INFORMATION ABOUT BODRUM AND AREA

One of the unique features of Bodrum as a holiday resort is that in addition to the active recreational opportunities available by day and the unequalled Bodrum nightlife, so many more tranquil bays, beaches and villages are available to enjoy. Brilliant shots of the peninsula can be seen in the Bodrum-Video.

No other area on the Turkish Aegean coast provides the visitor with the opportunity to experience traditional Turkish life only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of a modern tourist center.

 

Gümbet Only 2-3 km away from Bodrum this place recently became almost a resort unto itself. Gümbet (named after Kümbet - these numerous white-domed cisterns in the area) features one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsula. Gümbet is also one of the most popular watersports centers with waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, etc. available. The popularity of Gümbet has also generated serious nightlife and the streets of Gümbet vibrate till dawn with the music from numerous bars, discos and streetside-cafes Bitez Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet. The winds here are particularly favourable for windsurfing and several watersports operators are based here. The beach is sandy, with plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas for sunbathing, Away from the beach it is possible to wander through mandarin orange groves where oxen plough and life continues as before. The village itself is a 15 minute walk, or short drive, inland and remains totally unspoilt by tourism. The only Turkish Delight (Lokum) to be made on the peninsula is made here. Dolmuses leave for Bitez every 20-30 minutes from the main bus station in Bodrum Ortakent and Yahsi Ortakent & Yahsi occupy the next bay to Bitez following the peninsula round to the west. The very large beach is popular with families, although the water rapidly becomes quite deep. There are several beachside cafes providing inexpensive meals and snacks throughout the day. There is also camping space here. To get to the beach, take a dolmus from the main bus station in Bodrum to 'Yahsi beach'. The village of Ortakent, which means 'Middletown' straddles the main Bodrum-Turgutreis road. The village is unremarkable except for the distinctive 17th century 'tower houses' unique to the area and built for defensive purposes. Turgutreis You find this little town at the western tip of the peninsula. Named after the famous admiral, Turgut Reis, this is a *stroll* town in its own right and combines a compact town centre with several long sandy beaches. This part of the coast is favoured by professional windsurfers as the winds are generally strong. Regular buses connect Turgutreis with Bodrum, and in high season coaches for Istanbul and Ankara leave from the Turgutreis bus station. Kadikalesi, is next to Turgutreis and offers some of the finest holiday resorts. Gündogan Only a few minutes West of Yalikavak a place that can be really called peaceful. It is little village which is still more or less unspoiled despite the holiday developments on the surrounding hills. Here in the North of the peninsula a fresh breeze often comes . A reason why many surfers prefer this bay. Gümüslük Gümüs is the Turkish word for Silver. Thanks to strictly enforced building prohibitions, the sea front has kept its original appearance and photogenic fishing village charm. This is the ideal spot for peace and quiet, with the added advantage of many excellent fish restaurants along the small waterfront, where you can sit comfortably next to the gently lapping sea. Your feet are touching historical ground here, it is the harbour of ancient Myndos. Yalikavak Turn right on the main road near Ortakent, after 10 km you come to Yalikavak with its small, but busy, centre and a harbour where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor cheerfully together. The restaurants in the town centre and on the sea front are popular with locals and tourists alike. (Yalikavak page of IDEMEN) Here is little beach, but it's more comfortable to sit in a waterside cafe and watch the world go by. Several buildings have been tastefully restored in the town; a former water cistern has become a small art gallery and a former olive oil press is converted into a kilim showroom where visitors are welcome. Akyarlar Good camping sites and an ideal surrounding for wind surfers are here. The marvellous scenery of the Greek Aegean islands is just in front of you and it is perhaps one of the safest, sandiest beaches for children on the peninsula. There are several cafes and a tiny harbour. Camping facilities and a couple of small, inexpensive pansiyons for independent travellers. Still this place has its own tranquil charm Torba This little village is hiding in a charming little bay. Heading North of Bodrum Torba is the nearest village. It is only active during the summer months, but due to the generally high quality of the holiday home developments is a pleasant and relaxed place to visit. There are also the remains of a Byzantine monastery, and nearby is a small path leading to the next bay, which is ideal for a little light walking. Ferries to Didim (ancient Didyma) leave from Torba harbour across the Gulf of Güllük. Türkbükü and Gölköy These two fishing villages have now a new name: since the peninsula has become a new administration and more mayors - it is called Götürkbükü, because they are close to eachother. You find them on the peninsula map east of Yalikavak. These delightful spots are the favourite retreats of many well-known Turkish artists, actors and entertainers who enliven the many small bars and restaurants at night. Several of the more popular restaurants are run by Istanbul couples who have fled the big city.