In the west of the Gulf of Marmaris, the hilly and verdant Bozburun Peninsula and long, narrow Datça Peninsula draw out into the Aegean Sea. Here, where the Aegean and the South Mediterranean meet, together with the Greek islands of Rhodes and Symi, emerges a unique paradise for nature lovers away from mass tourism. Over time the sea has formed numerous rocky fjord-like bays with calm coastal waters, a paradise for swimmers, divers and sailors to discover. Historically our region is part of Caria, an area that has been inhabited for thousands of years. Today this beautiful region can be rediscovered by the well signed 820 km Carian Trail. Our Bozburun Peninsula – with its antique name „Loryma Peninsula“ – is a centrepiece within the Carian Trail, offering wonderful hikes in fantastic natural surroundings. In recent years a number of institutions such as WWF and the development projects of the United Nations have joined efforts to classify our forests as “hot spot” and protected area due to the high level of biodiversity.
Bozburun is the largest place in the south with a well-developed port. Here the “Gulet” wooden boats are built, which are used for the legendary "Blue Voyage" along the coast between Bodrum and Fethiye. In the center there are some nice souvenir shops and shaded Turkish coffee houses. Around the rugged bay guesthouses and small hotels have settled. They are mostly catered by boat. The harbor promenade with restaurants and bars and the adjoining beach invite the visitor to pass some time. Besides the lively sailing tourism domestic tourism is predominant.
Reaching out from a forested coastline towards the nearby Aegean islands of Symi, Tilos and Rhodes, the Bozburun Peninsula is one of the most peaceful and picturesque corners of southwest Turkey.
Azure bays and sheltered coves, woodland, olive groves and mountains set the scene for a holiday fragranced with fields of lavender and wild thyme. Centered around the seaside town of Bozburun itself, famous for boat building, this discretely luxurious destination is a protected conservation area, made for leisurely boat trips, sea-view restaurants and walks along the cliff tops.
Stretching ever westwards, the Bozburun and Datça Peninsulas are elegant slithers of rich, fertile land – fingers reaching out towards the Greek island of Symi, which floats upon the mingling waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
The more southerly, Bozburun, is the wilder of the two. An enchanted, tranquil, seemingly forgotten land, where white sails dot azure bays and secluded villages can be reached only by boat, and ancient tracks, a thousand years in the making, continue to carry captivated visitors through timeless vistas and into undiscovered pasts.
Their land almost entirely wrapped in coastline, the Turks of the peninsula have forever turned to the sea as their richest bounty. Fishing and sponge diving are the mainstays of activity here – along with the timeless craft of building the little wooden schooners, called gulets, which pepper the bays at dusk as fishermen return with their catch.
Ancient traditions thrive inland, too, where olive oil and almonds are harvested from groves that have been generous in giving for thousands of years. Distinctive blue beehives can often be found here too, scattered across the landscape – once brightly colored beacons, now bleached pale in the hot sun.
The very best of this protected area of outstanding natural beauty is discovered on foot. Happily, the peninsula is home – in part, at least – to the Carian Trail, a network of ancient shepherd’s trails and goat tracks to wend the wide-eyed explorer through 500 miles of unspoilt Anatolian history.
This is the real Turkey. The hidden side of the hill far beyond the tourist traps, where headlands covered in carob trees plunge to immaculate bays, and the remains of ancient oil presses lie among oleanders and rock roses, patiently awaiting rediscovery.
Life on the Bozburun Peninsula ticks along at its own pace, unconcerned with – unaware of even – the more hectic ways encountered beyond the headlands.
Cove after cove uncovers a traditional village interrupting a breathtaking natural shoreline, arguably the most picturesque and unspoilt being the tiny fishing village of Söğüt. Here, effortless, authentic charm offers the ultimate antidote to the daily grind – an experience echoed in Hisarönü, a little farther to the north.
But explore. Discover the less obvious villages and more personal eateries off the beaten track. And do so knowing you’ll be afforded front-row seats with unrivalled views wherever you choose to dine.
REASONS TO VISIT
Horse Riding Safari
A Great Windsurfing spot
Ancient city of Bybassos
Spectacular Coves & Bays / Mooring Areas
Nature Parks and Forest Camp Areas