The spindly, 50-mile-long Datça peninsula in Turkey’s Mugla province is a dagger of pure green at the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean, and is as unsullied as south-west Turkey gets. The ancient Greeks believed Datça to have been created personally by Zeus, so gorgeous are its rocky outcrops and aquamarine waters. The geographer Strabo apparently said, “God sent his beloved creatures to Datça for them to live longer.” Things to do Knidos This ancient ruined harbour was a shipping stronghold from the fourth century BC. Knidos fell into ruins through earthquakes, conquests and looting — the last treasures were spirited away to the British Museum — and Aphrodite disappeared entirely more than 1,000 years ago. Notable remains are a few basilica arches, floor mosaics and the exceptional sea-facing theatre. The drive there is heavenly, following the backbone of the peninsula, passing forested hills and winding through gorges. Once there, the site has a spiritual quality, it is largely empty but for a handful that climb, the silent steps of the antique theatre and pick the daisies on the hillside. Hit the beach The peninsula has coves, bays, and beaches in abundance. Sandy or shingly, they all share the same, alluring, crystalline turquoise waters. Often the water remains shallow for some distance offshore, making it safe for young children. Kargi is a simple rustic idyll with a few vine-shaded cafes and a clutch of pensions on a shingle beach, and the tiny villages of Hayitbük, Kizilbük and Ovabükü, triple bays in a row, are becoming places to spend a day on the beach. Day-trip to Symi Just 50 minutes to the south by boat from Datça town, Symi is the closest Greek island and makes for a winning day trip, partly because of the contrast between its neo — classical beauty and Datça’s rustic vibe. In the 19th century, the island flourished on sponge diving and boat building and many elegant homes were built. It is a wonderful place for walking and discovering secret corners and houses with faded beauty. Boats leave from Datça town’s main harbour, or you can book a trip through any hotel. Where to stay The Olive Farm, Datça town Down a rough track banked with tall trees, this bucolic haven offers farm-to-table lunches, ponies to pet, hammocks to lie in, bougainvillea — banked paths to wander down, and avocado and pomegranate trees to loll beneath. The farm has expanded, gone organic, and added a guesthouse with 10 rooms and a pool. If you check into one of the five suites, the breakfasts are divine.           Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion Hotel, Resadiye This early 19th century home has been turned into an 18-room hotel. Stunning original features, including the hammam, carved ceilings, frescoes and fireplaces, have been restored, and the garden has regained its former beauty and features almond and olive groves, plump citrus trees and roses. The hotel’s Elaki restaurant is famed for its wine cellar and breakfasts — feasts of local honey, fruit, cheese and eggs, fresh vegetables and olives. A dinner feature local dishes of fresh fish, chicken and stews. Where to dine Fevzi’s Place, Datça town A simple fish tavern in the harbour runs by the friendly, jolly Fevzi who presides over its alfresco blue-and-white tables. The main fish dishes are prefaced by meze. Culinarium, Datça town A modern, alfresco restaurant overlooking the harbour run by Turkish-German pair Faruk and Ulrike, who use local ingredients to create mainly European dishes — perfect steaks, saffron ravioli, stuffed courgette flowers and homemade ice-cream. Flights connection Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Kathmandu to Istanbul Contact: 01-4438363/4438436 Visa details The Embassy of Turkey in New Delhi issues visa for Nepalis. For processing contact : Turkish consulate 01- 4438856 Visa fee: IRs 3950 Visa processing time: 15 days