When a friend asked us if we fancied a weekend on the Datça Peninsula a couple of weeks back, we jumped at the chance, especially when they mentioned the promise of seeing Knidos…
After our long weekend in Istanbul in October, we thought our 2011 travels in Turkey were through. Datça was to be an unexpected, added bonus – even more so when we found out we would be staying with our friend’s parents in the village of Yazıköy.
Petrol money and paying towards food and drink was all the money we would need.
Nearby Knidos
It soon transpired that Yazıköy is really close to the tip of the nose of the Datça Peninsula – and therefore close to the Hellenistic ruins of Knidos. We were excited.
The last time we were in Datça, 8 years previously, we had tried to get to Knidos, but the mountain road was a track at the time and, on that particular day, impassable. Knidos has remained on our radar ever since.
Thankfully, despite being very high and narrow in places, the road to Knidos is now tarmacked and the ruins are easily reached. It was November and we had the whole site completely to ourselves.
Exploring Knidos
Turkey is well known for its plethora of ruins spanning many significant historical periods. And, to be honest, when it comes to ancient Greek and Roman sites, it’s easy to become blasé about their presence. It’s easy to become ‘ruined-out.’
But some sites are special – and Knidos is one of those sites.
We could go into detail and tell you all about how this place was a rich, cosmopolitan city.
About how famous mathematicians studied here. How a certain Sir Charles Newton helped himself to many of the site’s statues and shipped them to London (you’ll have to go to the British Museum if you want to see them) but you can read all that in a guidebook.
More Than History
And, whilst we’re interested in the historical value of Knidos, it’s not just the history that makes it special for us.
Like the Lycian and Roman site of Tlos, Knidos is perched on a steep hillside, providing dramatic views.
Whereas Tlos affords views over the Xanthos Valley, this place is surrounded by the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
This very tip is the place many people class as the geographical division between the two seas.
Wild Solitude
Normally packed with tourists, on the November day we were there, this site was windswept, lonely and beautiful. A place to come and sit or explore in solitude.
We battled the constant wind to make it to the top of the hills and I was grateful for the focus-lock feature on my camera – it was impossible to hold my hands still to take a photo, so strong were the gusts rushing in from the open sea.
Like many ancient sites all over the world, there are occasional information boards describing the purpose of particular structures or marble blocks, but we were too taken with the scenery – both the natural setting and the layout of Knidos around it – to concentrate on the details.
The last time we were completely alone in trekking around a site like this was when we hiked around Cadianda above Üzümlü, near Fethiye.
From Cadianda, we looked out across the Taurus and Akdağlar mountain ranges and we looked down over a distant Fethiye and the Mediterranean. It was silent and hidden.
From above, we viewed the ancient city below us and the vast, open sea.
Where Cadianda is tucked away, as if being kept a secret by the thick, forest pines, Knidos is completely exposed to whatever ferocity of weather cares to pass that way.
Exploring Knidos on a cool autumn day is an exhilarating experience.
Knidos: Useful Information
- Knidos is situated on the Tekirburun tip of the Datça Peninsula close to the village of Yazıköy (see map below).
- The site is open daily from 8:30am.
- A museum shop at the entrance sells books and souvenirs about the site.
- Refreshments and snacks are available from a cafe, opposite the site entrance, by the marina.
- Knidos is completely exposed to the elements and there is no shade. Take protective clothing if you are visiting during the hot summer months.
- There are lots of beaches and bays close to Knidos. Palamutbükü is popular and has places to stay and a few beach bars and restaurants.
Turkey's For Life
Tuesday 28th of February 2012
@ Jay: Glad you enjoyed the post. We're in love with the Datça Peninsula I think! :) Definitely give it a visit if you get the chance.
Anonymous
Tuesday 28th of February 2012
Great photo's and summary - good balance of info and stunning photographs. Was looking for an excuse to visit Dacta from Bodrum... think I just found it!thanks, Jay
Turkey's For Life
Monday 19th of December 2011
@Turkey tours: Thanks and I think Knidos has gone down as one of our favourites, too. I bet it is beautiful arriving by boat - are you offering? ;)
Turkey tours
Monday 19th of December 2011
Excellent post. Knidos is one of my absoloute favourite sites. Going there by road is a real adventure. If possible try and go by sea - sail and moor up in the ancient commercial harbour just as Athenian merchants would have done over 2,000 years ago. Coming into the city by boat and seeing all the ruins suddenly take shape in the hills around you as you come in port is always a fabulous moment.
Turkey's For Life
Friday 16th of December 2011
@ Robin: Yeah, it was really good to have the place to ourselves. We felt like we'd discovered something nobody knows about. :)