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The craggy Bodrum Peninsula is an area of wonderful diversity, where the simplicity of the villages of the rural hinterland jostles with the sophistication and energy of Bodrum itself. Given Bodrum’s unabated popularity, it comes as a surprise to find many parts of the peninsula almost untouched by tourism. There are still villages where donkeys are used to carry firewood for the traditional bee-hived shaped ovens in which unleavened bread (‘pide’) is cooked, and where elderly men seem to spend most of the day playing backgammon. Amongst the 150 or so beaches along the coastline, quiet and unspoilt backwaters with hidden bays and coves and aquamarine waters can still be found.
Visit Karakaya, a unique village hamlet clinging to the sides of the mountain above Gumusluk. The stone houses have been recently restored, and the views across the Aegean are excellent. Yalikavak is about a 15 minute drive away and is one of our favourite places. It is a small, friendly town with shops and restaurants clustered around a picturesque harbour. A stylish marina has been built, and open air concerts are held and films shown during the summer months. Kadikalesi is a small beachside village on the road to Turgutreis, with a small sandy beach, jetties and a few restaurants. Turgutreis is a bustling town, with excellent beaches, a marina and a busy Saturday market. As the coast begins to face south, the Greek island of Kos can be clearly seen. The best views are from Akyarlar, a small resort very popular with Turkish families. It has a fine sandy beach - ideal for children - and a small harbour. Inland is Ortakent (‘middle town’) built inland to protect it from pirate raids. The nearby beach at Kargi Bay (‘Camel Beach’) is one of the best beaches on the peninsula. Camels (no surprise!) provide rides. The beach is fringed with palms and has a lovely promenade. Bitez is a few miles further on - another favourite. Backed by tangerine and olive groves, Bitez boasts a long sand and shingle beach, excellent watersports and numerous restaurants.
Along the north coast, Torba and Göltürkbükü are worth a visit. Both are beautifully situated and popular with wealthy Turks from Istanbul, Izmir and elsewhere. Göltürkbükü in particular is frequented by the Turkish ‘jet set’ who sunbathe on wooden jetties which are transformed at night into stylish (and expensive) dining platforms.
A visit to the villages and beaches east of Bodrum is highly recommended. An hours drive from the villas will take you into an area where tourism is less pronounced. The carpet villages around Mumcular are fascinating - Etrim is probably the most authentic. The coastline here has several quiet resorts. Yaliciftlik has a pebble beach, and excellent restaurants. Mazi is a lovely spot, reached through pine forests and with a sandy beach and magnificent sea views.
For more information about places to visit, click here.
For an interactive map of the Bodrum Peninsula, click here.
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