Bodrum Surroundings
 
The area in Turkey we have identified as offering the best possibilities for future growth and stability is the Bodrum Peninsula in the South West Aegean Coast. This area has all the right ingredients to become the next major quality resort destination in Europe, with a climate almost identical to that of Spain's Costa del Sol. Over the last decade the Bodrum Peninsula has received increasing numbers of overseas visitors as well as the more discerning and affluent Turks from Istanbul and Ankara. Unlike many areas on the Turkish coast, which are becoming blighted by high-rise developments, the Bodrum Peninsula restricts all new builds to a maximum of two (3 if on a hillside) floors.

As Bodrum is already established as a popular holiday destination, there's no shortage of flights to the area, with flight times of around 3hr 40mins, it is just as accessible as Greece and the Canary Islands. Winter and more frequent flights are expected to start in 2006.

There are resorts and towns within the peninsula to suit all tastes and requirements, all within 20 to 40 minutes of Bodrum Airport.
 
BODRUM TOWN
Bodrum is a town of many parts, sophisticated and fun, tranquil and hectic. Beautiful long stretches of sand coupled with intricate coves and sharply bright aquamarine water set against a backdrop of deep green pine tree forests make Bodrum a strikingly beautiful place. Set on the harbour with it's focal point of the beautiful St. Peter's castle, built by the Knights Templar, it boasts hundreds of bars and restaurants and a lively yacht club right on the water's edge, this is a sophisticated haunt encompassing different style restaurants a great bar and live music which lasts till late.

The original town is a maze of little alleys and lanes twisting and turning around its sugar cube houses with their mysterious high-walled gardens. It is an all year round place, which makes it so special for the out of season visitor or the retiree, no dead streets with nowhere to find a meal whenever November strikes. There is still plenty to do and see and although rain is not out of the question the weather stays fine and sunny right through until December ends
 
SOUTH
 
Gümbet
Only 2-3 km away from Bodrum this place recently became almost a resort unto itself. Gümbet (named after Kümbet - these numerous white-domed cisterns in the area) features one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsula. Gümbet is also one of the most popular water sports centres with water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, etc. available.

The popularity of Gümbet has also generated serious nightlife and the streets of Gümbet vibrate till dawn with the music from numerous bars, discos and street side-cafes

Bitez
Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet. The winds here are particularly favourable for windsurfing and several water sports operators are based here. The beach is sandy, with plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas for sunbathing. Away from the beach it is possible to wander through mandarin orange groves where oxen plough and life continues as before.

The village itself is a 15 minute walk, or short drive, inland and remains totally unspoiled by tourism. The only Turkish Delight (Lokum) to be made on the peninsula is made here. Dolmuses leave for Bitez every 20-30 minutes from the main bus station in Bodrum.

Ortakent and Yahsi
Ortakent & Yahsi occupy the next bay to Bitez following the peninsula round to the west. The very large beach is popular with families, although the water rapidly becomes quite deep. There are several beach side cafes providing inexpensive meals and snacks throughout the day. There is also camping space here. To get to the beach, take a dolmus from the main bus station in Bodrum to 'Yahoos beach'.

The village of, which means 'Midtown straddles the main Bodrum-Turgutreis road. The village is unremarkable except for the distinctive 17th century 'tower houses' unique to the area and built for defensive purpose
 
WEST
 
Akyarlar
Ideal surrounding for wind surfers are here. The marvellous scenery of the Greek Aegean islands is just in front of you and it is perhaps one of the safest, sandiest beaches for children on the peninsula. There are several cafes and a tiny harbour. Still this place has its own tranquil charm
 
Turgutreis
You find this little town at the western tip of the peninsula. Named after the famous admiral, Turgut Reis, this is a 'stroll' town in its own right and combines a compact town centre with several long sandy beaches. Professional wind surfers favour this part of the coast, as the winds are generally strong. Regular buses connect Turgutreis with Bodrum, Kadikalesi is next to Turgutreis and offers some of the finest holiday resorts.
 
Gümüslük
Gümüs is the Turkish word for Silver. Thanks to strictly enforced building prohibitions, the sea front has kept its original appearance and photogenic fishing village charm. This is the ideal spot for peace and quiet, with the added advantage of many excellent fish restaurants along the small waterfront, where you can sit comfortably next to the gently lapping sea. Your feet are touching historical ground here; it is the harbour of ancient Myndos
 
NORTH
 
Yalikavak
Turn right on the main road near Ortakent, after 10 km you come to Yalikavak with its small, but busy, centre and a harbour where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor cheerfully together. The restaurants in the town centre and on the sea front are popular with locals and tourists alike.

There are several beaches in the area and it's great fun to sit in a waterside cafe and watch the world go by. Yalikavak also has a new international marina known as Port Bodrum, catering for over 450 yachts and cruisers up to 150m, with full facilities for the maintenance of these boats, designer shops, quayside bars and restaurants, full family facilities, amphitheatre for open air summer concerts, a jazz and nightclub cruise ship permanently moored in the Marina and a private island for members who want privacy, Yalikavak truly has the potential to become one of the hotspots of the area. Very swish!

Gündogan
Only a few minutes West of Yalikavak a place that can be really called peaceful. It is little village, which is still more or less unspoiled despite the holiday developments on the surrounding hills. Here in the North of the peninsula a fresh breeze often comes.

Türkbükü and Gölköy
These two fishing villages we will mention in one, because they are close to each other. You find them on the peninsula map east of Yalikavak. These delightful spots are the favourite retreats of many well-known Turkish artists, actors and entertainers who enliven the many small bars and restaurants at night. This is a special place to visit for romantic candlelight dinners sitting on jetties jutting out onto the sea.
 
EAST

Torba
This village is hiding in a charming little bay. Heading North of Bodrum Torba is the nearest village. It is only active during the summer months, but due to the generally high quality of the holiday home developments is a pleasant and relaxed place to visit.

There are also the remains of a Byzantine monastery, and nearby is a small path leading to the next bay, which is ideal for a little light walking.

Ferries to Didim (ancient Didyma) leave from Torba harbor across the Gulf of Güllük.

Güllük
A town more noted for its harbour for commercial and naval vessels. Tourism has left its mark and there are plenty of shops and bars. Proximity to the airport makes it popular and now the new golf course nearby will accentuate its popularity.

Tuzla
This lake and environs is now about to be the focal point for the brand new golf course and all its new residential and commercial benefits. Inhabited by flamingos!