BODRUM – MARMARIS
The Hisaranu Gulf
The itinerary from Bodrum to Marmaris mixes history, archaeology and local village life with some wonderful idyllic bays. If you extend a week in the Gokova Gulf into this area for a second week, you will have a wonderful two weeks of contrasting scenes. If you choose to make it a one week itinerary starting and finishing at Bodrum, you would cruise or sail direct to Knidos on your first day.
Knidos is located at the isolated end of the Dorian promontory – a dramatic setting. From the excavated ruins of this ancient city it is possible to visualise the overall city plan and it is well worth spending time to climb up to the top layer of the several temples, to the site where the statue of Aphrodite stood. The views are marvellous in all directions. The city walls, the small theatre by the harbour, the agora, the large theatre overlooking the present natural harbour and the acropolis are easily identified. There are some fine examples of mosaic flooring, a sun dial and much more if you really explore the site. As a team of archaeologists are continually working here there is always something new to see.
Leaving Knidos, you could travel in a number of directions to explore this area. Along the coast to Datca there are a couple of moorings. Datca itself is a modern, small town and harbour. Good for topping up supplies, a bit of shopping and noisy bars in the evening if you want some nightlife. On into the Hisaranu gulf at the southeastern end of the Dorian Promontory it is wild and beautiful. Pine clad hills hugging the coastline like the shores of Gokova. There are some lovely bays to stop overnight – Bencik, the idyllic Hisaranu Islands, one with the remains of a Byzantine church, Orhaniye (surrounded by high mountains) and tucked away in a concealed natural harbour. On further round this gulf is the remote village of Selimiye. A charming village with a few small restaurants and one or two bars. Bozborun is a small village, once home to sponge diving and now catering to yachts and boats.
A few shops and restaurants makes this a good night stop. Leaving the gulf area and heading around the Loryma Peninsula you have a choice of two moorings. Both are natural harbours – Bozzukkale with the remains of fortifications on the cliffs and Serce. A dirt track has recently been turned into a road from a mountain village down to the family who run a restaurant in this bay. Good for a walk up the valley if you want to stretch your legs. Serce and Bozzukkale are also both good for snorkelling for octopus. From here you can return to Bodrum, the most popular choice or continue along the coast to finish at Marmaris, a very busy large resort with harbour, marinas and endless shopping in the covered bazaar area.
This itinerary can also be reversed to start at Marmaris and finish at Bodrum, or you could simply start and finish at Bodrum which provides the shortest airport transfers.
