Located in the picturesque village of Orhaniye, approximately 28 kilometers southwest of Marmaris, Kizkumu Beach (Maiden's Sand) is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Turkey. It is famous for a unique geographical phenomenon: a 600-meter-long, shallow underwater spit of reddish sand that divides the bay in two.
The Experience: Walking on Water
When you look at the bay from afar, it appears as though people are walking directly on top of the deep blue sea. The water depth along the sandy path is only ankle-to-knee deep, allowing you to walk right into the middle of the cove while boats sail on either side of you. The surrounding water is incredibly calm, warm, and crystal clear.
The Legend of Kizkumu
The name "Kizkumu" translates to "Maiden's Sand," and it comes with a tragic local legend. According to the tale, a beautiful local princess fell in love with a poor fisherman. Her father, the king, forbade their love and sent soldiers to capture her. Trying to escape and reach her lover across the bay, she threw sand into the sea to create a path. However, she ran out of sand in the middle of the bay and drowned. The reddish color of the sand is said to represent her blood.