Knidos

Knidos (Cnidus) sits at the very tip of the Datça peninsula in southwest Turkey, on a cape where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. It is a long, winding drive from the town of Datça, and the road is part of the experience. Remote and uncrowded, it combines ruins with open sea views.

The city had two harbours: a small military harbour to the north and a larger commercial harbour to the south, separated by a narrow isthmus. Start there, look at the harbour buildings and the remains of the breakwater, then climb through the terraces. To the west is the terrace of the round temple, often linked with the famous statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles, with the Apollo terrace just below; the view over both harbours from here is the highlight of the visit. The Small Theatre near the great harbour, the Great Theatre on the eastern side, churches and house terraces complete the circuit. Allow two to three hours.

The site is exposed and windy with hardly any shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Paths between the terraces are steep and stony; wear sturdy shoes. In summer, boat trips from Datça call at the harbour. If you drive, set off early enough not to do the road back in the dark. There are a few simple places to eat by the harbour. Check the hours on the museum page.