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Bodrum, Bodrum…
Bodrum Info & Bodrum/Cesme Life
(www.bodrum-info.org)
- 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 unequaled Bodrum nightlife, so many more tranquil bays, beaches
and villages are available to enjoy . 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 water sports centers with water-skiing,
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 street
side-cafes
Bitez (www.bitez.net)
Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet. The winds
here are particularly favorable for windsurfing and several water sports
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 unspoiled by tourism.The only Turkish Delight (Lokum) to be
made on the peninsula is made here.
Ortakent and Yahsi (www.ortakentyahsi.com)
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 beach
side cafes providing inexpensive meals and snacks throughout the day.
There is also camping space here. The village of Ortakent which means
'Midtown 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 center with everal long sandy beaches. This part of the coast is
favored by professional wind surfers as the winds are generally strong.
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 harbor of ancient Myndos.
Yalikavak
Turn right on the main road near Ortakent,
after 10 km you come to Yalikavak with its small, but busy, center and
a harbour where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor cheerfully together.
The restaurants in the town center and on the sea front are popular
with locals and tourists alike. 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 marvelous 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 harbor. Camping facilities and a couple of small, inexpensive
pensions for independent travelers. 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 harbor
across the Gulf of Güllük.
Türkbükü und Gölköy
These
two fishing villages we will mention in one, because they are close
to each other. You find them on the peninsula map east of Yalikavak.
These delightful spots are the favorite 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.
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