The picturesque resort of Bitez lies 7km west of Bodrum. Small hotels, and a variety of tempting restaurants, line the cobbled promenade that stretches the length of the sandy beach. The resort’s clean, shallow waters attract families and favourable wind conditions have put Bitez on the map as a sailor and windsurfer’s paradise. Windsurfers flit across the bay as long summer afternoons are subdued by a cooling breeze. Known locally as Ađaçlý (literally “with trees”) Bitez is also renowned for its rich crop of citrus fruit. A short stroll beyond the resort reveals acres of tangerine groves, a myriad of dried riverbeds and country lanes waiting to be explored.
NB Foreign nationals are prohibited from purchasing real estate in some areas of Bitez.
A regular minibus (Dolmus) service operates between Bitez and Bodrum; the journey time is around 20 minutes.
Bitez is 42km from Bodrum Airport
Golkoy and Turkbuku occupy adjacent bays 20km from Bodrum on the peninsula’s northern coast. These formerly independent municipalities were recently unified and named Golturkbuku. Golkoy is a peaceful, low-key resort with village stores, a pebble beach and several small family run hotels and boarding houses.
Turkbuku by contrast caters for the more affluent and is home to many Turkish celebrities. This is reflected in the style and ambience of the quality hotels, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Although Turkbuku has no beach, wooden bathing platforms decked with cushions and loungers afford sun worshippers a comfortable alternative.
The minibus journey from Golturkbuku to Bodrum takes around 30 minutes.
Golturkbuku is 45 km from Bodrum Airport
Gundogan is located 23km from Bodrum, on the peninsula’s northern coast. The settlement, which dates to the Bronze Age, was known as Farilya in ancient times. Nearby sites of historical interest, include the remains of an old Ottoman tower and a small monastery. The village has a good range of hotels and boarding houses to suit all budgets. Cafe bars and restaurants can be found along the beachfront and a stroll through the narrow streets reveals a range of traditional village stores. Gundogan’s calm clear waters harbour a small fishing fleet and colonies of the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. Gundogan is particularly popular with Turkish holidaymakers, attracted by the promise of a leisurely vacation within picturesque and peaceful surroundings.
The journey by minibus from Gundogan to Bodrum takes around 30 minutes.
Gundogan is 48km from Bodrum Airport.
Gumbet is a vibrant tourist resort with an expanse of sandy beach located just 2km from Bodrum. British and Irish visitors favour Gumbet and this is reflected in the food and entertainment on offer. Bars and hotels feature widescreen televisions showing premier league matches and fried breakfasts and Sunday lunches are widely available. During long summer days activity centers around the beach, when night falls Gumbet comes alive. Holidaymakers take to streets filled with music where plentiful restaurants, bars and discos vie for attention. Gumbet is popular with those buying property in Turkey and has a sizable ex-pat community. The resort has many local amenities within easy walking distance, including supermarkets and a modern shopping centre.
The journey time to Bodrum from Gumbet is approximately 10 minutes; minibuses travel this route frequently all year round.
Gumbet is 38km from Bodrum Airport.
The picture perfect village of Gumusluk stands 20km from Bodrum on the site of the ancient city of Myndos. The tiny fishing village is a peaceful haven protected from development because of its archeological importance; remnants of the old city still lie submerged in Gumusluk’s shallow waters. Local artists sell and exhibit hand made art and crafts from stalls, which decorate the walkway leading to the shore. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many excellent restaurants along the waterfront or stroll along the beachfront past whitewashed, stone cottages and small boats bobbing in the tranquil, turquoise water.
The minibus ride to Bodrum takes around 35 minutes.
Gumusluk is 56km from Bodrum Airport
Ortakent, which means “middle town”, is located in the centre of a fertile plain 10 km west of Bodrum. The village, which has retained much of its original charm, is one of the peninsula’s oldest settlement areas. Narrow roads from inland Ortakent to the 3km long Yahsi beach meander through lush green fields and citrus groves. Yahsi attracts foreign and Turkish tourists in search of a peaceful and relaxing vacation. Ortakent village features a variety of shops and traditional restaurants. Supermarkets and other major retail outlets can be found a stone’s throw away. At present foreign nationals can buy real estate in some areas of Ortakent but are restricted from buying property in Yahsi.
The journey by minibus from Ortakent to Bodrum takes around 15 minutes.
Ortakent is 46km from Bodrum Airport
Torba nestles amid pine forests in a sheltered bay 7km to the north of Bodrum. The village, once exclusively a summer resort, now has a year round residential population. It is particularly popular with house hunters thanks to its natural beauty and close proximity to all Bodrum amenities. During the summer Torba becomes a magnet for work weary Turks fleeing the constraints of city life. Fishing boats draw into the tiny harbour as holidaymakers rise to prepare for a lazy day on the beach. For those interested in local history the ruins of a Byzantine monastery and structural remains from the Leleg civilization can be found on the hill behind the village. A few shops stock all the essentials and a variety of tempting eateries along the waterfront lure the hot and hungry.
Minibuses from Torba leave for Bodrum on a regular basis. The journey time is around10-15 minutes.
Those who wish to venture further afield can catch the ferryboat, which travels from Torba across the beautiful Gulf of Gulluk to Didim (Altinkum).
Torba is 37km from Bodrum Airport
Turgutries is the second largest town on the peninsula. It lies 20km from Bodrum and takes is name from its most famous son, the 16th century admiral Turgut Reis. This pretty resort has great sandy beaches and many amenities including major supermarkets and a range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. On Saturdays, you can hone your haggling skills and purchase clothing, fabrics and local crafts at the marketplace. A welcome addition to the town has been the Turgutreis yacht marina (D-Marin). Opened in 2004, this modern port has quickly established itself as a favourite rendezvous for sailors navigating the Aegean coast.
NB. Property purchase by foreign nationals is restricted in many areas of Turgutries because of its proximity to Greek islands.
Minibuses travel the route from Turgutreis to Bodrum every half hour. The journey time is approximately 35 minutes. During the summer months ferryboats travel from Turgutreis to the Greek islands Kos and Kalymnos.
The distance from Turgutries to Bodrum Airport is 55 km.
Yalikavak lies 18km from Bodrum on the peninsula’s northwestern coast. This small, picturesque town was once renowned for its windmills, sponge divers and busy fishing fleet. Today some locals still earn a living from the day’s catch however, the prevailing winds, which used to power the windmill’s sails, now draw water sports enthusiasts and sailors. In the traffic-free town centre, you will find restaurants serving international and Turkish fare and a good variety of small shops. Yalikavak combines the best of traditional and modern; two major supermarkets are within easy reach and on Thursdays, you can buy a delicious range of local produce at the market. The recently opened Port Yalikavak marina offers many facilities, including an amphitheatre for concerts and film screenings and a small shopping mall.
The journey by minibus from Yalikavak to Bodrum takes around 30 minutes.
Yalikavak is 52 km from Bodrum Airport.
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