Selimiye
Selimiye Village
Selimiye is not only one of the calmest corners of the Aegean, but also a distinctive coastal village shaped by a deep and layered past.
Located on the Bozburun Peninsula, Selimiye has a history that dates back to the Carian civilization. The ancient ruins and traces of old fortifications scattered across the area reflect how these shores have been home to different civilizations for centuries. For many years, Selimiye was accessible only by sea, which allowed it to preserve its natural character and simple way of life. Known as Hydas in antiquity and later as Losta, the village was also called Kizilkoy, inspired by the red hues that cover the landscape as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Hydas, one of the ancient settlements of the Bozburun Peninsula alongside Loryma, Kastabos, Erine and Bybassos, carries remains from the Archaic period. In the surrounding area, three castle ruins can still be found, one on the highest hill of Selimiye, another on Sarikaya Hill, and the last in the Asarkale area of Kizilkoy. On the southeastern hills of the bay, Hellenistic walls continue to draw attention. A square-planned tomb monument to the south, a watchtower and lighthouse built to guide approaching boats about one hundred meters offshore, along with a monastery and a small theater, form part of the region’s cultural landscape.
Fishing, sponge diving and small-scale agriculture have long shaped village life, with the sea and the land always at its center.
Today, Selimiye remains one of the rare places that still preserves this quiet and simple way of living. With its stone houses, peaceful coves and crystal-clear waters, it offers a sense of calm that is understated yet deeply felt.
In Selimiye, mornings begin with the sound of the sea, and evenings settle gently with the stillness of the sunset.
Carian Way
The Carian Trail is Turkey’s longest long-distance hiking route, stretching 820 kilometers across the provinces of Mugla and Aydin. Named after the ancient Carian civilization that once lived in this region, the trail passes through villages with distinctive architecture, untouched coves, hills covered with olive and almond trees, and numerous ancient cities, some of which can only be reached on foot.
Following the traces of the Carian civilization, the trail offers a journey through cultural, historical and natural beauty. From the deep blue of the bays to the green hills, from lively coastal towns to quiet mountain villages, and from narrow paths to stone-paved caravan routes, it connects the Mediterranean to the Aegean, and the past to the present.
For those who seek exploration, this peninsula remains secluded and relatively untouched. In places where modern roads do not exist, old paths and trails have been carefully cleared, leading to viewpoints overlooking the islands of Symi and Rhodes.
On the Bozburun Peninsula and around Selimiye in Marmaris, the following Carian Trail routes can be found:
Selimiye – Bayir Village – Turgut Waterfall: 19.7 km
Selimiye – Taslica Village: 20.7 km
Bayir Village – Taslica Village: 18.0 km
Taslica Village – Tola: 18.3 km
Tola – Taslica Village: 20.3 km
Amos – Bayir Village: 15.1 km
Icmeler – Amos: 10.3 km
Turgut Waterfall – Hisaronu: 18.9 km
For more detailed information about the routes, you may visit
Selimiye & Surroundings
There are many remarkable coves and natural wonders to discover around Selimiye. Among them are Bencik Cove, Delikyol Cove, Kizkumu Beach, Turgut Waterfall, Gebe Church which can be reached by boat, Kiliseli Island, Kamelya Cove, Bayir Village, Cennet Cove, Perili Kosk, Serce Harbor, Ciftlik Cove, the Monastery, Sig Liman in Selimiye, and Emel Sayin Cove.
Beyond Selimiye, the villages of Sogut and Bozburun are also well worth visiting.