Southern Dodecanese and Southwestern Turkey Explorer

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

Symi is a cosmopolitan island that has one of the biggest and most beautiful neoclassical towns in the whole country. It boasts a rich tradition in myths as it was first inhabited in the prehistoric times. King Nireas became a legend as he participated in the Trojan War. The locals became engaged in sea sponge harvesting and shipbilding and that is why during the Turkish Occupation (since 1522) the islanders secured firmans of preferential treatment from the Sultan. This is when the School of Agia Marina and Aigli Reading Room were founded. The 19th century is the period of great prosperity for the island when its population had reached 25,000. In 1945, the treaty for the Dodecanese surrender to the Allied Forces was signed on the island. Symi was integrated in Greece in 1948.

The capital town is divided into two large districts. Gialos is the port of the island that never fails to impress visitors with its magnificent neoclassical multi-coloured buildings next to the sea and on the hills and Chorio, the other district, is the larger of the two. Apart from the approximately 3-kilometre asphalted road that connects Gialos and Chorio there is also Kali Strata: 500 wide stone steps climbing uphill and connecting the two districts. Kali Strata is flanked by the largest mansions in Symi.

Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece, after Crete, Evoia and Lesvos. Endless stretches of coastline and pine forests on mountains dotted with villages, archeological sites, and a medieval city of exceptional beauty attract over a million tourists every year. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Group with an area of 1,398 sq. km, a coastline that reaches 220 km. It has been populated since prehistoric times and flourished during the Mycenaean period. It enjoyed great prosperity in the 4th c. BC when the Colossus of Rhodes was erected, a work of art by Chares from Lindos, Rhodes, a disciple of the sculptor Lysippos. After the destructive earthquake in 155 AD, Rhodes knew many conquerors (Persians, Arabs, Saracens and Selzuk Turks). In 1309, the Knights Hospitaller [Order of the Knights of Rhodes] acquired the island and restored the castle adding fortifications that were unmatched in Europe at the time. This castle remained the seat of the Knights until 1522 when the Turks conquered it after tough fights. In 1912, Rhodes became occupied by the Italians until 1948, when Dodecanese became integrated in the Greek state.

The capital of the island is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities worldwide. It was founded in 408 BC. Its medieval architectural features blend with the modern style in buildings. The city comprises the old, fortified medieval town and the modern one, with its old, neoclassical buildings and other recent structures. The medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and has been built in a semi-circular fashion around the central harbour.