 The Bodrum Peninsula
Jutting into the Aegean, the Bodrum Peninsula lies opposite the Greek island of Kos and between Turkey's brasher resort areas of Kusadasi and Marmaris. With its marinas, clubs and smartly-dressed clientele from Istanbul, the feel of the peninsula is French Riviera with an exotic twist.
The cuisine, the bazaars and the hammams are inherently oriental, while the culture is an easygoing variety of Islamic: the intriguing mix of mosques and bikini-lifestyle is unabrasively achieved.
Development is carefully monitored, and much of the peninsula retains an intrinsic charm. Inland there are pine-clad hills, and narrow roads; coastal towns and villages remain low rise, and are dotted with flowering bougainvillaea.
Although the beaches are underwhelming, many of the hotels have wooden jetties, furnished with white umbrellas, sun loungers and scattered cushions, with ladders into the glorious blue water.
Yahsi, Ortakent (Click here for our property in Yahsi)
Nestled on the southern coastline of the Bodrum peninsula, Yahsi lies west of the bay of Bitez and is the perfect spot to indulge in some blissful, undisturbed relaxation. The area is a walker's paradise with sun dappled paths through sleepy hamlets and undulating coastline.
Ideal for a relaxing or active holiday, Yahsi, Ortakent offers it all. Water-based activities include Windsurfing, water-skiing, Jet-Skiing, Scuba diving, Snorkelling, Surfing and Parasailing. Boat trips and sailing is also available. Or sit in or around romantic bars and restaurants all day and night. (My favourite!) *Waiters/Waitresses are always at hand to bring your drinks.
Yahsi has a charming selection of quaint shops to browse where you can buy souvenirs and any essentials you need. World famous Turkish carpets are among the best buys to take home and come in beautiful colours and designs, and other good buys include jewellery of amber and semi-precious stones, antique copperware, leather goods, decorative hookah's and wonderfully fragrant spices. Head to one of the larger towns and have fun haggling at colourful labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant street markets and exotic flea markets where you may also make a friend or two along the way. If you favour department stores and shopping chains, these can be found in the centre of Bodrum. If you prefer to go out for dinner then why not try one of the restaurants by the harbour that have some brilliant seafood and Turkish cuisine available.
Bitez (Click here for our property in Bitez)
Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet. The winds here are particularly favourable for windsurfing and water sports. The beach is sandy, with plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas for sunbathing. The safe shallow waters make it ideal for family holidays. 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.
Gümüslük (Click here for our property in 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. Your feet are touching historical ground here, it is the harbour of ancient Myndos. There is much to see just below the water where parts of the historic city subsided and lie just below the surface.
The island, known as Rabbit Island by the locals, separates the two well-sheltered bays of Gümüslük. If you sit in a shore-side restaurant and watch for a while you will see rabbits on the island. It is possible to wade to the island through knee-deep water and sunbathe and dive from the many rock formations. Several restaurants have terraced roof, perfect for enjoying the tranquil scene or for watching the sunset. The restaurants supply food of surprisingly good quality in an un-crowded environment, and the ones by the harbour are typified by their rushwoven umbrellas.
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