The Most Beautiful Bays of Datca

September 28, 2024
Mugla, Turkey
2 mins read

Hayitbuku

Hayitbuku is probably the smallest of the bays I’ll be writing about, but it’s one of the most popular due to its mix of sandy and pebbly beach. There are cafes and sun loungers on the beach. Since the water is shallow at the shore, it’s ideal for families with children, which also contributes to its popularity. For accommodation, there are options like wooden houses, bungalows, or guesthouses. Right next to Hayıtbuku are Kızılbuk and Gabaklar Bay. We visited these areas as well but didn’t swim there. We went as guests to one of the businesses in Kızılbuk because a friend of someone we know from Datca runs it. Most businesses in Kızılbük are located on the hill, offering beautiful views.

Ovabuku

Ovabuku is a bit further down from Hayitbuku. It has a larger beach, with a mix of pebbles in the sea and a sand-pebble mix on the shore. The sea deepens quickly and can be wavy at times. While there are sun loungers, they don’t take over the entire beach, so if you prefer, you can find a shaded spot and set up there. This is one of the calmest and most peaceful bays I’ve found. There are cafes, but because the beach is so wide, there are also areas without any businesses. Like in Hayitbuku, there are guesthouses for accommodation. The paths leading to the beach, if you walk, are very pleasant with tree-lined areas.

We once visited in March when the nature was just awakening, and the shades of greens and blooming flowers were so beautiful that I had felt in complete peace. Another advantage was no crowd around, only the locals, which makes your experience even more peaceful.

Palamutbuku

Palamutbuku is the furthest from the center and the most developed in terms of accommodation and businesses. Naturally, this makes it one of the busiest spots. Almost the entire beach is filled with sun loungers. The sea here also deepens quickly, and while not as much as Ovabuku, there are still some pebbly areas. I visited once for a day and didn’t feel the need to return.

Gerence (Acquarium) Bay

This was one of the beaches we stopped to check out on the way from Ovabuku to Palamutbuku. The sea looked stunning and very peaceful. It’s one of those places you need a car to reach, as there are no hotels opr such nearby.