Knidos Ancient City
An ancient Greek city at the tip of the Datça peninsula. Originally a Carian settlement, by the 4th century BC it sat opposite Triopion Island with two natural harbours.
Knidos was a Greek city in ancient Caria and a member of the Dorian Hexapolis. It occupied the far end of the Datça peninsula, looking north over the Gulf of Gökova. By the 4th century BC the city had relocated to the Tekir site, directly across from Triopion Island; earlier settlement was likely in what is now Datça itself.
The site is remote – a long drive from Bodrum or Datça – but the layout of the twin harbours and the scatter of ruins across the hillside are worth the trip. Time it so you finish as the sun drops over the Aegean, and the two ancient ports glow.
“Two ancient harbours, a hillside of ruins, and one of the region's best sunsets at the end of a peninsula.”
Walk down to the south harbour about 40 minutes before sunset – that's where the light hits the stones and you get the classic photo of the twin ports.
Good to know
- Is Knidos Ancient City free to visit?
- TL 250. Long drive from Bodrum or Datça; combine with sunset at the twin harbours
- How long should you spend at Knidos Ancient City?
- ~1h 30m
- When is the best time to visit Knidos Ancient City?
- Afternoon
