 Bodrum
Situated on a peninsula, Bodrum is one of the most chic and
European
resorts in Turkey, its charm residing in its blend of relaxed
Mediterranean
atmosphere, historical architecture and its proximity to a
vast
array of fantastic beaches, fishing villages and trendy nightclubs.
The
city, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, town of Herodotus,
has
grown dramatically in recent years with the opening of an
international
airport – yet its delightful charm remains intact with
palm-lined streets
and whitewashed, flat-roofed houses dotted across its terraced
hillsides.
The views of the city are exceptionally striking against the
stunning
backdrop of the Castle of St Peter, which stands formidably
between
the city’s twin bays. It is even more spectacular in
the summer as
Bodrum bursts into colour with cascades of bright pink and
purple
bougainvillea flowing from the dazzling white houses that
line its
narrow streets, winding down towards the sea.
Bodrum is also the yachting
centre of Turkey and
its world-class Marina is a favourite destination for yachts
that
cruise theAegean and the Mediterranean. It is an excellent
place
from which to organise a sailing trip with a vast number of
sailing
companies who cater for all levels of sailing experience.
Most will
organise boats with or without a crew so whether you are looking
to organise a day-trip or take a longer sailing holiday, you
can
take advantage of the crystal-clear azure seas, stunning coastline
and myriad of rocky coves and sandy beaches nearby. October
is
also the month of the Bodrum Cup Race, attracting yachts from
around the world.
Another major attraction of Bodrum is its buzzing cafes, restaurants
and shops, as well as its wealth of trendy and sophisticated
nightlife. By day, the central bazaar is a great place for
shopping
with its array of leather, clothes, carpets, and
assorted souvenir and gift shops. Or, if you
venture into the narrow streets of the old
town around Meyhaneler Sokak, you will
discover chic boutiques and souvenir shops,
along with rustic Turkish restaurants. There
is also a weekly market near the bus station
if you want a colourful taste of the native
produce, including the delicious locally grown tangerines.
But the city really comes to life at night, with a magical
atmosphere
that doesn’t sleep until dawn. Whether you are searching
for romantic harbour-side dinners, an evening promenade or
sipping cocktails in the upmarket marina, there is
something to suit everyone. Bodrum also boasts
some of the most sophisticated and trendy bars
and clubs in Turkey, many with imported DJs,
including the internationally famous Halikarnas
Disco complete with stunning views of the
bay below.
Bodrum has accommodation to suit all tastes
and budgets dotted in and around its pretty
town centre, but the quietest places to stay are
in the west of town and in the hills towards the
east. In town, many people like to stay in the
Kumbahçe Mahalle away from Cumhuriyet
Caddesi, or in the Tepecik district, along or just
off Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi. Getting around is
also easy with the dolmus¸ shuttle-services and
buses that operate frequent services from the
Bodrum otogar to all the nearby towns and
villages scattered around the peninsula. Taxis
are another very common way to get around,
and are easy to find even at night.
Gümbet
Named after the domed water-cisterns that
speckle the countryside near-by, Gümbet is
the closest beach to Bodrum – just 10 minutes
away by car - and is very popular with British
holidaymakers, many of whom choose to stay
here close to the beach and venture into Bodrum
at night.As it has grown in popularity, however,
Gümbet has developed in its own right and
now offers a wide choice of lively bars and
restaurants, popular with a young crowd. Its long
sandy beach is lined with hotels and pensions
which attract many young people and watersports
enthusiasts with its large windsurfing
school and diving courses. Other beach-front
watersports are also very popular in Gümbet,
including parasailing, ringo and water-skiing.
Getting to the centre of Bodrum from Gümbet is
very easy with regular dolmus¸ and bus services,
as well as a small caique (boat) service that runs
from the beach.
Gümüs¸lük
Reached by a winding road from Gürece,
Gümüs¸lük is very popular for its secluded
setting.
Ever since being designated as an archaeological
site, no major buildings have been allowed to
alter the landscape, making it a very pleasant
place to stay with its unspoilt scenery, long sand
and gravel beach and a handful of excellent fish
restaurants perched right on the sea-front. The
site of ancientMyndos, Gümüs¸lük is scattered
with remnants of its historical past: as you
look out towards the harbour you will spot
the fortification wall, an ancient tower and
submerged walls.Also, if you walk towards the
south end of the beach, you will also be able to
swim very close to some of the ruins, making
it the perfect spot for snorkelling. Gümüs¸lük
is accessible by dolmus¸ from Bodrum or from
Turgutreis.
Turgutreis
A sophisticated new marina adorns the waterfront
at Turgutreis, complete with exclusive
cafes, restaurants and boutiques, as well as a
host of new bars and discos. Though not very
sandy, its beach is very popular with families
because the sea is shallow for quite a way
out, making it safer for young children. For a
more peaceful alternative to the main beach,
there is also a long and sandy beach near
the lighthouse on the way towards Akyarlar.
There is also good access to Bodrum
from Turgutreis, with a regular dolmus¸
service that stops at the main square in
Turgutreis.
YalĘkavak
Formerly the area’s main sponge-fishing
port, the village of YalĘkavak maintains
a relaxing atmosphere for quaint seaside
eating. Its position in the north-western
corner of the peninsula, 18km from Bodrum
means it is one of the least developed spots
in the area with fewer hotels and self-catering
apartments, making it an enjoyable stay
away from the crowds. As you reach the
bay, you will notice the ruins of three old
windmills on the hills - the hills around
the village are also perfect for picnics and
walks, particularly in the spring
when they are covered with a
colourful carpet of wild flowers bursting
newly into bloom.
Türkbükü
Türkbükü is one of Bodrum’s best-kept
secrets with its array of exclusive hotels,
excellent sea-front restaurants situated on
wooden piers and trendy bars that burst into
life after sunset. By day, its beach-front
cafes and hotels are havens for the jet-set,
with fantastic views of the beautiful bay and
wooden platforms dotted with sophisticated
sun-loungers from which to swim.
Bitez
Bitez lies on a bay, a few kilometres west
from Bodrum, attracting an older, more
upmarket crowd. The gently-sloping coarsesand
beach has wooden piers for swimming
and is lined with whitewashed hotels and
resort villas, whilst also host to a popular
windsurfing and sailing school - Its sheltered
cove and shallow water are perfect
for beginners. Backed by lush tangerine
orchards, Bitez is perfect for those who
want to escape the crowds, whilst also
having good access to Bodrum with direct
dolmuses to and from the city.
Ortakent
You can reach Ortakent from the main
highway west of Bodrum and it is very
popular with Turkish families. Its two-kilometre
long beach is considered by many to
be one of the best on the peninsula and is
dotted with several restaurants, motels and
some unique tower-houses.
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