Çiftlik Koyu Guide

Çiftlik Koyu is a small bay on the Bozburun Peninsula, part of Marmaris district in Muğla Province, Turkey. The peninsula itself is the southwestern arm of the larger Datça Peninsula, dotted with about twenty‑five coves that rise steeply from the Aegean Sea. Historically known as Caria Khersonesos, the area was a quiet fishing port until the 1980s, and today it retains a relaxed atmosphere.

The cove offers clear, calm waters ideal for swimming, a couple of sandy beaches within the same inlet, and a handful of fish restaurants that serve fresh sea bass at waterfront tables. For those who prefer a quieter day out, Çiftlik Koyu provides a break from the bustling marina town of Marmaris while still offering simple accommodation on Çiftlik Island just offshore.

Two sandy stretches let you sunbathe or swim in calm waters. Enjoy fresh fish and meze at the waterfront taverns. The cove is a convenient stop on the Karia Trail, Turkey’s long‑distance footpath that winds through Muğla’s capes and villages. From Çiftlik you can stage walks toward Bozburun or Selimiye. Gulet routes often include Çiftlik as a day stop or overnight berth.

A single day is enough to cover both beaches and a meal by the water. Two to three nights are ideal if you want dawn swims, evening meze, and a relaxed pace without driving. A fourth night may be worthwhile only for hikers who plan to explore the peninsula or for those staying on a gulet that moves to the next cove.

April to June offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while July and August bring warmer seas but also more visitors. Early autumn can still be enjoyable with cooler temperatures.

A short drive (about 15 km) along the coastal road takes you directly from Marmaris to the cove. Local dolmuş buses run from Marmaris harbour to Çiftlik Koyu, though schedules can be sparse. Many gulets and small ferries stop at Çiftlik on their way around the Bozburun Peninsula.

The cove is a natural waypoint for hikers moving between Bozburun and Selimiye on the Karia Trail, and popular sailing routes often include Çiftlik as a day or overnight stop before heading to other coves along the Bozburun Peninsula.