For years, we have been avoiding the Turkish resorts as they seem to massacre nature and can be too noisy. Places like Bodrum are no longer to our taste as they are like a mini Istanbul. We have been looking for a holiday away from noise, crowds, ugly construction and destruction of nature. Hence, we have decided to come to Datça with fear that soon, this place might also be ruined in the near future.
In Datca Peninsula, we felt like we were in a different country. The greenery, beautiful nature, calmness, kindness of the locals and their understanding towards families with children felt so civilised. Nevertheless, we did also notice a certain type of demographic being implanted in the region in order to change the balance of votes during elections. No masses of holiday homes nightmare. There are no massacres of nature committed by hotels and holiday villages - yet.
Although Datça Town Centre is nothing special, it is orderly and nice. With its stone buildings being restores, Old Datça is like a version of Alaçatı, which has not yet been degenerated and commercial. (Let me note here that I have written this article in the summer of 2018. Let’s see how many years it will take for this to change).
Ovabükü and Palamutbükü beaches overlooking the Aegean Sea are pebbly but the sea is wonderful. The best part is that they are be quiet. You can totally immerse yourself innature. Karaincir on the Mediterranean side resembles Cesme Ilica with its sandy beach and shallow waters and is ideal for families with small children.
Knidos Ancient City is an important place with a history of 3000 years. However, the restoration work must be progressing very slowly. Unfortunately, the ruins are just that. Ruins. This city, which was big, important and rich in its time, even had a treasury office in Athens. When the Persians invaded this area, they tried to protect the city by digging an artificial canal, but they were not successful. The first Christians, unfortunately, have caused great destruction in this ancient city.
Sailing over to the Greek island of Symi for a day trip which takes 20 minutes by speed boat, may not be as easy as everyone else may tell. You may need to book a few days or even weeks in advance. It is not even clear which captains will take their boats on which days. In sailing boats eight passengers are admitted and the trip to the island takes about one and a half hours. The only place where we could find a solution for our island journey was the ferry/sailing office next to the Emek Restaurant in Datca Harbour. That office should be the first point of start for everyone trying to make a trip to Symi.
Although the Turkish lands and Symi are so close, Symi is like a completely different world. The Italian style houses are colourful. It is a lovely day trip for different visuals, colours and tastes.
Datça and its surroundings are like rejuvenating medicine. I hope it never changes.