Saranda Cove (Saranda Koyu) is the kind of place that makes you slow down without trying. Tucked into the quiet end of the Bozburun Peninsula near the village of Söğüt, it sits opposite Greece’s Symi Island, with water so glassy that boats look like they’re floating in mid-air. Days here stretch long: mornings begin with cicadas and pebble-soft waves, afternoons melt into languid swims, and evenings are all about fiery sunsets and the clink of cutlery from simple, family-run waterside restaurants. There are no big beach clubs thumping music, no high-rise hotels just a pebbly ribbon of shoreline, olive-speckled hills, and a few jetties where fishermen unload the day’s catch. If you’re craving a quieter corner of Marmaris that still feels deeply local, Saranda Cove is your move. It’s close enough for a day trip, but once you sink into that end of the road calm, you’ll wish you’d booked a night.

Where and How to Get There?

Saranda Cove lies within the boundaries of Söğüt, a small seaside village at the far tip of the Bozburun Peninsula (Marmaris district). From Marmaris town, follow the peninsula road toward Bozburun/Selimiye, then cut south to Söğüt; from the village, a narrow, sometimes bumpy lane drops you down to the cove. The remoteness is part of the charm: it keeps the crowds thin, the sea clear, and the vibe deliciously slow. Historically, travelers even described arriving via a dirt track from Söğüt today the approach is still quiet and rustic by design. If you’re sailing, Saranda is a popular anchorage with wide-open sunset views toward Symi.

Once there, you’ll find a string of low-key eateries and small jetties along the water. The shore is predominantly pebbly, so the clarity is exceptional and the color gradient from pale jade to deep indigo pops especially around golden hour. Bring water shoes if you like an easy entry.

Visit Information

• Best time to go: Late May through October for warm seas and calm evenings; sunsets are famously photogenic thanks to the west-facing mouth of the bay toward Symi. Spring and autumn are particularly peaceful.
• Beach type: Pebble/stoned shoreline with superb visibility great for snorkel dips around the jetties and rocks.
• Facilities: Expect a handful of family-run restaurants and small pensions right by the water; many have loungers or a tiny pier for swimming. Services are simple rather than resort-style.
• Driving & parking: The last stretch down from Söğüt is narrow; drive slowly and watch for oncoming vehicles. Limited roadside or restaurant-adjacent parking is typical arrive earlier on summer weekends.
• What to pack: Water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and cash some places prefer it. A light jacket can be handy after sundown, when onshore breezes pick up with the changing temperatures.
• For sailors: The cove is a known stop on Bozburun cruising itineraries; depths and shelter are comfortable in settled weather, and the sunset aspect is spectacular.
• Local flavor: Söğüt is a small gastronomic hub—think ultra-fresh fish and mezes, often from families who’ve lived here for generations. The name “Saranda,” meaning “forty” in Greek, hints at the area’s layered past and long-standing ties across the water.

Entry Fees

Saranda Cove is a natural, public shoreline there’s no official entry fee. If you base yourself at a waterfront restaurant or pension, you may be expected to order something to use their pier or sunbeds, and some spots charge a modest fee for loungers/umbrellas. Parking, where available, is typically free or at the discretion of the establishment you’re visiting.

Other Nearby Attractions

• Söğüt Village: Just up the hill, Söğüt keeps its sleepy, authentic rhythm. Come hungry: the village is known for excellent seafood dinners right by the sea, served as the sky turns tangerine.
• Selimiye & Bozburun: A short scenic drive away, these two harbor towns are perfect for an afternoon stroll along the promenade, a pastry stop, or a gentle swim from wooden platforms. Both are low-key alternatives to busier Marmaris beaches.
• Serçe Limanı & Loryma (Bozuk) Bay: Rugged, remote coves beloved by yachts come for the wild setting and ancient-meets-Aegean feel. On calm days, the water is a snorkeler’s dream.
• Symi Island vistas: Even if you don’t hop across the border, the view of Symi’s hills from Saranda is a constant companion. If you do plan a day at sea, Symi’s neoclassical harbor and pebble beaches are famously photogenic.
• Ancient footprints: The peninsula hides remnants of old settlements and names another reminder that these waters have always been a crossroads. Keep an eye out for crumbled walls on coastal walks and ask locals for the best short hikes.

Saranda Cove rewards the traveler who loves the in-between moments: the quiet swim before lunch, the lazy espresso while boats idle by, the last glow on the rocks before the stars come out. If your Turkey itinerary brings you to Marmaris or the Bozburun Peninsula, make time for Saranda Cove settle into a waterside table, slip into the clear Ionian-Aegean blues, and let the place work its unhurried magic. And if you do go, tell me how you experienced that sunset; I’m betting it’ll stay with you long after the drive back.