Turkey's top resort, Bodrum, is more than the town of that name. The Bodrum Peninsula, extending west into the Aegean Sea and bordering the Mediterranean, actually has a dozen resort towns and villages along its shores, of which famous Bodrum is but one. Luckily, all are easily accessible. Once you arrive at Bodrum Airport, you will find many transportation options, from bus to rental car or even private tour.
Each of these towns along the Turquoise Coast has its own beaches, hotels, and other attractions. Although Bodrum was Turkey's original south Aegean seaside resort and has the richest history on the peninsula with its crusader castle and Mausoleum, other villages along the Turkish Riviera—now grown into towns—are becoming almost as well-known:
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Top Spots
Below you’ll find the best places to visit on the Bodrum Peninsula:
Gündoğan
Gündoğan is considered to be the oldest settlement of the Bodrum peninsula. But this may be the most ideal location for you to rent a villa and have a longer holiday. Since it is located between Yalıkavak and Türkbükü, you have a constant alternative to both going out to the sea and going out in the evening, and every day will be more enjoyable than the other. Gundogan has a wonderful view and its bazaar is always lively.
Göltürkbükü
Göltürkbükü is a holiday resort known for its famous beach clubs and night entertainment venues. If you want, you can enjoy the magnificent sea on private beaches or public beaches, take a walk along the coastline, and buy souvenirs from small shops. It's crystal clear waters are sure to delight.
Yalıkavak
Yalıkavak is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Bodrum, which has made a name for itself with its luxury marina. Here, you can swim in the sea, eat international cuisine in its quality restaurants, shop at the marina, and mingle with the crowd in its sparkling streets.
Turgutreis
Turgutreis is another holiday resort famous for its marina. This is one of the biggest towns of Bodrum and a place full of life. There are cinema events and music festivals in the summer outside. You can find many great restaurants where you can try local delicacies. The beach is phenomenal, and you can swim and sunbathe all day. Later, you can go shopping either in the marina or you can explore little boutiques.
Ortakent
Ortakent is very close to the center of Bodrum, but it is a different place from the center. Because Ortakent is a quieter place compared to other towns. But Bodrum also has one of the best seas you can swim in. If you are dreaming of a quieter and more peaceful holiday, you can book your hotel from Ortakent.
Bitez
Bitez is a town closer to the center of Bodrum, right next to Ortakent. This is a place that is preferred by families with children due to its shallow sea and is frequently visited by young people as it hosts many restaurants and cafes.
Torba
Torba Bay offers a deep blue sea under pine trees. Since there are many five-star hotels here, you can evaluate the hotel preference here for your all-inclusive concept holidays.
Gümbet
Gümbet has a very long sandy coastline. With its beach and many watersports centers during the day and lively nightlife at night, this is a popular holiday destination and always lively.
Akyarlar
Because Akyarlar is an open sea, it gets a lot of wind, so it is one of the most popular surf centers in Bodrum, just like Bitez. Since it is right across the island of Kos, you can spend a holiday with a view of Greece. One of the most preferred places for local tourists to stay in the summer, it is no longer a quiet place as it used to be, as it is discovered by foreign tourists. Akyarlar Bay, Karaincir Beach, and Küçük Akvaryum Bay are the most beautiful places to swim in Bodrum.
Gümüşlük
Gümüşlük has the sweetest taverns (meyhane) of Bodrum. The ideal place for eating fish and drinking rakı (rakı - balık yapmak) at sunset is this bohemian town of Bodrum. There are restaurants and shops along the beach, full of bougainvillea.
History of the Bodrum Peninsula
Bodrum, with its 3500-year history, is the point where Anatolian and Greek cultures meet. For this reason, the city is so rich in archaeology from the ancient world that you can feel the history of these rich civilizations when visiting the ancient theaters and museums. One of the most important elements that makes Bodrum Bodrum is that it is a port city. Bodrum's connection with the sea is also reflected in its culture, food, architecture, and lifestyle.
This coastal city, where people of different beliefs have lived together since ancient times, is still one of the most famous holiday destinations in Turkey with its white houses and pristine bays. From seaside resorts to boat trips to delicious seafood restaurants, a lot is waiting for you to discover on this peninsula.
Visit the Bodrum Peninsula
If you are coming to Turkey to spend your summer holiday and want to make the most of your time, Bodrum is the right address! There is always something for everyone in Bodrum, both Bodrum town and the greater area. No matter how long you stay, you never run out of things to see and do. Here you can both relax and have fun. You can review our detailed Bodrum guides to find the most suitable location for you and start planning your Bodrum trip.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Melike Kocaer
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