Bodrum Peninsular Holiday Guide

Bodrum : has long been a favourite of the rich and elite urban Turkish tourists but holds many surprises and back waters remain virtually undisturbed by tourism.

The town itself is dominated by the imposing Castle of St. Peter and the two semi-circle bays that it separates are covered with white, sugar cube houses and palm lined streets.  The town itself  has been successful in holding onto its original charm, unlike other major resorts on this coastline.

 

Heading out onto the peninsula, where most of our properties are located, leads you into a different world, where time has stood still, and modern life has not yet taken its toll. On your travels you will see the wool  yarns hanging out to dry on balconies, used for making the famous Milas carpets –notorious for its shades of olive, aubergine and tobacco dyes, the original, beehive shaped ovens used for baking village bread and cows finding their own way home for milking each evening. Life goes on blissfully unaware of  modern life downtown in Bodrum

 

The range of houses in this area are more diverse ranging from modern and purpose built to houses of character, renovated and retaining original charm; which ever you choose, all are well equipped with all creature comforts allowing you the best of both worlds - the close proximity of Bodrum and its excellent dining, nightlife, shopping and historic sights and the many beaches, bays and back waters of the peninsula and inland towns and villages.

 

The combination of cosmopolitan Bodrum and the simplicity and charm of the nearby villages makes this an excellent choice of holiday for all. 

Gumusluk : (Goo-moosh-look), is about 20 minutes by car or local minibus from Bodrum, on the opposite side of the Bodrum Penninsula. The village is still a lively fishing port, with no less than twelve fish restaurants along the promenade, displaying a wide variety of locally caught seafood, (and some 'not-so-local'). No cars are allowed in the central area, which is only a short walk from the car park. The westerly aspect of Gumusluk provides some spectacular sunsets, which can be appreciated over an evening aperitif whilst relaxing on your terrace or balcony, listening to the distant chugging of the single piston diesel engines of the fishing boats.

Yalikavak : Yalikavak lies at the north-west corner of the Bodrum Pennisula, and is just 17km from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Bodrum, where you can haggle for many a bargain, designer shop or dance the night away.  For many years Yalikavak was a fishing and sponge divers haven.  Today the residents total around 6,800 people and proud of its unspoilt shoreline which is ideal for sailing and watersports it attracts many foreign yachts to the Marina that was completed in 2004. The town is becoming ever more popular as an alternative to Bodrum whilst still retaining its natural charm.  Yalikavak still supports a thriving fishing industry and the restaurants around the picturesque harbour display a mouth watering selection of fresh fish every day.  Here you can sit in a waterside Bistro, immerse yourself in fine wines and dining and simply watch the world go by.  There are many shops in the quaint traffic free centre and every Thursday the town hosts one of the biggest fruit, vegetable and clothing markets in the area.  It is a superb base to view the many diverse & stunning areas of the Pennisula, all of which are easily accessible by the local dolmus ( local buses ). This is an extremely cheap way to get around or you may wish to hire a car for your sightseeing.  You may even wish to spend your time a little more actively in the nearby waterpark, on horseback or out on the beautiful blue seas.  However you decide to spend your holiday, Yalikavak can offer it all.

Gündogan : Only a few minutes West of Yalikavak. A place that can really be called peaceful.  It is little village which is still more or less unspoilt 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.  Just off the Gundogan coast, there Big Rabbit Island where you can visit the remains of a Byzantine Monastery from 9th AD.  Another point of interest is Peynir Çiçegi Cave where you can see stalagmites and stalactites.  Just a 20 minute drive from Bodrum, another ideal base for a perfect holiday.

 

  • Visit St. Peters Castle with its excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology
  • Visit the Mausoleum – one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
  • Drive to the magnificent sight of Ephesus.
  • Spend a day on board a gulet and cruise around the beautiful bays, coves and inlets that this coastline offers.
  • Shop and haggle Turkish style at the large textile markets and snap up some genuine fakes!
  • Eat fresh fish at Gumusluk
  • Go scuba diving – there are many excellent dive sights in this area.
  • For non-divers try snorkelling in the clear waters- at Gumusluk you can scuba over the ancient sunken city of Myndos
  • Take a car and a good map and cruise the peninsula.
  • Visit a local village, enjoy the genuine warmth and hospitality at its best.
  • Men-visit a Turkish barbers for hair cut shave and head massage.
  • For men and women- visit the large Turkish bath in Bodrum for a real soap massage
  • Drink tea with locals

Flights : During the summer season there are many charter flights that operate to Bodrum Airport from many regional airports in the UK, Ireland and across Europe.  As well as numerous flights from a multitude of departure points during the summer, Onur Air operates 03 direct services a week from London Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham Airport into Bodrum airport during the Winter months.  For more information and booking of Onur Air's Winter or Summer flights please check Aegeanflights.com link on our homepage.