Kızkumu Beach (Orhaniye): The Miracle of Walking on Water

Kizkumu (Orhaniye) is the most "miraculous" and most shared spot on social media along the Turkish coast. This is more of a water-top podium where people walk in the middle of the sea rather than a beach.

The first reaction Limancepte.com guests give when they enter Orhaniye Bay with their Marmaris boat rental is always the same: "How are these people standing in the middle of the sea?"

Here is your guide about this natural wonder located in Marmaris's Hisaronu Bay, including both its legend and maritime facts:

1. A Red Path in the Middle of the Sea

The phenomenon of Kizkumu is this: There is a shallow path made of reddish sands extending 600 meters from the shore into the sea.
Experience: While walking on this path, the water comes only to your ankles or at most to your knees. However, the depth increases suddenly to the right and left of the path. That's why, when viewed from afar, people look like they are walking on the sea.

2. The Sad Legend (Why the Name "Maiden's Sand"?)

More than the scientific explanation, the Legend of the Princess is famous.

• The Story: The daughter of the King of Bybassos falls in love with a poor fisherman. The King orders his soldiers to catch the fisherman. The Princess runs to the sea to save her love.
• The Miracle: Everywhere the Princess steps turns into sand. However, she is shot with an arrow before reaching the opposite shore. According to the legend, the red color of the sands is the Princess's blood mixing with the water.

3. Scientific Fact: How Was It Formed?

Leaving romance aside; this formation is actually a geological movement. It is the accumulation of alluvium and sand dunes coming from the surrounding canyons under the influence of currents over centuries, forming a set. The red color is a feature of the soil structure in the region.

4. How to Get to Kizkumu?

• By Sea (Boat): It is a stopover for Blue Cruise boats departing from Marmaris, Selimiye, or Bozburun. Your boat anchors in the middle of the bay, you go to this sand path by dinghy or swimming.
• By Land (Vehicle): It is about 30 km from Marmaris center. You can reach it by Orhaniye minibuses or your private car via a pleasant road passing through pine forests.

5. How is the Sea?

Orhaniye Bay is like a closed pool. Since it is surrounded by mountains, it is waveless. The walking path is fine sand.

6. Is There Only Sand? (Castle and Marina)

• Bybassos Castle: There are ancient castle ruins on the island in the middle of the bay. You can go to the island by boat or canoe and watch the view from the top.
• Luxury Yachts: Due to Marti Marina in the region, you can see the world's most luxurious superyachts anchored just off Kizkumu.

Kizkumu FAQ

• Is there an entrance fee?
  No. Kizkumu Beach is open to the public and entrance is free.
• Can you walk to the end?
  Yes. At the end of the 600-meter path, the "Princess Statue" welcomes you. Making a wish is a tradition.
• Is the sea water warm?
  Yes. Since it is shallow and a closed bay, the water is quite warm.
• Are there facilities?
  There are cafeterias, toilets, and showers at the entrance. Camel tours and water sports are also popular.