put together a curated guide of our absolute favorite spots, tastes, and experiences.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the crystal-clear Aegean sea, wander through historic cobblestone streets, or indulge in incredible Mediterranean food, Datça has a magic of its own. Here is your ultimate guide to exploring the peninsula!
📍 Must-Dos & See
Wander Through Old Town Datça (Eski Datça): This is an absolute must. Walk through the enchanting, narrow cobblestone streets lined with historic stone houses draped in vibrant bougainvillea. Stop by a local café for a refreshing Turkish coffee or a glass of local wine, and take in the poetic charm that inspired the famous Turkish poet Can Yücel. This place has many cute restaurants and cafes, as well as cocktail spots.
Watch the Sunset at Knidos Ancient City: Located at the very tip of the peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. It is one of Irmak’s most favourite places in the world. This would be more like a combination of a tourist site with splendid views. Opt to go there 1.5-2 hours before sunset to tour around, and watch the sunset from the famous lighthouse. The views from the ancient theater at sunset are breathtaking. Tip: It’s about a 45-minute scenic drive from the center, so plan ahead!
Stroll the Datça Harbor (Liman): Perfect for a breezy evening walk. The harbor is lined with lively restaurants, yachts, and local artisans selling handmade crafts and jewelry.
🌊 Places to Swim & Relax: (For our guests with a car)
Kargı Bay (Kargı Koyu): Our top recommendation for a perfect beach day. It’s a stunning, sheltered bay surrounded by lush green hills, offering crystal-clear, calm waters. There are excellent beach clubs and local restaurants where you can rent sunbeds and spend the whole day.
Palamutbükü: Famous for its long, pebbly beach and incredibly vibrant, turquoise water. It’s a bit further down the peninsula, but entirely worth the trip if you love a wide-open sea.
Hayıtbükü & Ovabükü: Smaller, sandy, and incredibly cozy bays nestled next to each other, perfect for a relaxed, laid-back swim and a quiet afternoon.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Taste
Try Zucchini Flowers in Datça Center: You cannot leave Datça without trying Kabak Çiçeği Dolması (stuffed zucchini flowers), a true Aegean delicacy. Head into the town center or harbor for dinner, and order them as a cold meze alongside fresh seafood and local olive oil dishes. This restaurant here is a very cute local spot to try them!
Sample Local Olive Oil: The peninsula produces some of the finest olive oil in the Mediterranean. We highly recommend doing a little tasting while you're here! You can sample exceptional, locally pressed oils at Olive Farm, Datça Köy Ürünleri, or at the lovely Pehlivan Datça stores (which you can easily find in both the Old Town and Datça Center).
Indulge in Datça Honey: Datça is legendary for its honey, particularly Kekik Balı (Thyme Honey) and Çam Balı (Pine Honey). Drizzle it over local cheeses or take a jar home—it is pure liquid gold. It can be found pretty much anywhere but we love it from Datça Köy Ürünleri or Olive Farm.
Try the Famous Datça Almonds (Badem): Try them fresh, roasted, or in local specialties like Bademli Levrek (sea bass with almonds) and the famous Bademli İncir Tatlısı (fig dessert with almonds). This shop here makes really good almond cookies.
Local meze taverns in Eski Datça: For an unforgettable dinner with the local Turkish mezzes and our national drink Raki. Here are a few good restaurant options: Cafe Inn, Culinarium, Maradona Restaurant, Kekik Restaurant
Bonus: Enjoy Local wine with Splendid Views here at Datca Vineyard. You can also do a tasting!
🛍️ Things to Buy & Bring Home
Olive Farm Stores: A gorgeous local estate specializing in premium, organic olive oils, natural skincare, and high-quality artisanal goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up a sophisticated culinary souvenir.
Datça Köy Ürünleri & Pehlivan Datça: These are your ultimate stops for authentic local flavors. Make sure to stock up on the famous local almonds (especially the sweet, raw Nurlu variety), sun-dried figs, and those jars of fragrant thyme honey.
Handmade Soap: Datça and Türkiye in general are famous for these. I (Irmak) swear by these and would never use anything else. Buy a Zucchini Loofah as well and upgrade your shower routine. The soaps are available in all 3 of the stores I listed above.
Datça Köy Ürünleri has stores in the city center, but offers a bigger variety of their produce in this store here. You can find anything from honey to olive oil, homemade jams, dried figs, and tomatoes.
Same with the Olive Farm. If you would like to visit their farmhouse, it is a bit less central and located here. They also offer more variety here and it is very nice to visit.
Local Handicrafts: While exploring Eski Datça or the harbor, look out for locally made bracelets, handmade ceramics, and olive wood kitchenware.
Things to Know
Embrace the "Slow Pace" Philosophy
First-timers need to know that Datça operates on its own time. There’s a famous local saying written on signs around the town: "Eğer acelen varsa, Datça'da ne işin var?" ("If you’re in a hurry, what are you doing in Datça?"). Encourage your guests to slow down, leave tight schedules behind, and take time to just sit, breathe, and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.
Experience a "Dinner on the Sand" at Kumluk Beach
In the evening, the restaurants along Kumluk Beach (Kumluk Yolu) in the town center do something magical: they move their tables and chairs right onto the sand, just inches from the water. The Vibe: Dining barefoot under fairy lights with the gentle waves lapping at your feet is the quintessential Datça evening experience. What to order: Excellent fresh seafood, local wild herbs (ege otları), and mezes paired with Turkish rakı or a crisp local wine.
Seek Out the Historic Windmills (Kızlan Değirmenleri)
As guests drive onto the peninsula, they will pass the historic stone windmills in the village of Kızlan. Built in the early 1900s, these are beautiful landmarks of Datça’s agricultural past. Some have been beautifully restored into unique local cafes and restaurants. It makes for a fantastic, quick photo stop or a lovely spot for a traditional Turkish breakfast surrounded by nature.
Quick Guest Tip: Datça is famous for its refreshing summer breeze (which keeps it from feeling overwhelmingly hot), but the evenings can sometimes get a little cool. We recommend bringing a light jacket or shawl for your evening strolls!
