Marmaris – Hisaronu Gulf – Marmaris Route

Kumlubuk is famous for its beautiful beaches that you could spare one of your evenings or mornings to walk to the ancient city of Amos, which is half an hour on foot from Kumlubuk. Amos was one of the most important ancient cities of its time, though today little remains. On the narrow and long flat space on the hill top above the gravel beach between Hisar Burnu (Fortress Point) and Kumubuk, you will see the theatre and the cith walls. The necropolis of the ancient city is leaning on the hillside above the small cove to the North. However, you will be more impressed by the stunning view below you rather than the ruins.

Kadirga

The Kadirga Cove, which is right before Kadirga point and on which there is a white lighthouse and the house of the keper, is another stopping plaxe. Boats coming from Marmaris take a swimming break in here.

Serce

Along the peninsula, and heading to the south-east, lies the bay of Serce – a large bay hidden behind steep cliffs. It was here that George Bass discovered a shipwreck, and its artifacts are now on display at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, in Bodrum Castle.

Bozukkale (Loryma)

Bozukkale or the ruins of the ancient city of Loryma, which are among the poplar stopping points for the boats/yachts/gulets running from Marmaris to Gulf of Hisaronu. The gulf of Bozukkale, which is sheltered against the wind, is one of the most important spot of the Blue Cruises. The gulf, due to its sheltered natre, was of strategic importance throughout history. In 1412 BC, the Athenian fleet anchored here and in 395 BC the navy was based in here before the Knidos war. The ruins of the ancient Loryma are at the entrance of the cove on the hill that overlooks the gulf. The most important remains from that time is the castle, which is 120 metres long and ten metres wide and is in a fairly good condition. The castle was built in order to protect the entrance to gulf and in time was fortified.

Datca is where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. One side of the 70 kilometre long Datca Peninsula, which stretches to the west from Marmaris, is lapped by the waters of the Aegean and on the other by those of the Mediterranean. Around the peninsula you will find as many as 52 bays, some of which for one full day will be yours alone. You will not be able to forget the beautiful sea with the stillness of an aquarium in Datca’s coves and beaches. The best and most delicious almonds in Turkey are grown in Datca. Fresh almonds (cagla) are picked in February but there is also a chance to taste them in April.

Bencik is a location much loved by the Blue Cruise yachts and gulets, with its small coves that maket hem feel very special. There has been no construction allowed to disturb you. In the entrance of the port of Bencik there is Dislice (Teeth) Island, so named because it is covered with rocks that stick out like teeth. It is great to wander through the rocks shaped by the sea, playing hide and seek in the caves or diving to see underwater beauties

One of the most important tourism centres on the Gulf of Hisaronu, Orhaniye sees the gulet boats that come to Hisaronu pass through. The sea of Orhaniye is always as flat as a sheet. The coulour of the pine trees that surround the area are reflected on the sea, giving it a shade peculiar to this region. The area is so quiet that when you swim you can only hear the sound you create in the water. You will be puzzled by the sight of people apparently walking on the sea. Thanks to the movement of the sand there is a shallow bar in the middle of the cove that divides it in two. This ribbon, of approximately 600 metres, is called Kizkumu.

After Orhaniye, you travel another popular stops for gulets on the Blue Cruise between Bodrum and Marmaris. The bay is green, the sea is clean and generally calm but there is not much in the way of sand beaches. There are small restaurants around the quay area. There is an eternal quietness that rules the area, perfect for those that want to have a holiday away from the crowd. There are also historical remains around the Selimiye region. There are ruins of three castles of the ancient city of Hydas in the area. One of them is on the highest hill of Selimiye, one other on Sarikaya Hill and the last in Asarkale in the Kizilkoy district. To the South east of the bay yo ucan visit Hellenistic era city walls.

An other place in Hisaronu, named Bozburun is well known to Captains. In respect to tourism it is one of the most virgin parts of the region. Just like the coral waters of the tropical seas, the waters here turn into turquoise fromdark blue. It is highly recommended for those who want a quite and calm holiday. Nearby to Bozburun on Asar Hill are the remains of the ancient city of Larymna. It takes 45 minutes to get to the top of the hill. There are fragments of the city walls, pieces and ruins of tombs scattered around. Bozburun looks beautiful from this hilltop. Another port when you travel towards Bozburun is Sogut Port.

The Saranda district of the village of Sogut is in this bay. You can get to village of Sogut either from Bozburun or the village of Bayir. Sogut is on the edge and in a remote area of the Bozburun Peninsula. This is why it has so far has managed to avoid the touristic traffic. Despite this the market the village is quite lively. The village of Sogut is inland from the sea. The gate opening to the sea from the village is the Saranda Bay. On the way to Saranda you have a stunning view. You will see the whole of the cove and green Sombaki Gulf. In the distance the big island you seeis Sombeki (Symi) Island, a part of Greece. Give yourself enough time to take in this view, especially at sunset. In order to be able to watch the sunset over the island of Sombeki (Symi/Greece), you should anchor in one of the coves of Kiseli Island.

Gebekse

At the entrance of the cove there is a private island with a mansion on it. When you make a turn from the island, there is another openning to a long and narrow bay. This is Gebekse Cove. The rocky shores are good for those interested in diving. The end of the cove is like a pool with its White sand on the bottom. Those who go ashore may want to see the ru,ns od near by church. You will get great pleasure from swimming with goggles and seing the wondrful colours beneath the water. Gebekse Bay is one of the main stopping points of the Blue Cruise boats/yachts/gulets and a small number of day cruise boats also come here.

Ciftlik

On the one hand you will see the bay and on the other Hisaronu Gulf at your back. At this point you should take a break and get out for a breath of freshmountain air. You will be surrounded by the pine forest. The thick sand of Ciftlik’s beaches attract many visitors. There are only a few of this type of beach around Marmaris and the nearby coves, especially as it has crystal clear and clean waters. Leave yourself to enjoy the waters, swim for while and then lie down on board or on your gulet.

Among the coves after you leave Marmaris are beaches of Turunc and Kumlubuk. In Turunc bay, you will see a beautiful painted sea with a special tone of blue. There are all shades of blue in the water: indigo blue, glass blue, and the blue of the sky reflected on the water and others. Turunc is hemmed it by a high covered in pines trees that bring a coolness to the seaside. Although it is always sunny it is not that hot. And of course pomegranate, mulbery, plums and citrus trees abound, through being called Turunc (Citrus) you would expect more citrus trees, throug to make up for this there are geraniums, oleanders and begonias everywhere. Turunc is one of the indispensable stops on the Blue Cruise.