The waters of Hisaronu Gulf gently touch the stunning shores that reflect the heritage of both ancient and contemporary cultures. At the extremity of the Datca Peninsula lies the historic Carian city of Knidos, which Strabo characterized as “a city constructed for the most beautiful goddess, Aphrodite, on the most stunning peninsula.” Renowned as a hub of art and culture in the fourth century B.C., the city featured two ports: one on the Aegean Sea and the other on the Mediterranean. The remnants of a round temple devoted to the goddess of love gaze down on the ruins of the two harbors; the arcade path was constructed with white marble columns in the shape of hearts. The renowned statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles, regarded as one of the finest sculptures from ancient times, once adorned this temple.
The town of Datca has emerged as a favored stop for Yachtsmen, featuring numerous vibrant seafood restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Nestled in the Gulf of Hisaronu is the tranquil Keci Buku Bay; the Bay Marina boasts abundant natural beauty, featuring the nearby mountains and forests, along with the extensive “Kizkumu” (submerged ‘pier’), a natural sand structure. Departing from the Gulf of Hisaronu: tucked within its private cove is the town of Bozburun, renowned as one of Turkey’s Gulet Building hubs. Loryma, located at the end of the Bozburun Peninsula, where the remnants of the ancient harbor and castle exist, is accessible only by boat. Kumlubuk, a turquoise haven, is situated on the southern shore of the bay; on the northern side, overlooking the water, is the historic Rhodian city of Amos. In Turunc, a natural harbor extends into a vast area of stunning blue waters.