Aegean Region, Turkey

Datça Beaches

Overview

The Datça peninsula is a haven for beach lovers seeking a peaceful and authentic Turkish coastal experience. Unlike more bustling resort towns, Datça offers a relaxed atmosphere with a stunning coastline of pristine bays and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beaches here are diverse, ranging from wide, pebbly shores to intimate sandy coves, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect spot. This region is celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who want to unwind and connect with nature.

Among the area's many jewels, our editor's picks highlight the variety Datça offers. The most famous is Palamutbükü Plajı, known for its impressively long shoreline and vibrant atmosphere. In Datça town, you'll find two unique beaches: Kumluk Plajı, a sandy shore that transforms into a magical seaside dining experience at night, and Taşlık Plajı, which features a rare thermal lake flowing directly into the sea. For those seeking tranquility, Ovabükü Beach is celebrated for its serene environment and scenic beauty. It is often mentioned alongside Hayıtbükü as one of the area's famed 'Three Beauties', a trio of stunning adjacent bays.

Beyond these highlights, the peninsula is dotted with countless other beaches and secluded coves waiting to be discovered. From easily accessible town beaches to hidden bays reachable only by boat or a scenic drive, Datça promises a sense of discovery for the adventurous traveler. Whether you are looking for a lively beach day or a quiet escape, our comprehensive guide features a longer list of all the beautiful beaches that make this destination so special.

FAQ

Is Datça good for a beach holiday?

Yes, Datça is an excellent destination for a beach holiday, particularly for those seeking a peaceful and authentic experience. The peninsula is known for its pristine bays, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and unspoiled landscapes. Unlike more commercialized tourist spots, Datça offers a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for nature lovers and travelers wanting to unwind. The area is dotted with numerous beautiful beaches and coves, ranging from sandy stretches to pebbly bays, many of which have been awarded a Blue Flag for their cleanliness.

When is the best time to visit Datça for swimming?

The best time for swimming in Datça is from June to September. During these summer months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal, averaging around 25°C (77°F). This period is perfect for all beach activities. For those who prefer fewer crowds but still warm sea temperatures, the shoulder seasons of May and October are also great options.

Is the sea water warm in Datça?

The sea in Datça is comfortably warm for swimming during the summer months. From July to September, the water temperature is at its peak, often reaching up to 28°C (82°F). In June and October, it remains pleasant for swimming. However, outside of these months, particularly in early spring and late autumn, the water can be quite cool.

Which are the best beaches in Datça for families with children?

For families with children, Karaincir Beach is highly recommended due to its golden sand and shallow waters, creating a safe environment for kids. Hayıtbükü Bay is another excellent choice, with its fine sandy shore, shallow sea, and calm atmosphere protected from the wind. Ovabükü is also suitable, offering a wide sandy beach and a gently deepening sea.

How do you get to the beaches in Datça?

The best way to explore the many bays and beaches around the Datça peninsula is by renting a car, which gives you the freedom to discover hidden coves. For beaches closer to Datça town center, like Kargı Koyu, you can use local minibuses (dolmuş) which run frequently. Some of the more remote bays, like Domuzbükü, are only accessible by boat, with daily tours available from the main harbor.

Are there sandy beaches in Datça?

Yes, Datça has several sandy beaches, although many are a mixture of sand and pebbles. Karaincir Beach is known for being one of the few completely sandy beaches. Kumluk Plajı, in the town center, also has a sandy shoreline. Palamutbükü, one of the longest beaches, is mostly pebbly but has sandy sections.

Is Datça or Bodrum better for a beach holiday?

Choosing between Datça and Bodrum depends on your travel style. Datça is ideal for a peaceful, nature-focused holiday with a more rustic and authentic feel; its beaches are often in pristine, undeveloped coves. Bodrum is a more bustling and cosmopolitan destination with vibrant nightlife, luxury beach clubs, and a wider range of tourist facilities. While both have beautiful beaches, Datça is quieter and less commercialized.

Can you do windsurfing in Datça?

Yes, Datça is an excellent destination for windsurfing, especially for experienced surfers. The peninsula is known for its consistent and strong Meltemi winds, particularly during July and August. There are dedicated surfing centers and the large bay provides a great freeride arena. While conditions are often more suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, some schools offer lessons for beginners.

People Also Ask

What are the 'Three Beauties' of Datça?

The 'Three Beauties' (Üç Güzeller) refer to a trio of stunning, adjacent bays on the southern coast of the Datça peninsula: Hayıtbükü, Ovabükü, and Palamutbükü. These beaches are celebrated for their natural beauty, clear waters, and charming, low-key atmosphere with small, family-run restaurants.

Are there quiet, hidden beaches in Datça?

Yes, the Datça peninsula is full of quiet, hidden coves (bükler) for those willing to explore. Bays like Kurubük and Murdala Bay are known for their untouched nature and tranquil atmosphere, often requiring a car to access. For a truly secluded experience, some bays like Domuzbükü are only reachable by boat, offering an escape from the crowds even in high season.

Are the beaches in Datça free?

Most beaches in Datça are public and free to access. However, at many of the more organized beaches like Palamutbükü or Hayıtbükü, the beachfront restaurants and cafes offer sunbeds and umbrellas. Typically, you can use these facilities for free if you purchase food and drinks, or you may have to pay a rental fee.

Is Datça a party destination?

No, Datça is not considered a party destination. Its atmosphere is famously calm, peaceful, and laid-back. While you can find pleasant bars and restaurants, especially around the harbor and in Palamutbükü, there are no large nightclubs or a wild party scene. Travelers looking for vibrant nightlife would be better suited to nearby resorts like Marmaris or Bodrum.

Can you camp on the beaches in Datça?

While wild camping directly on most main beaches is not permitted, there are several official campsites located very close to the sea. Popular camping areas like Aktur Forest Camp and sites near Palamutbükü and Ovabükü offer facilities for both tents and caravans, allowing you to stay in a natural setting with easy beach access.

What is the beach like in Datça town center?

Datça town center has a few easily accessible beaches. Kumluk Plajı is a popular sandy beach lined with restaurants where tables are set right on the sand in the evening. Nearby, Taşlık Plajı is more pebbly but known for its incredibly clear water and a unique feature: a small, thermal lake (Ilıca Gölü) that mixes with the sea.

Which is better, Ovabükü or Palamutbükü?

Choosing between Ovabükü and Palamutbükü depends on your preference. Ovabükü is generally considered more serene and natural, with a mix of sand and pebbles and a very relaxed atmosphere. Palamutbükü has a much longer, mostly pebble beach and is more developed, with a livelier promenade offering more restaurants, cafes, and amenities. Palamutbükü has a bit more of a 'resort' feel, while Ovabükü is quieter.

Beaches for Every Taste

Local gems for everyone

Explore More Local Beaches

The fastest way to find the best Datça Beaches

Datça Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Datça: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 25, 2025
Today looks like a fantastic beach day in Datça! The sun will be shining without any clouds, so be sure to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen. The air temperature will reach a high of 39.1 °C, perfect for sunbathing. The sea temperature is a comfortable 27.4 °C, ideal for a swim. Expect some wind, so you might want to secure your beach umbrella. The UV index will be high at 8.1, so take precautions to protect your skin from the strong sun.
🌬️

Air

Low / High29°C/39.1°C
Feels Like (High)40.5°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature27.4 °C
Wave Height0.8 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:09/20:21
Sunshine Hours12.9 hrs
UV Index8.1
Cloud Cover0%
💨

Wind

Speed32.6 km/h
Gusts66.2 km/h
DirectionNW

More Beaches Nearby

Explore More

Turkey
Turkey Beaches
Aegean Region
Aegean Region Beaches