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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
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.
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 beach side cafes providing inexpensive meals
and snacks throughout the day. There is also camping
space here. To get to the beach, take a dolls from the
main bus station in Bodrum to 'Yahoos beach'.The village of , 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.Also with their own Web site now
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
several long sandy beaches. This part of the coast is
favored by professional wind surfers 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 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
Kizilagac
Hinter Kizilagac befindet eine der
schönsten Ferienanlagen der Halbinsel - das vom
Schweizer Konzern betriebene Seagarden. Vorbildich
zwischen drei Buchten gelagert, kann der Tourist alle
Annehmlichkeiten eines solchen Komplexes genießen.
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 eachother.
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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