Villages & Local Flavours Tour

If you only know Datça for its coves, this day takes you inland to its villages and its table. It starts in Eski Datça, just outside the town centre, where you wander with a guide through narrow lanes of old stone houses and courtyards spilling over with bougainvillea. There's no rush: time for photos, a look at the courtyards or a glass of tea at the village teahouse. From there you move on to Reşadiye, another village known for its stone houses.

In Reşadiye you visit a local producer to taste some of Datça's signature produce: almonds, thyme honey and olive oil. It's also a chance to hear how they're grown and made, and your guide can translate if you have questions for the producer. There's no obligation to buy, but if something catches your eye, you can buy it straight from the source.

Towards midday you head on to Kızlan and Emecik. Kızlan's old stone windmills are a reminder that grain was once ground here, and at Emecik you see the remains of an Archaic sanctuary of Apollo. The tour ends around a village table with home cooking: dishes made with wild greens and vegetables cooked in olive oil, with the menu depending on the season and what's to hand that day.

There's little walking and the pace is gentle, so it works for families with children and for anyone who'd rather not hike. If you have a food allergy or a dietary preference such as vegetarian, mention it when you book; the olive-oil dishes and wild greens are usually meat-free. Comfortable shoes for the village lanes are all you need, plus a hat and water in summer. If you think you'll buy some produce, a tote bag comes in handy.