Guidebook for Bodrum Peninsula

David
Guidebook for Bodrum Peninsula

Parks & Nature

HERAKLEIA is located on the shores of Lake Bafa. Once there was the Aegean Sea, but as a result of earthquakes, the sea receded and the Salt Lake Bafa was formed. Lake Bafa is home to many species of birds. The ruins of ancient Heracleia are adjacent to the modern Turkish village. Just seeing the old castle on the nearly island from the beach is worth it. Also, you cannot miss the huge stones, which appear to be scattered everywhere.
6 locals recommend
Kapıkırı
6 locals recommend
HERAKLEIA is located on the shores of Lake Bafa. Once there was the Aegean Sea, but as a result of earthquakes, the sea receded and the Salt Lake Bafa was formed. Lake Bafa is home to many species of birds. The ruins of ancient Heracleia are adjacent to the modern Turkish village. Just seeing the old castle on the nearly island from the beach is worth it. Also, you cannot miss the huge stones, which appear to be scattered everywhere.
From the village of Golyaka, you can hike through the boulder fields above the shore of Bafa lake. The trail continues to the numerous arches of the Yediler Monastery where frescoes can be seen as well as fantastic views across the lake.
Seven Monastery
From the village of Golyaka, you can hike through the boulder fields above the shore of Bafa lake. The trail continues to the numerous arches of the Yediler Monastery where frescoes can be seen as well as fantastic views across the lake.
Uyku Vadisi or Sleepy valley is about 20 min drive from the Villa. A restaurant is situated above a beautiful gorge, along a picturesque path. After the walk, you can have lunch in a nice cafe overlooking the gorge
8 locals recommend
İncirliin Cave
8 locals recommend
Uyku Vadisi or Sleepy valley is about 20 min drive from the Villa. A restaurant is situated above a beautiful gorge, along a picturesque path. After the walk, you can have lunch in a nice cafe overlooking the gorge

Sightseeing

Gumusluk is a beautiful and peaceful village and is the site of ancient Myndos. Parts of the Myndos ruins are under the water and can be seen by snorkeling. There is also a small island called “Rabbit Island” which can be reached by wading through the water. It now appears to be fenced off, though you can gain access, if you swim around the back of the island. Apostle Island is a 15-minute boat trip away. It has 3 Byzantine churches on its hilltop and a cave furnished with stalactites and stalagmite
Gümüşlük Municipality Tea Garden
16 Kilimci Sk.
Gumusluk is a beautiful and peaceful village and is the site of ancient Myndos. Parts of the Myndos ruins are under the water and can be seen by snorkeling. There is also a small island called “Rabbit Island” which can be reached by wading through the water. It now appears to be fenced off, though you can gain access, if you swim around the back of the island. Apostle Island is a 15-minute boat trip away. It has 3 Byzantine churches on its hilltop and a cave furnished with stalactites and stalagmite
Euromosl very impressive and the setting is pleasant. It is also a lot closer - only about 45 min from the Villa. The highlight of the site is the impressive temple of Zeus, one of the most impressive temple remains in Asia Minor. You will need to keep your wits about you to spot the turning, just (ie 100 metres) to the East of the dual carriageway going north from Milas. If the custodian is there, there is a small entrance fee. You are likely to be the only visitors there during your visit and may have the ruins to yourself - fab!
6 locals recommend
Euromos Ruins
6 locals recommend
Euromosl very impressive and the setting is pleasant. It is also a lot closer - only about 45 min from the Villa. The highlight of the site is the impressive temple of Zeus, one of the most impressive temple remains in Asia Minor. You will need to keep your wits about you to spot the turning, just (ie 100 metres) to the East of the dual carriageway going north from Milas. If the custodian is there, there is a small entrance fee. You are likely to be the only visitors there during your visit and may have the ruins to yourself - fab!
One of the remaining gates of the ancient city of Halikarnassos. In 2021, work was done to renovate the walls and now there is a lovely walking track.
27 locals recommend
Myndos Gate
27 locals recommend
One of the remaining gates of the ancient city of Halikarnassos. In 2021, work was done to renovate the walls and now there is a lovely walking track.
Pamukkale and Heiropolis is the farthest our trip from the Villa. It takes about 3.5 hours by car to get there. The road itself is very picturesque. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish is a very popular tourist destination, so you should visit it early in the morning, when there are not so many crowds and it is not hot. We were impressed by the amphitheater of ancient Herapolis, thermal springs and of course the unique snow-white traventines with blue water.
69 locals recommend
Pamukkale
69 locals recommend
Pamukkale and Heiropolis is the farthest our trip from the Villa. It takes about 3.5 hours by car to get there. The road itself is very picturesque. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish is a very popular tourist destination, so you should visit it early in the morning, when there are not so many crowds and it is not hot. We were impressed by the amphitheater of ancient Herapolis, thermal springs and of course the unique snow-white traventines with blue water.
Etrim, is a mountainous nomadic village only 24 kms from Bodrum. Look for the products of olive oil, soap and of course carpets
Etrim Halıcılık
Etrim, is a mountainous nomadic village only 24 kms from Bodrum. Look for the products of olive oil, soap and of course carpets

Essentials

Within the community of Zergul Kent, there is a small grocery store which has most of your essentials. If you plan to do a bigger shop and want a greater variety of items, then just down the road is Migros supermarket. You can catch the minibus or taxicabhere. Across the road from Migros is an open air fruit market. Products are fresh and grown locally thanks to the warm Anatolian weather, ranging from wild herbs to oranges and mushrooms. Make the most of our kitchen to cook yourself up a feast of nutrient-rich whole foods!
19 locals recommend
Migros
19 locals recommend
Within the community of Zergul Kent, there is a small grocery store which has most of your essentials. If you plan to do a bigger shop and want a greater variety of items, then just down the road is Migros supermarket. You can catch the minibus or taxicabhere. Across the road from Migros is an open air fruit market. Products are fresh and grown locally thanks to the warm Anatolian weather, ranging from wild herbs to oranges and mushrooms. Make the most of our kitchen to cook yourself up a feast of nutrient-rich whole foods!
As an alternative to Migros, you can visit the large supermarket- Carrefour. You will also find a coffee shop, hardware store - Teksan, sports store and fuel station. To get there by taxi, it costs approximately 40 lira.
CarrefourSA
As an alternative to Migros, you can visit the large supermarket- Carrefour. You will also find a coffee shop, hardware store - Teksan, sports store and fuel station. To get there by taxi, it costs approximately 40 lira.
Makro and Carrefour in the same place. Just up the hill, these are the nearest supermarkets to our place. The products are packaged very nicely.
Lion Park Hassan's
Makro and Carrefour in the same place. Just up the hill, these are the nearest supermarkets to our place. The products are packaged very nicely.

Entertainment & Activities

One of the true highlights of our stay at the Villa is to book a boat tour from Bogazici. The tour which leaves from the small pier just down from the Mandalya Restaurant, takes you to secluded bays and includes lunch and refreshments. Lots of swimming, sunbathing and taking in the lovely scenery and sea air. You can also book fishing trips from the pier at Bogazici - this is still on my list of things to do. I have booked two boat trips with different captains. One contact is +90 (551) 2059966. Alternatively, go down the day before to locate a boat and the locals will be able to assist.
Mandalya Restoran
One of the true highlights of our stay at the Villa is to book a boat tour from Bogazici. The tour which leaves from the small pier just down from the Mandalya Restaurant, takes you to secluded bays and includes lunch and refreshments. Lots of swimming, sunbathing and taking in the lovely scenery and sea air. You can also book fishing trips from the pier at Bogazici - this is still on my list of things to do. I have booked two boat trips with different captains. One contact is +90 (551) 2059966. Alternatively, go down the day before to locate a boat and the locals will be able to assist.
Sunset beach is a clean and nice place to have fun for the family. It is a private beach serving two communities. Service people are helpful whenever you need. You can swim and eat or drink something while you are sitting on the seaside. Parking is available
Sunset Beach Adabükü
Gülorko Sitesi
Sunset beach is a clean and nice place to have fun for the family. It is a private beach serving two communities. Service people are helpful whenever you need. You can swim and eat or drink something while you are sitting on the seaside. Parking is available
When you head down to the private seaside at Zurgel Kent, you can relax in the sun chairs, cool off in the rock pool or swim in the sea. My kids and I spend a lot of time running and jumping off the end of the pier directly into the sea. If you are a keen swimmer, you can also swim to the nearby beach. This café is located just beside the seaside.
Zergül Kent Cafe/Restaurant
Zergülkent Sitesi
When you head down to the private seaside at Zurgel Kent, you can relax in the sun chairs, cool off in the rock pool or swim in the sea. My kids and I spend a lot of time running and jumping off the end of the pier directly into the sea. If you are a keen swimmer, you can also swim to the nearby beach. This café is located just beside the seaside.
The Bodrum Dolphin Park is located close to the Villa. Here you can swim with a dolphin or attend a show. Positive emotions for children and adults are provided.
Dolphin Park Restorant
Dolphin Park Restorant
The Bodrum Dolphin Park is located close to the Villa. Here you can swim with a dolphin or attend a show. Positive emotions for children and adults are provided.
PRIVATE BOAT TRIP is a great pastime in Bodrum. You can take a boat in the village of Guvercinlik (18 minute drive) - just agree with the team at least the day before. Stunning landscapes, clear sea, silence and relaxation. A very tasty lunch was prepared on the boat. https://g.page/r/CWQkVuaLtvTnEA0
Boat Trips By Captain Umut
No:17 1. Sahilyolu Caddesi
PRIVATE BOAT TRIP is a great pastime in Bodrum. You can take a boat in the village of Guvercinlik (18 minute drive) - just agree with the team at least the day before. Stunning landscapes, clear sea, silence and relaxation. A very tasty lunch was prepared on the boat. https://g.page/r/CWQkVuaLtvTnEA0

Shopping

Pedestrian - Old Town Area Shopping. The bustling heart of the city, the pedestrian area near Bodrum Castle houses a great variety of shops and stalls, in a quaint district where anything can be found. Knickknacks and souvenirs, art and crafts, clothing and fabrics: the shopping area within the old town is where to be headed for a great glimpse into Turkey´s bazaars. The pharmacy is located very close to the market - The area starts near the Castle and runs parallel to the row of restaurants and bars that line Kumbahce Bay
Bodrum Pharmacy
5 1000. Sk.
Pedestrian - Old Town Area Shopping. The bustling heart of the city, the pedestrian area near Bodrum Castle houses a great variety of shops and stalls, in a quaint district where anything can be found. Knickknacks and souvenirs, art and crafts, clothing and fabrics: the shopping area within the old town is where to be headed for a great glimpse into Turkey´s bazaars. The pharmacy is located very close to the market - The area starts near the Castle and runs parallel to the row of restaurants and bars that line Kumbahce Bay
The Bus Terminal hosts a bazaar only on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays, it is a clothes market, with branded polo shirts, jumpers, T's jeans, bags etc. On Friday’s fresh vegetables and fruits grown by the villagers are sold. Products are fresh and grown locally. Decent quality and price WHEN YOU HAGGLE. Do not accept the first price quoted. A rough guide is offer under half of what they start at and then come up to your max. It can be a little intense - but they all speak good English. My family and I really enjoy it and I got some real bargains on shirts which I continue to wear several years on. From 9.00am to 9.00 pm
Bodrum Bazaar
The Bus Terminal hosts a bazaar only on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays, it is a clothes market, with branded polo shirts, jumpers, T's jeans, bags etc. On Friday’s fresh vegetables and fruits grown by the villagers are sold. Products are fresh and grown locally. Decent quality and price WHEN YOU HAGGLE. Do not accept the first price quoted. A rough guide is offer under half of what they start at and then come up to your max. It can be a little intense - but they all speak good English. My family and I really enjoy it and I got some real bargains on shirts which I continue to wear several years on. From 9.00am to 9.00 pm

Food Scene

Karnas Vineyards is a family-owned boutique winery and environmentally conscious farm located on the Bodrum Peninsula. We always visit their restaurant when we stay - it offers delicacies inspired by the flavour of the region.
13 locals recommend
Karnas Vineyards
13 locals recommend
Karnas Vineyards is a family-owned boutique winery and environmentally conscious farm located on the Bodrum Peninsula. We always visit their restaurant when we stay - it offers delicacies inspired by the flavour of the region.
One of our favourite restaurants in Bodrum town. They have a lovely atmosphere and delicious food
14 locals recommend
La Pasion Restaurante Espanol
14 locals recommend
One of our favourite restaurants in Bodrum town. They have a lovely atmosphere and delicious food
The Lagun Restaurant is very nice, being positioned on the estuary at Bogazici. All tables are by the water and the décor is seaside chic. The food is fresh and tasty - fish being the specialty.
8 locals recommend
Lagün Fish Restaurant
8 locals recommend
The Lagun Restaurant is very nice, being positioned on the estuary at Bogazici. All tables are by the water and the décor is seaside chic. The food is fresh and tasty - fish being the specialty.
Yalıçapkını Fish Restaurant in Bogazici, is a slightly more upmarket restaurant proving fish as well as traditional Turkish meals. It is a five-minute drive away from the Villa
Yalıçapkını Boutique Hotel
Yalıçapkını Fish Restaurant in Bogazici, is a slightly more upmarket restaurant proving fish as well as traditional Turkish meals. It is a five-minute drive away from the Villa
Great place for a lovely slow paced lunch, snack or desert. Everything is made fresh to order and you can take in the beautiful views and scenery around the cafe. The food and drinks is delicious and the service fantastic too.
LIME CAFE & MORE
Great place for a lovely slow paced lunch, snack or desert. Everything is made fresh to order and you can take in the beautiful views and scenery around the cafe. The food and drinks is delicious and the service fantastic too.
Super friendly & helpful staff. You can easily find all kinds of fish at affordable prices under very hygienic conditions. They sell both wild caught and farmed. They will also clean the fish for you. Why not cook some up on our BBQ?!
İSKANDİL GIDA BALIK MARKET
no57 ova mevki
Super friendly & helpful staff. You can easily find all kinds of fish at affordable prices under very hygienic conditions. They sell both wild caught and farmed. They will also clean the fish for you. Why not cook some up on our BBQ?!
A lovey fish resturant, located at the nearby fishing village of Bogazici. Choose from a number of local fish varieties
10 locals recommend
Bargilya Restoran
10 locals recommend
A lovey fish resturant, located at the nearby fishing village of Bogazici. Choose from a number of local fish varieties

Getting Around

You can rent a car or catch a taxi from the Milas-Bodrum International Airport upon arrival.
24 locals recommend
Milas–Bodrum Airport
Havalimanı Sokak
24 locals recommend
You can rent a car or catch a taxi from the Milas-Bodrum International Airport upon arrival.