The Bozburun peninsula is largely a conservation area, perfect for nature lovers and exploring uncrowded, pretty bays with crystal clear water and for enjoying stunning views (car essential!). You can see gulets being built in Bozburun, a lively harbour town.

We stayed in the traditional village of Bayir, known for its ancient plane tree, up in the hills above the coast. The hosts of our stone villa, set in a wild, organic garden overlooking a valley, were charming. Ayhan, the owner, an energetic and qualified archaeological guide can take you on hikes or tours around the region.

Follow signs to Bozburun from Marmaris, you will find other towns and villages (e.g.Turunc, Sogut and Bayir) signposted. The drive down to Turunc has beautiful views. Explore from there... The Chalet Vista in Bayir can be booked through the owner, Ayhan, directly: ayhansengurel@mynet.com (or the villarenters website, which has photos).

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Cnidus is a ruined Ottoman city at the western end of the Datça peninsular and is the reward for a long scenic walk from Datça harbour to the western tip of the peninsula.

Views from here stretch towards the clear blue mediterranean
to the east and to the Greek island of Kos in the west.

Cnidus is a good hours walk from Datça harbour and is worth combining with a rest in the beautiful village of Palamut.

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The time-preserved hamlet of Datça is truly special as life goes on here as it has for centuries.

Beautifully restored honey-coloured limetstone houses built by the Greeks hide behind high garden walls. This is real Turkey and may it stay untouched by tourism for a long time to come.

An inconspicious route winds up the mountain from Datça harbour to the inland hamlet.

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Fortunately, Datça is as yet unspoiled by mass tourism. The people are really relaxed, friendly and hospitable which creates a great atmosphere.

Take a yacht along the Datça peninsula to find your own undiscovered beaches.

In the summer regular ferries depart from Kormen (9km to the north of Datça) to Bodrum.

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Marmaris Old Town is the true Turkish side of the resort with its twisting streets leading to traditional restaurants, bazaars and mosques.

There are great Ottoman buildings to the seen such as the Caravanserai inn and the castle of Suleyman which has a thorough collection of Ottoman archeological findings. This is the part of Marmaris which the tourists don't find, so thankfully it remains peaceful.

Just follow the streets leading up to the hills above Suleyman castle and loose yourself.

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