Datca Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The journey to Datca is part of its charm, with the nearest major airport located in Dalaman, approximately 155 km away (about 3 hours by road). Regular bus services connect Datca to larger cities like Marmaris (70 km) and Bodrum (145 km), with the winding coastal road offering spectacular views. During peak season, minibus shuttles run between the town center and the ferry terminal. If driving, several public parking areas are available near the port, though arriving early is recommended during summer months as spaces fill quickly. The peninsula's relative isolation has helped preserve its natural beauty and is well worth the journey.

Nestled on a narrow peninsula where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas embrace, Datca offers an unspoiled Turkish paradise away from mass tourism. This charming port town combines crystalline waters, rugged landscapes, and authentic local culture to create a truly distinctive maritime experience. As a key ferry hub connecting mainland Turkey with nearby Greek islands, Datca serves as both a tranquil retreat and a gateway to further Aegean adventures.

Datca enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The ideal time to visit is between May and October when temperatures range pleasantly from 25-35°C and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August bring the warmest weather but also larger crowds, while June and September offer the perfect balance of warm conditions and more space to breathe. The annual Datca Almond Blossom Festival in February transforms the peninsula into a fragrant wonderland, offering a unique off-season experience. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with more connections to Greek islands like Rhodes and Symi.

Datca serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the stunning Aegean archipelago. The Greek island of Rhodes is just a 90-minute ferry ride away, offering medieval architecture and vibrant nightlife. Closer still is the picturesque island of Symi, reachable in under an hour, with its neoclassical harbor houses painted in pastel colors. The small Greek island of Tilos can be accessed in approximately 75 minutes, providing a tranquil escape with untouched beaches and wildlife sanctuaries. For those seeking Turkish destinations, regular ferries connect to Bodrum in about 2 hours, making Datca an ideal stop on a broader Aegean coastal journey.

The ancient ruins of Knidos sit at the peninsula's tip, where remarkable Hellenic temples and a perfectly preserved amphitheater overlook the point where the two seas meet. Datca's pristine beaches range from the popular Kumluk Beach near the town center to hidden coves like Ovabükü and Hayıtbükü that require a short drive but reward visitors with crystal-clear waters. The town's authentic harbor restaurants serve freshly-caught fish and meze platters drizzled with locally-produced almond oil, a regional specialty. Wander through the old town (Eski Datça) with its stone houses and bougainvillea-draped streets to experience traditional peninsula life, stopping at artisan shops selling handmade crafts and the famous local honey.

The ancient physician Hippocrates allegedly claimed that Datca's peninsula had the ideal climate for human health, recommending it to patients seeking longevity – a belief that continues among locals who enjoy remarkable lifespans. The area produces some of Turkey's finest almonds and honey, with beekeeping traditions dating back thousands of years and distinctive pine honey that carries a unique resinous flavor. The peninsula was once known as 'Reşadiye' until 1927, when it received its current name. The waters surrounding Datca host numerous shipwrecks dating from ancient times through the Byzantine era, making it a treasure trove for underwater archaeology enthusiasts.