THE BOZBURUN AND THE DATÇA PENINSULAS – OUR REGION
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. The Carian Trail passes through our Loryma Resort, on the section
Içmeler–Turunç–Amos.
www.cariantrail.com
TURUNÇ (1 KM) - AMOS (5 KM) - KUMLUBÜK (7 KM)
Turunç is located 20 km west of Marmaris on the southern coast of the Bozburun Peninsula. “Turunç” names the
orange colour and signifies also the bitter orange fruit. Our village has approx. 2.000 inhabitants and is part of the
chapter Marmaris within the province of Muğla. From the hills above the bay of Turunç (and also from Loryma
Resort’s setting) the view opens to the breathtaking panorama of the rugged coastal landscape up to the Taurus
Mountains in the east. The green hinterland is hilly and mountainous and is surmounted by the 920 m high
Palamut Mountain, the highest peak of Bozburun Peninsula. The indigenous population of Turunç derives from
nomads who moved from the Taurus to the west and settled late in the shores. Today tourism determines the life
of the locals. Turunç’s narrow beach embraces the bay lengthwise. From the harbour there are regular boat
connections to Marmaris and neighbouring bays Amos and Kumlubük available. The small bay of Amos is famous
for its crystal clear water (aquarium bay). On the headland that separates Amos from Kumlubük lays the ancient
city of Amos. Parts of the city walls, a temple and the amphitheatre are still clearly visible. A walk over the
headland is rewarded with wonderful views of the dark blue Aegean Sea. The bay of Kumlubük is large and mostly
sandy, a good place to go for a day at the beach.
http://marmaristurizm.net/contents/city/677/turunc
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OSMANIYE - THE HINTERLAND OF THE BOZBURUN PENINSULA (10 KM)
In the highlands of the Bozburun Peninsula a set of hamlets form Osmaniye. Even today many of the villagers
are still self-sufficient collecting herbs, forest fruits and herding goats. Beside pines, sandal, the rare incense
tree and eucalyptus belong to the native reserves. Terraced slopes are mostly covered with olive trees. The
villagers of Osmaniye succeeded at beekeeping with pine honey becoming nationally well-known for its high
quality. In order to support the bee keeping the Marmaris “Honey House” initiative was launched on the way
to Bayır and is well worth a visit.
http://marmaristurizm.net//contents/city/700/villages/713/osmaniye
BAYIR (18 KM) - ÇIFTLIK (28 KM)
Bayir Köy is central within the Bozburun Peninsula and is located in a terraced caldera. The centre of the
village is dominated by a huge, several hundred years old plane tree (lucky charm), a perfect place for a tea
break. In Bayır the road forks off. The left hand road leads to Çiftlik Bay and further south to Taşlıca, Söğüt
and Bozburun. The right hand road leads towards the northwest coast in direction to Selimiye with a direct
connection to Bozburun or towards the north to Turgut, Orhaniye and Hisaronü bays ending up at the
junction to the main road to Datça. Driving down to the bay of Çiftlik the views are breathtaking. Many
tourists pass by Çiftlik bay with daily boat trips coming from Marmaris. Therefore it is a good advice to reach
Çiftlik bay in the morning for a nice swim. http://marmaristurizm.net//contents/city/700/villages/712/bayir
TAŞLICA (35 KM) - SERÇE LIMAN (45 KM) - BOZUKKALE „LORYMA“
Over the old road from Bayir to the south you will reach the secluded village of Taşlıca which is situated
above the tree line, as well as the important city of Phoenix dating from the Carian time. The road leading
from Taşlıca to the south passes by the cisterns of Kırkkuyular and ends up at the narrow bay of Serçe Liman.
From here one can reach Bozukkale (the site of the ancient fortress Loryma) either by boat or over the rough
path of the Carian Trail. The entrance to the Loryma bay is dominated by a solid mighty fortress in pristine
condition with huge stone walls.
http://marmaristurizm.net//contents/city/700/villages/711/taslica
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SÖGÜT (30 KM)
With fantastic views over the Aegean, Söğüt is in the Gulf of Bozburun one of the coastal villages, which is
steadily developing. In the distance the silhouette of the Greek island of Symi is visible. Here are the best
fishing grounds. Local families have found their own brand with exquisite seafood restaurants and small inns.
Not only can you enjoy the fresh fish, but also the serenity and calmness of the Mediterranean.
http://marmaristurizm.net//contents/city/700/villages/710/sogut
BOZBURUN (37 KM)
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.
http://marmaristurizm.net/contents/city/689/bozburun
SELIMIYE (28 KM)
The picturesque village of Selimiye is located on the Northern and shorter road connection leading from Bayır
to Bozburun. Whilst the local men are occupied with fishing, the women continue to collect herbs and take
care of the profitable almond crop. The village follows the coastline with a colourful mix of lively seafood
restaurants, guest houses, summer residences and the houses and gardens of the local families. The quiet
coastal waters are crystal clear and perfect for swimming. Selimiye is the starting point for boat trips within
the Gulf of Hisarönü in direction of Turgut and Orhaniye, passing by the Kameriye Island with its ancient ruins
of a Byzantine monastery.
http://marmaristurizm.net//contents/city/700/villages/709/selimiye
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TURGUT ŞELALE (27 KM) - ORHANIYE (31 KM) - HISARONÜ (40 km)
Following the road from Bayır to the north one passes through a wooded area towards the Gulf of Hisarönü.
En route there is the species-rich habitat Şelale near the hidden village of Turgut with a dense forest of
incense trees. Here the ice-cold mountain water rushes down and pours into deep basins shaped by nature. A
quick dip in the crystal clear and icy water is a cool tip for hot summer days before continuing on to Orhaniye,
a completely closed, two-part bay. Beside the idyllic location, features a red sandbank on which one can
traverse the entire bay (the legend of the Kizkumu – virgin sands). Outside of Orhaniye is the Martı Marina,
after Marmaris the largest port of call for sailors. During the day Kizkumu beach is often crowded, hence the
late afternoon is better suited for a short visit. The calm village of Hisaronü is located at the Gulf with a
beautiful sandy beach and a very nice marina. There are many summer residences and boutique hotels. The
hilltop of the castle ruins is a place to enjoy a wonderful view over the gulf and bay and the nearby ruins of
the Carian "Kastabos" are worth a visit. http://marmaristurizm.net//contents/city/700/villages/708/turgut
DATÇA (80 KM) KNIDOS (110 KM) PALAMUTBÜKÜ (102 KM)
A full-day trip option could include a trip across the narrow Datca Peninsula to its western most point Knidos.
Leaving Loryma Resort, the shortest connection to reach the National Road from Marmaris to Datça, passes by
Içmeler via Asparan and Degirmenyani. The curvy but spectacular road runs mostly on the ridge and offers a
fantastic view often simultaneously to the north over the vast Gulf of Gökova and south over the idyllic Gulf of
Hisarönü with the coast of the Bozburun Peninsula and the Greek island of Symi in distance. Approximately 35
km west of Datca is located the ancient city of Knidos, which was economically and culturally important in
ancient times. The fantastic location of the double Bay of Knidos and the results of extensive archeological
excavations are worth seeing. Knidos and the opposite Greek island of Kos are famous for the schools of
Medicine of Hippocrates, the founder of scientific medicine. Round off your trip with a beach stay in
Palamutbükü on the south coast. Along the beach promenade there are many restaurants which offer fresh
fish. One sits comfortably in the shade of large eucalyptus trees right on the beach. On the way back one can
have a short walk through the quaint little port town of Datça and the “Eski Datça" Old Datça setting, situated
on the hill about 3 km inland. Today the traditional stone houses are restored and partly inhabitated again.
http://www.datcainfo.com/welcome.html und https://goturkey.com/en/place/detail/datca
KM details are counted from Loryma Resort. On the Carian Trail the distances are longer
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