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Karakaya - about two kilometres from the villas, this unique village hamlet clings to the rocky hillside and has some of the best views on the peninsula. Karakaya was built inland to protect the inhabitants from the frequent pirate raids on the coast. The hamlet was abandoned until a few years ago. Many of the stone houses have been beautifully restored. This is a peaceful place, traffic is prohibited and the houses are connected by a series of small paths, interspersed with wild flowers, cacti and olive trees. A great place to walk to for stunning sunsets.
Yalikavak - one of our favourite places. Yalikavak centres itself around the small harbour in a picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay. The view as you come over the hills from Bodrum is magnificent. Sea front restaurants and small shops sit alongside a striking three hundred year old windmill, and an old water cistern which now houses an art gallery. The main beach is just a short stroll from the village centre, and a smart new yachting marina now occupies one end of the bay
Kadikalesi - about three kilometres from the villas on the way to Turgutreis, Kadikalesi is a small beach-side village. There is a sandy beach, and some jetties and restaurants. Above the village stands a Greek church, over one hundred years old and in surprisingly good condition. Greek inscriptions are still visible above the doorway. Another lovely walk or short drive from the villas.
Torba - This pretty seaside village sits in a delightful bay. Popular with Turkeys rich and famous during high season, the little harbour now sees luxury yachts moored alongside local fishing boats. During July and August the village is busy with Turkish families from Istanbul and elsewhere who summer in their seaside residences. The sea front has a scattering of restaurants and bars, ranging from simple to upmarket. Watersports are well catered for at one side of the bay, whilst the rocky headland offers great snorkelling from the quieter pebble beach near the ancient ruins.
Turgutreis - named after the great 16th century Turkish Admiral Turgut Reis. Known in the west as Dragut, Turgut Reis is primarily known for his participation in the Ottoman siege of Malta. Today the town is a centre for commerce on the western side of the peninsula. Turgutreis has several kilometres of sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants and a marina. Views of the offshore islands are excellent, and the town is renowned for its glorious sunsets. A large market is held here every Saturday.
Akyarlar - a small family resort with a fine sandy beach, ideal for children. This is the closest point to the Greek island of Kos, which can be seen a few kilometres away. The prevailing winds give excellent windsurfing. At one time Akyarlar was a popular Greek summer resort as several of the old houses that line the shore attest. The bay consists of a small harbour at one end and a curving beach. The beach can get very crowded in high season.
Ortakent - means middle town. Nearby is Kargi Bay (Camel Beach). Fanned by cool sea breezes, and fringed with palm trees, this is one of the best beaches on the peninsular, with good swimming and a promenade. A lush strip of market gardens separates the beach from the village, and here youll see fig, mandarin and olive trees. The village is famous for its tower houses, which were built in the 17th century to defend the village, the oldest of which is the Mustafa Pasha. In the early spring the village hosts an annual camel wrestling festival. Nearby, at the heart of the peninsula is Yaka, a quiet village encircled by mountains where little has changed over the years
   
Bitez - Set in a sweeping bay with a long sand and shingle beach and shallow waters, Bitez is very much a family resort. The bay is also popular for windsurfing and watersports. The paved promenade is lined with a huge choice of restaurants and some small shops. Beyond the sea front extensive mandarin and olive groves lead inland to Bitez village where a more traditional rural life continues.
Gökçebel - Upper Gökçebel village is delightful, and hidden from all but the most curious. This is a charming, traditional village looking towards the sea. Small flower covered whitewashed houses line the crooked little streets and a backdrop of green hills are enhanced by a number of very stylish houses scattered around the village. Many of the villagers seem to own a donkey or a cow.
Göltürkbükü - In the last couple of years Göltürkbükü has become known as the St. Tropez of Turkey. It is immensely elegant and many of Istanbuls best restaurants open up here for the summer. By day large wooden jetties built into the sea are covered with sumptuous cushions and hammocks, by night these jetties are transformed into glittering dining platforms hovering above the floodlit water. Boat trips to nearby coves and islands are offered from the front and watersports are available.
Kurudere - Venturing off the Bodrum peninsula and visiting the more rural areas is always enjoyable, traditional Turkish life can be seen and the pace of life is considerably slower than that in nearby Bodrum. Kurudere is a tiny hamlet just five kilometres from the town of Mumcular. This is carpet country, the famous Turkish knotted Milas carpets are made in the area and the carpet shops of Mumcular often with a tractor shop to one side and a honey shop to the other - are not populated by foreign tourists but by carpet dealers coming to buy their stock. On a Sunday Mumcular is full to bursting when the locals from all the outlying villages assemble for market day.
Mazi - Just a 20 minute drive from Kurudere lies the delightful seaside village of Mazi. Mazi is well off the beaten track, the drive down to the sea through the pine forest is spectacular, the sea views are magnificent and the small stone cottages of the locals are adorned with skeins of newly dyed wool, drying in the sun. Occasionally one of the local cows can be spotted taking refuge from the sun under the canopy of the single village shop, life is extremely slow. Come out of season and its likely that you will have the beach to yourselves in high season it may be a bit busier with Turkish families who enjoy picnicking on the beach. Those seeking clear blue seas, tranquility and a serene ambiance will welcome the unspoilt beauty of this hidden gem.
Yaliciftlik - another one of our favourites. Situated at the mouth of the Gulf of Gokova, this small seaside village is surrounded by pine forests, farmlands and orchards, and has a real traditional Turkish feel. The lovely long pebble beach has beautifully clear water and the handful of restaurants serve good, inexpensive, fresh food. The little farming village of Ciftlik is four kilometres away. It takes the best part of an hour to drive here from the villas, and you may want to combine some time here with a trip to the carpet village at Etrim in the hills nearby.
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