Knidos (pronounced kuh-nee-dos ), a once-prosperous Dorian port city dating to 400 BC, lies in scattered ruins across 3km of the Datça Peninsula's tip. Steep hillsides, terraced and planted with groves of olive, almond and fruit trees, rise above two idyllic bays where yachts drop anchor and a lighthouse perches dramatically on a headland.
The peninsula edge's unpredictable winds meant that ancient ships often had to wait for favourable winds at Knidos (also known by the Latinised name, Cnidus); this boosted the ship-repairs business, hospitality and general trade. St Paul, en route to Rome for trial in AD 50 or 60, was one of many maritime passengers forced to wait out the storm here.
Although little remains, the city paths are well-preserved. The round temple of Aphrodite , which once contained the world's first freestanding female statue, is one of a few ruined temples. The 5000-seat Hellenistic lower theatre and 4th-century-BC sundial comprise other ancient attractions, as do the remnants of a stoa with a cross-stone balancing precariously on top.
The on-site restaurant, open in summer, offers great views, although prices are high.
Knidos is a one-hour drive from Datça, along a winding and scenic road. Hiring a car or scooter allows you to detour onto the back roads on the peninsula's southern coast.
From June to August, Pamukkale dolmuşes leave Datça for Knidos at 10.30am and noon, returning at 2.30pm and 4.30pm (TL20 return).
Datça harbour excursion boats also visit Knidos in summer, leaving around 9am and returning by 7pm (from TL45 including lunch). Datça's Karnea Turizm offers this tour for TL55 and a day trip by land for TL80.
