The beauty of Gökova Bays lies to our astern and we cruise towards Knidos, an ancient city located on the furthest point of the Datça headland. I love the turquise color of the sea off Datça, it is a deep, fresh blue, extremely clear. When we had a sailboat I used to slow the boat down to three knots, lower the ladder, hold it and then get into the water and watch the gorgeous color of the sea.
(color of the sea)
Knidos is a delight to visit. Be careful though, for staying the night at anchor is tricky and can be dangerous. The sea bottom is soft sand and the hills around Knidos produce strong and unexpected whirlwinds anytime but especially after midnight. The safest method to stay is to approach stern to or lie alongside the wooden basic pier managed by the local restaurant. If not, stay at anchor in deep water. Stern to mooring to the shore (not to the pier but to rocks) is not recommended in Knidos because if you drag anchor then you can not easily move away. Also there is a sunken pier at the entrance so you need to keep close to the mainland.
In Knidos I love waking up early and climbing up the hills, watching the sunrise and taking photos. The people who had lived in ancient Knidos had been priviliged people. It is so beautiful here. Datça peninsula has a wild, unspoilt nature. Just, lovely !!!
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| Sunrise over Knidos |
The hills provide a good chance for a workout so do not forget to bring your hiking shoes. You can walk for several hours on the terrain and get very nice views and photographs. There are some paths but also get ready to walk among the bushes.
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| To the left is the shallow small port, not suitable for cruising vessels |
The archeological ruins of the city of Knidos is visible in the photograph above. You need to buy a ticket and then can continue towards the archeological area which is immediately behind the restaurant.
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| It is a nice 30m walk to the lighthouse |
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| Better to tie to the dock then stay at anchor |
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| View from the sea |
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