Turunç (Citrus)

If we wrote, "Turunç is one of the 47 villages of Marmaris," this would not be wrong. If you are heading to Turunç by minibus or your own vehicle you will drive on a winding road through pine trees. Once you are past İçmeler the climbing begins. If you are in the driver’s seat do not get distracted by the beauty of the environment and the Gulf of Marmaris but pay attention the winding road. Unless you are into rallying you should travel the 20 kilometres in half an hour. However, if you want you can also take the coastal road of 24 kilometres. By whatever route you take you should definitely go to Turunç. If you are based at Marmaris take a day out to visit Turunç and get away from the Marmaris atmosphere, which can still give the feel of being a city. Or instead, leave Marmaris and go for a stay in Turunç. You will encounter Turunç all of a sudden after driving along the winding and up and down road. Below 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.

Turunç is hemmed it by a high hill 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, mulberry, plums and citrus trees abound, though being called Turunç (Citrus) you would expect more citrus trees, though to make up for this there are geraniums, oleanders and begonias everywhere. Turunç is one of the indispensable stops on the Blue Cruise. When evening comes songs float from the moored boats or restaurants on the waterfront. And before we forget, we should mention that a Blue Flag is flying over Turunç. The "Blue Flag" is given by international organisations to coves that have the clean water, environment and beaches as well as having necessary infrastructure for yachting. In Turunç there are more options than just sea and sun. Those who want to walk or go on a jeep-safari will find suitable trails. If you are interested in diving Turunç is again for you. You can hire all the equipment you need for diving and also can take classes here. There are facilities that provide services for other water sports, including water skiing, banana boats and parasailing. You can go on daily boat cruises to the nearby coves, with the trip taking in Kumlubük and Çiftlik.

 

 

Hisarönü

The most pleasant part of the Marmaris-Datça road, which is narrow and winding, is that which gets to the highest point and from where you can see the scenic view of the Hisarönü on one side and on the other the Gulf of Gökova. Shortly you will go downhill and get to coves that compete with each other in beauty.

Turning left off the Datça road after 22 kilometres onto the Bozburun road, and after driving one kilometre more, you will get to the village of Hisarönü, which lies on the edge of the gulf that it is named after. The village is a bit off the main road. Hisarönü has shallow waters and red coloured sand and is an option for those who want a quite and calm holiday away from the Marmaris crowds.

It is known that the air of Hisarönü, which is non-humid and always has a breeze, and its clean waters are good for those suffering from asthma and heart diseases.

Between the village and the gulf on the flat region called Pazarlık (or Gavur) on Eren Mountain there are the ruins of a small temple. The ruins are those of the Temple of Hemithea. Diodoros, an ancient historian from Sicily, said that the Molpadia (singer) was brought to the region by the God Apollon. The woman singer was worshiped as a demi-deity (Hemithea) and a temple erected to her. He said that the fame of the temple lasted for a long time.

The small city of Kastabos was linked to the ancient city of Baybassos. The ruins of Baybassos are one or two kilometres to the north of the temple on the hill between the Marmaris-Bozburun road and the sea. The Middle Ages castle is in good condition.

From Hisarönü there are organised boat tours to the region. The boats stop at Inbükü Cove (aka Emel Sayın Cove after a famous Turkish singer), Kartal Cove, Tavşan Island and Bencik Cove.

 

 

Söğüt and Saranda (Bozukkale)

You can get to the village of Söğüt either from Bozburun or the village of Bayır. Söğüt 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 tourist traffic.

Despite this the market of the village is quite lively. The villagers are aware of tourism and are trying to be helpful and are interested.

One kilometre to the south west of Söğüt, a bit past the school building, there is the remains of the ancient settlement of Thyssanos. There have been no excavations conducted here. The remains consist of a few walls, traces of foundations and the wall on the back of the hill.

The village of Söğüt is inland from the sea. The gate opening to the sea from the village is the Saranda Cove. You can get to Saranda, three kilometres away, by following a dirt road. On your way to Saranda you have a stunning view. You will see the whole of the cove and the green Sömbaki Gulf. In the distance the big island you see is Sömbeki (Simi) Island, a part of Greece. Give yourself enough time to take in this view, especially at sunset.

Where to stay, what to eat?

Saranda is among those rare places that has yet to be discovered. There are restaurants in the quay area and the prices are quite reasonable. Besides the sea food, the entrees made from village-grown vegetables are very delicious. It is not luxurious comfort but it is clean. One of the restaurants is called Çimen and its owner is Mustafa Çetin.

There is only one pension in Saranda.
Doğan Pension 496 50 57