Bozburun, a small seaside village with a pretty, natural harbour, is popular with yachtsmen. The village is known for gulet (a traditional Turkish wooden schooner) building, fishing, sponge diving and its thyme honey, which is famous across Turkey.
Located midway between Turunç and Kumlubük, is the Ancient City of Amos. There are the fairly well-preserved remains of an amphitheatre and remnants of towers, outer ramparts and the town defensive walls. The settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period. Well worth a visit for the spectacular views.
92% of the world’s pine honey is produced in the Aegean region of Turkey and 30% of that is produced in this area. Located in Osmaniye is the Marmaris Bal Evi (Marmaris Honey House) created to tell the story of local honey production over the centuries. There are numerous beekeeping exhibits including viewing panels into live hives. A range of honey and bee products are on sale. There is no entrance fee, the aim being to educate and spread the word.
Bayir village is famous for its historical plane tree, the Ancient City of Syrna remnants and its mosque. According to legend, if you walk around the 2300-year old plane tree, it prolongs life. Just behind the plane tree, which is located in the village tea garden, is the Eski Yağhane (Old Olive Oil House). Where the mosque is now, it is believed that there was a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the God of Health. The Acropolis of Syrna is located two kilometres to the north east of the village. The Acropolis, some parts of the city walls, lids of stone tombs and the remains of buildings can be seen after travelling along the ancient stone-paved road that is still in use and climbing the hill for about half an hour.
The quiet village of Söğüt is spread out over two bays and is famous for its spectacular sunsets. There are many seaside restaurants with jetties for swimming and sunbathing that look out across the sea to the Greek island of Symi.
Selimiye has become one of the most popular places on the peninsula in the last couple of years and can become very crowded in summer. The village is one of the stopping points of blue cruise boats that travel between Bodrum and Marmaris. Selimiye is very green, the sea is crystal clear and calm but there is not much of a beach. There is a boardwalk perfect for enjoying a seaside stroll passing waterside restaurants and a range of eclectic shops.
The history of Selimiye dates back many hundreds of years. Its ancient name was Hydas, a Carian town. It was then called Losta until the final stages of the Ottoman Empire, before being re-named “Selimiye” during the 1890-91 nationalist movement. Another name used for the village is Kızılköy (Red Village), given because of the colours of the sunset.
The village is best known for its carpet weavers and waterfall. The waterfall is not the highest, but it is pretty and provides a cooling stop-off on your travels. The area around the waterfall is lush with trees like Turkish sweet gum, pine, and plane.
At the carpet weavers you can see local ladies making carpets and kilims, learn how the wool and silk is spun and coloured with natural dyes using plants etc. The Turgut Carpet Weavers Association has a large collection of carpets and kilims produced by villagers all over turkey. Each carpet is unique as its patterns denote the area it’s from and the symbols and motifs tell a story.
The remains of the Ancient City of Knidos are among the most picturesque historic attractions in the Aegean region. Located at the end of the Datça Peninsula, dating back to 13th century BC, Knidos is located on the border of the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Knidos used to be a most advanced city in terms of science, architecture and arts. The famous astrologist and mathematician Eudoxus, the physician Euryphon, the famed artist Polygnotus and Sostratus who built the Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world – all lived here. Knidos is the site of the Temple of Aphrodite, which housed a beautiful statue of the goddess. It features excellent examples of Carian architecture in an unspoilt archaeological site. One of the significant ruins is the Hellenistic amphitheatre that was built with a panoramic view out over the sea. The largest is a 6km long necropolis, and there are temples, an altar, agora and churches to see.
