Bodrum Peninsular. Towns, villages and property on the Bodrum Peninsular

The Bodrum Peninsular has something for everyone, from the bustling city of Bodrum to the peaceful sandy beaches of Bitez or the mountain greenery of Yalikavak. Watersports, marinas, golf, nightlife, history and rural charm are all abundant on the peninsular and whatever you are looking for, from a holiday to a permanent home, can all be found within one of its towns and villages.

Around the peninsular, there are five marinas and a port for cruise liners, as well as various mini cruises and trips to the Greek Island of Kos. Its popularity has also attracted many of the international chains such as Tesco, B&Q and Marks and Spencer.

The international Association of Golf Tour Operators have named Bodrum as the Best Golf Destination of the Year and with 6 new golf courses planned in the area for the near future, this is well deserved. 100 further new golf courses have been planned by the Turkish Golf Federation which will be built over the next 20 years.

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Towns on the Bodrum Peninsular

Gumbet

Gumbet is officially a suburb of Bodrum, although in recent years it has become a resort in its own right. A favorite with many families with children as it features one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsular, as well as a lively nightlife where music vibrates through the town from dusk until dawn from numerous bars, discos and cafes.

Some of the most popular hotels of the region are to be found within walking distance of Gumbet Bay which offers a wide variety of water sports including waterskiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.

Only 3 km away from the heart of Bodrum, which is easily accessible within 10 minutes on the local Dolmus bus.

Gumusluk

On the south side, Gumusluk lies the ancient Lycean city of Myndos and on the north lies impressive underwater remains of ancient walls which can be seen whilst crossing the shallow sea to the Island. This island takes its name ‘Rabbit Island’ from the rabbits that inhabit it.

Gumusluk offers a natural beauty and appears to lie hidden within greenery and has been blessed with two beautiful bays separated by a small island, and a variety of lovely fish restaurants along its shoreline.

Originally a fishing village, the sea front has kept its original beauty as there are strict building regulations in place.

A perfect place for a quiet relaxing holiday, yet close enough to Bodrum to take advantage of all it has to offer.

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Tuzla

Tuzla is one of the most stunning locations in Turkey and becoming one of the fastest growing areas within the Bodrum Peninsular. Tuzla Lake is an extention of Guvercinlik, a beautiful green area close to the airport and is surrounded by mountains covered with olive groves, pine and tamarisk trees and is also home to a host of ancient ruins. The lake is formed by the deep inlet from the Gulf of Güllük and Mandalya Bay and forms a natural protected bird sanctuary and nature reserve with a large variety of rare birds including Pelicans, Flamingos and White Storks flocking there at various times throughout the year.

Tuzla is only 11km from Bodrum airport, making it a great location for a long weekend.

The new Vita Park Golf Course (two 18 hole courses) is attracting both property buyers and holiday makers to the area which is now benefiting from new resorts offering fitness centres, gyms, and all the facilities of a 5 star holiday centre. It is also at the 'heart' of plans for Bodrum to become an international golfing centre.

Tuzla is now an area with many new developments springing up and prices amongst the lowest on the peninsular. Investment potential is good – as golf courses are built prices rise, and capital appreciation is predicted to be a minimum of 10% of the next few years. There is also the probability of excellent rental returns as there are few hotels in the area and as more golf courses become established visitors to the area will need a place to stay.

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Yalikavak

The drive from Bodrum to Yalikavak offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the peninsular, through fertile valleys and mountains offering stunning sea views.

Yalikavak has a small but busy, town center, a marina with both luxury yachts and fishing boats, diving and sailing school, and a variety bars and restaurants in the town and on the sea front.

The town has been one of the most important fishing centers on the Aegean, home to fleets of fishermen and sponge divers and still remains the same, giving the town a unique atmosphere.

Yalikavak is one of the greenest locations of the peninsular and nature has been generous in terms of granting it an amazing sea and coastline.

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Golturkbuku

The village of Golturkbuku is a place where the nature, history, peace and harmony come together. Comibining two villages Turkbuku and Golkoy, it is now referred to as Golturkbuku or Gol-Buk.

The village offers an array of narrow streets, beautiful gardens and gorgeous warm blue waters with modern hotels and old fashioned houses next door to each other. The fragrance of geraniums from the villas fill the village, and the lilacs covering the hills turn purple at sunset.

Recently Golturkbuku has become a favorite holiday destination with many of the more illustrious Turks. The Golkoy end of the large bay is quiet and restrained, while Turkbuku caters to the more flamboyant with its numerous restaurants, many of which have their own jetties. Watching the splendid full moon rise from behind the mountains across the bay is almost a religious rite here.

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Gundogan

Just a few minutes to the west of Yalikavak, Gundogan is a sleepy village in the north of the Bodrum Peninsular and is one of the areas hidden treasures.

Although close to the hustle and bustle of the larger towns, Gundogan has managed to retain its traditional authenticity and charm. By day, sailing and windsurfing are popular pastimes, and the warm balmy evenings can be spent in one of the many restaurants or bars overlooking the sandy beaches. Here in the North of the peninsular a fresh breeze makes it ideal for surfers. From the marina, you can take a short boat ride across to Ápostol Island to explore the ruins of a Byzantine Church or just relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

Gundogan is small village which is still relatively unspoiled, despite the holiday developments on the surrounding hills.

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Bitez

This hidden gem of Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet and a 50 minute drive from Bodrum Airport. Set amongst towering mountains and lush mandarin gardens, the winds here are favorable for windsurfing, and several water sports centres are based here offering windsurfing, dinghy and sailing instruction within its safe

crescent-shaped bay.

Bitez is becoming one of the most popular resorts on the Aegean, yet still managing to retain it's village charm. 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 peninsular is made here. The dolmus bus leaves Bitez every 20-30 minutes which can take you to the bus station in Bodrum or the lively nightlife of Gumbet.

Bitez offers a sandy beach lined with cafes and restaurants, with sun loungers and umbrellas for sunbathing. Away from the beach it is possible to wander through mandarin orange groves where oxen plough and life continues as in bygone days.

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Torba

Heading out of Bodrum Torba is the closest village to the north, and is set in a delightful little bay which has secluded coves and calm clear waters where sea turtles and Mediterreanean monk seals abide. The high quality of holiday accommodation make it a popular place to visit in the summer for those looking for a relaxing holiday but still close enough to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Bodrum.

Torba is a tranquil seaside village nestled within olive groves and fir trees where history is abundant and visitors can enjoy walking, the remains of a Byzantine monastery, or catching a ferry to ancient Didyma from the harbour.

There are a handful of very good traditional restaurants, many featuring freshly grilled seafood and a range of authentic mezes (Turkish tapas). Despite some recent low-rise developments, the village still retains a relaxed, rural ambience.

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Turgutreis

TurgutReis is the 2nd biggest town on the Bodrum Peninsula, and is considered an 'upmarket area' which is widely recognized as a popular leisure resort with its sandy beaches, clear views to the Greek Island of Kos, variety of restaurants and its large marina. A sleepy village turned modern holiday resort, Turgutreis boasts a large marina where you can take mini-cruises, trips to the Greek islands, or shop in some of the exclusive 'brand' shops, yet the town still maintains much of its original character and charm.

The saturday market has an excellent reputation as one of the best in the Bodrum area, and bar street has a variety of evening entertainment including an Irish bar. Turgutreis remains the domain of the Turkish when it comes to property, as foreigners are unable to buy there unless buying through a company. Given the beauty of the area and the slightly cheaper prices because the market is aimed at Turkish citizens, it is worth considering registering a company and look at properties within this area. This can be done for a very reasonable price.

If the areas of the Bodrum Peninsular sound appealing to you, why not contact us to see our range of property for sale on the Bodrum Penninsular >>