MARMARIS
Situated
on a bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains, Marmaris is one of the
most attractive maritime parklands, for all water sports and sailing. It
makes an excellent starting point for the "Blue Voyage" tour of the Aegean
coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity
to meet the yachts' captains and crews. With plenty of provisions aboard
you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular
beauty of southern Turkey. In Marmaris, sample the typical Turkish cuisine
in one of the marina restaurants and drink raki, anisette, the traditional
Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water. Later stroll along the brightly
lit and palm-lined promenade and indulge yourself at one of the ice cream
vendors. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar or dancing until dawn
at a sophisticated disco can end a perfect day. There are many good buys
in Marmaris boutiques, colorful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent
leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery and objects carved
of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted
souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey called Cambali is
superb. Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt
trade route. In the 16th century Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel
built on a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today Swimmers
should not miss Ataturk Park, to the east of Marmaris, where a shallow
beach, extending to the bay leads to safe waters. The clear sea is warm
enough for swimming from early May until late September. Marmaris also
has horseback riding and tennis centers for the sports enthusiast. 
This
is one of the few places in the world where you can delight in the heady
aroma of the frankincense tree. Weekly ferry lines run between Marmaris
and Venice during the summer season. Near Marmaris at lcmeler, the hazy
mountains of the interior slope down to sandy beaches. Under blue skies,
the clear sea is ideal for all types of water sports. Many find this area
so irresistible that they stay longer than originally planned. And there
are some excellent accommodations here, in which you can prolong your contact
with nature. As you drive down from the high mountains into the village
of Turunc, the scene opens out onto the spectacular blue waters beyond
the natural harbor. The village itself is small and scattered around the
bay Most of the restaurants border the beach. A few bars and restaurants
farther back from the water's edge offer fresh fish and superb views. Kumlubuk,
a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay On the northern
side, above the water, stands the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. Loryma,
at the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, where the ruins of the ancient harbor
and castle remain, can only be reached by boat. Natural quiet bays and
scattered islands punctuate the northern shore of the peninsula, ideal
for those who want to get away from it all. Sedir Island, in the Gulf of
Gokova, is the ancient Cedrai. Its old city walls, theater and temples
can be visited by driving from Marmaris north to Gelibolu Bay and then
crossing by boat. This voyage also offers an unforgettable panoramic view
of the mountain scenery across the bay At the head of the gulf is the village
of Gokova whose houses seem to cascade down the Mountainside. Restaurants
built over bubbling, fresh water streams that fall from the highlands create
an unforgettable setting. The towering pines and cooling breezes of Gokova
Park are often a welcome respite from the hot sun.
DATÇA
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.
