Discover Datça: architecture, market and almond cuisine

Which of these aspects is important to your travel plans can help structure your search for a place to stay in Datça.

New Datça and Sevgi Yolu

New Datça on the southern coast is the main settlement. The Sevgi Yolu waterfront promenade is in New Datça.

The small freshwater lake Ilıca is also located right in the middle of Sevgi Yolu. It is known as the “Byzantine Pool”; fish live in the water, and ducks can be found by the lake. The water is believed to have healing properties. This makes Ilıca one of the distinctive local features you can add to your list of places to explore during a stay in New Datça.

Architecture and culture in Eski Datça

Traditional architecture has largely been preserved in Eski Datça. Many historic buildings are now used as cafés, art studios, boutiques and guesthouses. This means you will encounter both historic buildings and a variety of contemporary uses in the neighborhood. If architecture and culture are priorities in your travel plans, Eski Datça is a distinct focus within the destination.

Another cultural point of interest for visitors is the house where the poet Can Yücel spent the final years of his life. It adds a specific connection to Datça’s literary history to an architectural walk. Together, the preserved buildings and this cultural site give your selection a different emphasis from waterfront life in New Datça.

Market, almond cuisine and crafts

Datça’s culinary identity is associated with the “Three Bs”: honey, almonds and fish. A significant portion of the almond production is exported. Local desserts include Damat Tatlısı, a baklava-like specialty made with plenty of almonds and pure olive oil. These three foods and this dessert offer specific starting points if you would like to get to know the regional cuisine.

The traditional market takes place every Saturday in the town center. Fresh fruit and vegetables from the Datça Peninsula and surrounding area are sold there. As the schedule may change, check the market day before your trip. Silk workshops are another way to discover local crafts: visitors can tour them and buy silk products made there.

Regional landscape and seasonal events

The wider district also offers cultural and landscape attractions: 240 kilometers of the ancient Carian Way run through Datça district. Cultural and natural monuments can be visited along its trekking routes. The region thus complements the local architecture and cultural attractions with trails where both types of monuments are part of the sightseeing options.

Datça’s Almond Blossom Festival is associated with the almond blossoms in January and February. The exact timing of the bloom can vary from year to year. No specific date for the festival is established, so take this seasonal variation into account when planning.

The 21st International Datça Open-Water Winter Swimming Marathon is scheduled for January 16, 2027, at Taşlık Beach in Datça, from 09:00 to 23:00. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the announcement before departure. This gives you different reference points when choosing your travel dates: the seasonal almond blossom and a swimming event announced for a specific day.

Discover more destinations: Turunç, Çamlıköy, Yalıkavak, Kızılağaç, Ören Belediyesi, Karaçulha, Orhaniye Köyü, Ortakentyahşi

See the broader travel overview: Mugla.