Sedir Island, in the Gulf of Gokova, was the ancient Cedrai. Its old city walls, theater and temples can be visited by driving from Marmaris north to Gelibolu Bay and then crossing over by boat. This trip 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 Mt. Kiran mountainside. Restaurants built over bubbling, fresh-water streams that cascade 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.
The Datca Peninsula provides a natural boundary between the Gulf of Gokova in the Aegean Sea to the north, and the Gulf of Hisaronu in the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Along the 75 km from Marmaris to Datca, the road winds among trees and hills, opening onto lovely views over the blue expanse. Campers have many wonderful settings to choose from. Those who are less adventurous can stay in one of the many comfortable resort villages. The beautiful blue-flag Aktur beach is 25 km from Datca. In Datca white-washed buildings hung with bougainvillaea decorate the town. The marina is on the southern bay and swimmers prefer the northern bay. Around the marina bars, cafes and a wide selection of shops keep the tourist’s interest.
Some shops remain open well into the evening. Relaxing over a pre-dinner drink and then a delicious meal in a friendly restaurant is a popular way to spend the evening hours. Of course, the local eateries offer both fresh fish and classic Turkish cuisine. With any remaining energy, take a stroll and find a disco to your liking until the early morning. The Kormen Harbor, 10 km north of Datca 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 flays and golden sandy beaches. Kargi is one of the most popular.
At the end of the peninsula 38 km 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 harbors. The arcaded walkway was built of white marble in heart- shaped columns. Praxiteles’ legendary statue of Aphrodite, one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple.
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