There’s no doubt that Türkiye offers countless experiences — from wandering the streets of Istanbul to trekking the plateaus of the Black Sea region, admiring mosaics in Gaziantep, drifting over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, or hunting for the best taverna in Ayvalık. No one can see it all in one lifetime, which is part of the joy of travel.
After active adventures, sometimes the best remedy is a peaceful village. For us, that place is Old Datça.
Old Datça (Eski Datça in Turkish) is a small historic village just 3 km (1.8 mi) from Datça town center. One of the peninsula’s earliest settlements, its roots go back many centuries, and today it captivates visitors with a calm, timeless atmosphere.
Old Datça’s charm comes from winding cobblestone lanes, restored stone houses draped in bougainvillea, and a sprinkling of boutique shops, cafes, and small hotels. It’s one of Türkiye’s most photogenic spots, so we framed this guide around images and impressions while still sharing practical information about staying, dining, and exploring.
How to get to Old Datça
Old Datça lies very close to Datça town center (often called New Datça), so it’s easy to reach by several methods:
Taxi — Taxis wait in Datça’s center and can take you to Old Datça in a few minutes. In May 2024 we paid around 180 TL one way using the taximeter; fares may vary so it’s worth asking or agreeing a price beforehand.
Bus — Muğla Province has a reliable public transport system. Take the 9-1 bus line (Datça – Eski Datça Reşadiye) and alight at the “Eski̇ Datça Muhtarlığı” stop. The fare is affordable and you can usually pay by card at the contactless terminal by the doors.
What to do in Old Datça
Old Datça doesn’t follow the usual checklist of monuments and museums. Its appeal is subtler: a chance to wander and choose your own discoveries. Stroll narrow lanes, linger at a café, browse local boutiques, or simply sit and watch village life unfold.
Pay attention to small details: architecture, decorative signs, flower-draped facades, and the ordinary scenes that give the village personality. You may also encounter friendly locals and the occasional curious cat.
Old Datça inspired many artists and writers. Notably, the poet Can Yücel spent his final years here, and his love for the landscape is reflected in local tributes and landmarks.
The village offers rich textures, scents, and sounds: rough stone walls, bright bougainvillea, the scent of jasmine and almond trees, the aroma of cooking in small restaurants, and the soft murmur of conversations. That tranquil combination is what makes Old Datça so memorable.
(We’re not Can Yücel, but these streets make you want to write.)
Before you visit, here are a few practical tips to make the most of your time in Old Datça.
🧿 Visit early — From around noon tour groups and more visitors tend to arrive. To enjoy calmer streets and clearer photos, aim for mid-morning, around 10:00.
🧿 Small and walkable — You can technically see Old Datça in 30–60 minutes because it’s compact. But the village is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace: sit, sip, and explore without rushing.
🧿 Plenty of cafes and restaurants — Most venues embrace a boutique vibe and occupy beautifully restored stone buildings.
🧿 Consider staying overnight — If you fall in love with Eski Datça, an overnight stay lets you enjoy the village at quieter hours and soak in its peaceful atmosphere. See the “Where to Stay” section for recommendations.
Exploring builds an appetite, and luckily the cafes and restaurants in Old Datça match the village’s charm. Each spot has its own character and local flavors.
Where to Eat in Old Datça
Noema Coffee — A calm, blue-and-white aesthetic with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a relaxing spot with cozy corners and friendly cats on the sofas.
Tonka Patisserie — Run by pastry chef Feray Aydoğdu, this patisserie is known for high-quality sweets and pastries created by an award-winning baker.
Nil Cafe Restaurant — A family-run place known for quality coffee, homemade desserts, and a varied menu that includes savory options.
Pizza Trio — A local favorite for pizza; prices are a bit higher but the flavors earn the reputation.
Eski Ev Cafe & Restaurant — A roomy, welcoming spot with an extensive menu covering breakfast, pasta, salads, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
Bon Chocolate — A hip cafe famous for its sweets and distinctive honey almond ice cream.
Prunus Cafe — A colorful cafe that highlights local Datça ingredients like almond pudding and almond-flavored beverages and desserts.
Where to Stay in Old Datça
Ultava Houses — A boho-luxe boutique hotel located near Can Yücel’s house. Housed in a restored stone building, Ultava offers a few exclusive suites, some with private outdoor jacuzzis, and a stylish, tranquil atmosphere.
Zeyt Inn Hotel — Surrounded by olive trees, this stone-built hotel has a strong Old Datça character, a small outdoor pool, and a breakfast made from local ingredients. Rooms vary from doubles to family-sized units.
Dilek Hanım Konağı Datça — A warm, family-run guesthouse offering a very welcoming, home-like atmosphere and attentive hospitality.
Eski Datça Otel — A local favorite with comfortable rooms and friendly service that reflects the village’s authentic character.
Kairos Valley Health & Nature Resort — Just outside Old Datça, this resort focuses on wellness with a pool, spa, gym, yoga area, restaurants, and peaceful orchards. Options range from spacious rooms to chalet-style accommodations with valley views.
To help plan your stay, many accommodations are clustered near the village center; some offer pools and on-site dining while others focus on intimate, traditional hospitality.
Below you can find a map that shows the locations of nearby accommodations to visualize options and distances from Old Datça’s center.
Datça and Beyond
If you’re planning a longer visit to Datça, there are many nearby attractions and practical resources to extend your trip. Local guides and travel posts offer tips on ferries, day trips, and places to stay across the peninsula.
DATÇA BLOG POSTS
🧿 Datça Travel Guide
🧿 Old Datça (Eski Datça) Travel Guide
🧿 Datça to Bodrum Ferry Guide
🧿 Hotel and accommodation searches for Datça