The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
The ancient population believed that Zeus personally created Datca due to its absolute perfection. And an ancient philosopher said, “God sent his beloved creatures to Datca so they would live longer.” And famous Turkish poet, Can Yucel wholeheartedly agreed and spent 30 years in Datca and said, “May Datca be my resting place.”
Datca is an unspoiled southwest seaside town on the Turkish Peninsula probably most have never heard of. However, exploring Datcha in Turkey should be put on this year’s travel radar. Foreign travelers tend to put Istanbul, Bodrum and Cappadocia on their Turkey itinerary, but now it’s time to spread horizons and venture to Datca. Dating back to 2000 BC, Datca is located where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet and today offers a place of endless natural beauty, historical, cultural, gastronomical and viticulture options among a peaceful setting full of coves, bays, and beaches.
Datca town consists of three parts: New Datca, Old Datca, and the coves sprinkling the Datca Peninsula. Getting to this off-the-beaten-path paradise takes some determination. The nearest major airport is about 2.5 hours away. Ferries go regularly from the trendier Turkish town of Bodrum to Datca taking about 1.5 hours. Either commute is a scenic adventure making it part of the overall journey. The winding panoramic roads overlooking the sea are breathtaking and being aboard a ship provides a more up close and personal vantage point of the turquoise and emerald colors of the Aegean while breathing in the fresh salt air from the sea.
Upon arrival at Datca, the new contemporary hotel, Palaia awaits the more adventurous luxury travelers looking for a refined experience where the old meets the new. Palaia sits just above the sea towards the end of the waterfront boardwalk called Sevgi Yolu which means ‘Love Path’. At the property’s edge is an historical site that once was the Temple of Apollo dating back to the 8th century. The hotel was constructed with preservation and sustainability in mind, while putting a contemporary spin on the traditional Datca architecture. The properties 43 accommodations are housed in a series of two-story buildings with stone masonry facades. The oversized interiors have all the creature comforts and some even have what every woman dreams about, a super huge walk-in closet.
At the hotel entrance, there is a contemporary fountain as a centerpiece that provides an immediate calming effect. Walking further, the large pool becomes a focal point centered between the dining area, the rooms and the sea. As guests meander the grounds, sculptures surprise along the pathways. There are also stone and recycled metal artworks within the lush gardens.
The Spa center, ready this season, offers relaxing body therapies and of course a traditional Turkish Bath. Music provides some audio therapy around the grounds. The gastronomy experience is a top highlight in Palaia not to be missed. The cuisine combines the rich culinary culture of Anatolia with global touches to the menu.
Artisan Mediterranean delicacies range from Garaville to Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, from Konger to Dallampa, from Stuffed Labada to Fried Fox with Herb. Local flavors like Nurlu, Ak, Cagla and Sira are incorporated as well. The indoor dining area with high ceilings and contemporary décor is a pretty place to eat. Alfresco dining on the open terrace overlooking both the pool and archaeological site adds another ambiance to the overall artistic gourmand experience.
After a hearty Turkish breakfast, guests can walk down Palaia’s private pier and beach for a swim or a stroll along Love Path. This path leads right into the center of New Datca where the waterfront is filled with a variety of home-grown, family-owned restaurants. Here visitors can dine at rustic wooden tables with their feet in the sand or toes in the water while savoring super fresh seafood dishes. For dessert, the local Datca ice cream made with goat’s milk is not to be missed. This treat is offered in a variety of flavors.
The region is also known for its almonds and is used for everything from oils to sweets. There is almond paste, almond cookies, almond desserts, almond candy and even almond coffee. Datca is also a world class producer of pine and thyme honey. When meandering around the side streets it’s easy to discover some of the local shops selling handicrafts and these popular food items. There is also a traditional market on Saturdays worth checking out.
Just a short 10-minute ride up the hillside is Old Datca. Here cobblestone streets are lined with historic stone houses accented with plenty of colorful bougainvillea. Many of the structures have now been repurposed as quaint cafes, bars, shops, and boutique hotels. It is always bustling, yet it’s a place to just stroll and get lost until you want to be found. Local handicrafts are almost everywhere here and it’s fun to select some souvenirs as keepsakes. Daytime is one quaint vibe and at night quite another when the strings of twinkling lights turn on at almost every establishment turning Old Datca into a fairy-tale land.
With Datca’s designation as a Special Environmental Protection Area, it’s 146 miles of coastline with over 50 coves remains in pristine condition. From swimming to surfing or sailing to snorkeling, there’s plenty of things to do in the water. Besides the sea, there is also Lake Ilica known to have special minerals and sulfurous spring water and mud that is believed to cure many skin diseases. There are also 154 species of wild orchids in Datca adding to the aromatic air already filled with thyme and almond scents. Datca also has the historic Kizlan Windmills. Visiting vineyards is another fun pastime for those wanting to taste a variety of the local wines.
And for history buffs, the Greek ruin at Knidos is a must. The site includes an amphitheater, a temple to the goddess of Aphrodite and a 4th century BC sundial. The 6o mile drive is scenic, along the backbone of the Datca Peninsula winding through gorges and forested hills. For a water trip, Symi is the closest Greek island about 50 minutes away. It offers a nice contrast to Datca’s rustic vibe with its neo-classical beauty.
Datca is a place that titillates all the senses from sight, to sound, taste and hearing. The local Datca motto is, “If you are in a hurry, what are you doing in Datca?” This truly reflects the calm, peaceful way of life in Datca. If you can handle that, then please come!
