BODRUM PENINSULA
Homer's description of Bodrum as "The land of eternal
blue" and the words of another resident of Bodrum, Cevat
Sakir, who said "The heavenly bliss of life in Bodrum is
better than any eternal bliss that may await us" were
not without foundation in reality. Throughout history
Bodrum, known as Halicarnassos in ancient times, has
always been fought over and people have been unwilling
to share its beauty with others.Built on a peninsula
formed by the meeting of the eastern and western
harbours, Bodrum, with its narrow streets winding down
to the sea, is famous for its castle, its world-renowned
yachts, its shipyards and the dazzling white houses and
tombs lining the shores of its two harbors.
BODRUM HOUSES
The common features of
the traditional architecture used in Bodrum are
windowless first floors and doors on the second storey
with access by way of ladders that can be drawn up into
the house. These houses, which are now protected by the
government, are located mostly in the villages of
Ortakent and Kocakaya above Gümüslük. Individuals, such
as artists and writers who have settled in Bodrum have
done a great service to the area by restoring older
houses and this has made it an even more interesting
place to visit.
BEACHES ON THE PENINSULA
Güvercinlik: A cove of
unusual beauty with every conceivable tone green and
blue, it is located 25 km from Bodrum. Salih Island,
located right across the water, only serves to enhance
the natural appeal of this beautiful cove.
Torba: A peaceful
little village just 5 km from Bodrum is a charming and
lively place where the shining sea melds with the green
pines and olive trees. There are boats going to Didim,
Milet and Priene from here.
Gölköy: Located 13
km north of Bodrum, this beautiful cove blends the green
of olive, tangerine and pine trees with that of palms.
Because it faces the north, it is always lush and the
water in the cove is cooler than that in the other
coves.
Türkbükü: Situated
beside Golkoy, at a distance of 15 km from Bodrum, it
resembles Gölköy in almost every way. It is one of the
places preferred by people looking for peace and quiet.
Gündoğan: Located 18 km from Bodrum, Gündogan cove is
one of the coves that has been least changed by man and
which still preserves its beauty in the most natural
way. Its tangerine orchards are famous.
Yalıkavak: This
village is 18 km from Bodrum in the north western part
of the peninsula. It is famous for its windmills, fish,
citrus orchards and sea. The most famous sponge divers
have come from this village.
Gümüslük:
It is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It
is still possible to see the underwater remains of the
old harbour wall which connected Tavsan Island to the
mainland. The sea and fish here are famous. Watching the
sun set here amidst the lush green vegetation will be a
life-long memory.
Kadıkalesi: The
sandy beaches of this crystal clear sea are surrounded
with citrus orchards. Situated 23 km from Bodrum, it
gets its name from the remains of a nearby castle
belonging to the Hellenistic era.
Turgutreis:
Situated 20 km from Bodrum, the town is famous for its
tangerine orchards. It was named after the famous
Turkish admiral, Turgut Reis. In terms of population, it
is one of the most populous areas of the peninsula. It
is known for its unforgettable sunsets.
Akyarlar: This cove with its wonderful beach and crystal
clear waters is 13 km from Bodrum. It is one of the best
places to surf.
Karaincir:
Situated 16 km out of Bodrum, its 500 m. beach is one of
the best in the area.
Bagla: With one of the best coves and beaches on the
peninsula, it is an excellent place to camp and is 14 km
from Bodrum.
Aspat: Rising out
of the shores of the Aegean and mentioned often in
Turkish folk music, the real name of Aspat is Aspartos.
Built on a barren rock, the perimeter of Aspat Castle
measures 700 paces. The remains of several civilizations
dating back to the Classical Age can be seen here.
Ortakent: Located
14 km from Bodrum, its waters are warm and it has sandy
beaches. Its tangerine orchards are quite famous. It is
one of the best vantage points from which to view
village life in Bodrum.
Bitez: One of the
most beautiful coves on the peninsula, it is 10 km from
Bodrum. It has sandy beaches. It is a beautiful quiet
corner where blue and green reach out to touch each
other in the tangerine orchards which stretch from the
village to the sea.
Gümbet: About 3 km west of Bodrum, its waters are very
shallow. Bardakci is at a distance of 500 m. from
Bodrum. Most people go there by boat. It is known for
its beach and the water, which is as clear as glass, as
well as the fresh water spring there.
Bardakçı: It is
500 m. from Bodrum. One can reach to Bardakci by sea
easily. Its crystal clear sea is well-known for its
springs.
Karaada: Situated
6 km from Bodrum, it is famous for its healing mineral
springs. The water comes out of a cave and the mud from
the cave is said to be good for skin conditions.
Ada Boğazı (Aquarium): It is called as Aquarium because
of its crystal-clear waters. In the open waters, the
seafloor to 30 m depth can be seen with the naked eye.
