Dirsekbükü Cove is one of those places that sailors whisper about and land travelers dream of but rarely reach. Tucked along the southern lip of the Hisarönü Gulf near Bozburun, this quiet elbow-shaped cove lives up to its name (dirsek means “elbow” in Turkish) with a gentle bend that hides a sheet of glassy, turquoise water. Gulets and sailboats swing lazily on their hooks, the surrounding slopes are scrubby and raw, and the sea is so clear you can count the ripples on the sand below. There’s no road noise, no high-rise shadow just cicadas, clinking halyards, and the aroma of wood-fired bread drifting from a rustic waterfront restaurant. The bottom is largely sand, so anchors bite fast and hold well; that, paired with the cove’s natural protection, is why it’s a beloved pause on Turkey’s blue cruise routes. Even on a busy summer afternoon, Dirsekbükü somehow keeps its hush. If you’re searching for a quiet bay with big character on the Marmaris–Datça–Bozburun triangle, this is it.

Visit Information

• Location: South of Ağıl Cape on the southwest edge of the Hisarönü Gulf, between Datça and Bozburun.
• Best for: Boat days, blue cruise stopovers, calm swims, long lunches by the pier.
• Access: By sea only arrive on your own boat, a chartered gulet, or a local boat tour from Marmaris/Bozburun/Datça.
• Water/anchoring: Mostly sandy bottom; good holding, sheltered from most directions (northerlies can roll in some swell).
• Facilities: A simple, well-loved waterfront restaurant with a small pier used by visiting boats.
• Vibe: Low-key, scenic, sailor-forward; expect a handful of gulets at lunch and dusk, otherwise blissfully quiet.
• Ideal season: Late May–October for warm water and settled weather; July–August are most popular with blue cruises.

Where and How to Get There?

Dirsekbükü Cove sits in the protective cradle of the Hisarönü Gulf, roughly midway between Marmaris and Datça, with Bozburun as the closest settlement. It’s not a drive-up beach there’s no road; the only way in is by boat. That’s part of the magic. If you’re on a blue cruise, chances are your itinerary already includes Dirsekbükü as a lunch-and-swim stop, often paired with nearby Selimiye, Orhaniye, or Serçe Limanı. Many gulet routes plot a comfortable reach from Datça to Dirsekbükü and onward to Bozburun, timing arrival for the calm early afternoon light.

No boat? From Marmaris, Bozburun, or Datça, you can join a daily boat tour or hire a private skipper for a custom route that glides into Dirsekbükü for a swim and a pier-side lunch. Skippers favor this cove because the entrance is slightly bent and naturally sheltered, the seabed is sandy, and the anchorage is reliable in most weather though strong north winds can raise a swell. Captains typically drop the hook in 4–8 meters, with a line ashore if it’s crowded. If you arrive hungry, tie up to the restaurant’s pier (space permitting) and wander up for meze and fresh fish.

Entry Fees

There is no entrance fee for Dirsekbükü Cove itself. If you anchor off, it’s free. If you moor at the restaurant’s pier, expect standard practice along this coast: either a modest fee, or an understanding that you’ll dine there (policies vary with season and demand). Confirm with staff as you approach on VHF or by waving in; space can be limited at lunchtime and near sunset.

Other Nearby Attractions

• Bozburun Village: A slow, sea-scented harbor town known for traditional wooden gulet building and a handful of waterfront cafés. It’s an easy sail from Dirsekbükü and a sweet place to re-provision.
• Selimiye: A photogenic bay ringed with mellow restaurants and boutique stays; evenings glow here, and the water is just as inviting. (Often paired on blue cruise routes with Dirsekbükü.)
• Orhaniye (Kızkumu): Famous for its walkable sandbar and pine-framed views—a quirky, family-friendly stop in settled weather.
• Serçe Limanı: A deep, fjord-like natural harbor etched into the peninsula; striking scenery and maritime history wrapped into one.
• Datça Peninsula Coves: If you’re cruising west, plot a hop to wind-brushed, clear-water bays around Datça each with its own tone and texture. Many itineraries string these together with Dirsekbükü for a perfect week afloat.

A few insider tips for your stop

• Arrive early or linger late. Midday can see a cluster of boats; mornings and golden hour are peak serenity.
• Mind the breeze. Northerlies can send a light roll into the bay; pick a spot with scope to swing and check forecasts.
• Bring fins or a mask. The clarity here begs for an unhurried snorkel over the pale, rippled sand.
• Support the local spot. If you tie to the pier, plan a meal grilled daily catch, cool salads, and warm bread are part of the Dirsekbükü ritual.

If you find yourself in Marmaris, Datça or Bozburun, make room in your plans for Dirsekbükü Cove. Come by sea, slow your day to the rhythm of the bay, and let this quiet bend of the Hisarönü Gulf work its easy magic. And when you do drop anchor here, tell me what you loved most I’m always chasing new reasons to return.