LOCATION

The Datca Peninsula

The untouched coast, off the main tourist routes, Datca appears to be more like an oasis; a beautiful, quiet haven to peace and tranquility. One of Turkey 's most unspoilt spots, boasting lovely vistas, rich flora, fresh air and crystal clean waters. Those who enjoy exploring and hiking will be surprised by the variety of nature and richness of the beautiful undiscovered place of the Datca Peninsula . This virtual island remains a wild and heavily wooded frontier region, famous for its three Turkish B's: Balik, Bal and Badem; fish, honey and almonds. Datca is a small town of around five thousand there is a lively harbour set in stunning scenery whose relaxed happy atmosphere will captivate you immediately. The entire region is a combination of traditional Turkish friendliness and hospitality, tranquility, sophistication and good fun. You can choose to seek any or all of these qualities as the mood takes. Discover the real Turkey , unspoilt and away from the crowds.

Ovabuku, Hayitbuku and Kizilbuk

Close to the Villa are; Ovabuku, Hayitbuku and Kizilbuk, three bays which lie next to each other like a precious pearl in the neck of the peninsula. Ovabuku is found by descending the pine tree mountains past the tiny village of Mesudiye. There are dramatic and panoramic views of the Aegean sea on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. This creates the wonderful micro climate of the region. Pine forests are intermingled with oak, myrtle, gum and carob trees. Almond trees, olive and citrus groves, grape vines and all manner of herbaceous plants are there to be discovered as you explore the mountains and valley.

Ovabuku is set in a beautiful bay with no distractions apart from the sounds of gentle waves and the charming bird songs. Hayitbuku with its wonderful beach is also a hidden treasure and those lucky enough to discover it and the stunning bay of Kizilbuk completes this wonderful location. Palamut Buku lies about 5km further west and has one of the longest beaches in the area and another 5km takes you to Knidos. In between you will find the countless exquisite bays and pristine beaches, some only accessible by boat and forest paths, which we beleive are the most beautiful in the whole of Turkey.

Knidos

The region is particularly historically rich as it was one of the most important commercial and cultural centers throughout the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean from the times of Ancient Greece through to the Byzantine period. The ancient side at Knidos was the centre of all this activity. This is the only place in the world where you can watch the sun rise from one cove and then set from another while sipping a relaxing glass of wine. About an hours drive from Datca town through beautiful forest scenery or by a boat trip interrupted by swimming stops in pristine bays along the way. Knidos has many other spectacular ancient ruins and is slowly being excavated and will soon rival Ephesus and Aphrodisias.

HOW TO GET HERE

Flights

The closest arrival airports to Datca are: Dalaman (165 km) and Milas, Bodrum (185 km). Flight time from London is approximately four hours. Charter flights are by far the most popular way of getting to Turkey. They operate nonstop to Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir from a range of UK airports. Book through Thomas Cook (www.flythomascook.com), British Airways (0870 850 9850, www.ba.com). Travel Republic (0845 612 1747, www.travelrepublic.co.uk), Charter Flight Centre (0845 045 0153, www.charterflights.co.uk), or Avro (0870 458 2841, www.avro.co.uk). In Ireland, Sunway (01 288 6828, www.sunway.ie) has seat-only fares from Dublin to Izmir.

Transfers & Car Hire

From the airport you can take a taxi or bus to Datca via Marmaris. Datca is about two and a half hours drive from Dalaman and Bodrum airports. From May to October there is a daily ferry service from Bodrum to Datca, Kormen. The Ferry takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes or by Hydrofoil 30 minutes to Ovabuku. To hire a car try: Sixt (0870 156 7567, www.e-sixt.co.uk) available from the main airports. Alternatively try Budget (0870 153 9170, www.budget.co.uk) or Avis (0870 010 0287, www.avis.co.uk).

Directions

If driving follow signs for Marmaris then Datca. As you reach the outskirts of Datca you will see a sign post for Knidos. Turn right here and follow this road taking the left turn when you see a sign post for Mesudiye pointing to the left and feribot to the right. Continue straight on this road until you see the first sign for Mesudiye but do not turn left here but continue on. After approxımately 5 minutes you will see another sign for Mesudiye to the left and Knidos straight on. Take the sharp left turn here towards Mesudiye. You will now start to descend continue for around 2 minutes when again you wıll see the road split goıng to the left and also turn sharply to the right, continue round to the right and the first house you see on your right is Villa Olive Garden.

We are happy to arrange airport transfers, day trips, guided walks, sailing trips, diving courses or the hiring of cars, motorbikes or mountain bikes.