BODRUM | THE TURKISH PROPERTY CENTRE

BODRUM

Bodrum is one of the prettiest seaside resort towns on the South Aegean coastline. It's the most international of Turkey's summer towns and is renowned for it's foreign restaurants, party town atmosphere and bohemian lifestyle. Situated between Kusadasi (to the north) and Marmaris (to the south) it lies at the neck of a large peninsula that incorporates such villages as Turgutreis, Bitez, Yalikavak and many other charming fishing villages.

Located on the southeastern shore of the Bodrum Penninsula, the town is built on twin bays separated by the massive Castle of St. Peter. Tiny, white soapbox houses, characteristic of Bodrum, rise from the town and carpet the surrounding hills and mountains. Shadows of the Greek island of Kos are visible on the distant horizon.

Bodrum has something to offer everyone whether it be feasting, drinking, dancing, shopping, sunbathing, sailing or sightseeing – day or night, Bodrum never stands still. On the west side of the harbour, you will find the more up-market part of Bodrum, where millionaire yachts jostle for gaps in the Yacht Marina. All along this side, you will find restaurants and bars with a slightly more ‘sedate' and sophisticated atmosphere where you can survey the unique wooden gulets (sailing boats) returning from their day's voyage. The centre of the harbour is the focal point in Bodrum. The pedestrianised bazaar area is a maze of narrow winding streets crammed with shops, restaurants, bars and discos.

Shopping : The larger supermarkets include Tansas, Migros, Kipa (Tesco) and Carrefour. The Oasis Shopping Centre is an open-air complex, which boasts a cinema (air-conditioned with films shown in English with Turkish subtitles), small children's play areas, designer shops, boutiques and Burger King.

Markets :
Bodrum : Tuesday Friday / Gumbet : Sunday / Yalikavak: Thursdays

Gumbet: Gumbet, a village with a long sandy beach, about three miles (five km) from Bodrum, is world renowned as a windsurfing centre. Little remains of the once sleepy fishing village as Gumbet has unfolded rapidly into a sizzling, busy hot spot for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts and those seeking a friendly, lively nightlife. Gumbet centres around a crescent shaped bay lined with large hotels and a variety of beach-side cafes and restaurants. Being a fairly small resort, it won't take you long to wander the length of the beach or the parallel main road to discover all that Gumbet has to offer.

Bitez: Bitez is sheltered by hills of fir trees, mandarin and olive groves and is the main citrus growing area on the Bodrum peninsula. It is situated a few kilometers from the nearby resort of Gümbet. Although similar in size and layout to Gümbet, Bitez has not quite experienced the tourism boom yet and is still more like a traditional Turkish seaside resort. The beach is closed to traffic which means you only have to stroll from the beach side cafes and restaurants to get to your sunbed!

Turgutreis : Turgutreis is situated approximately 25km from Bodrum and is the second largest town in the area. Although it has expanded quite rapidly over the last few years, it has still retained a village atmosphere. On travelling towards Turgutreis you will pass windmills located in the hilltops and from a hill above the town, you will experience a phenomenal view.

Gumusluk : (Goo-moosh-look), is about 20 minutes by car or local minibus from Bodrum, on the opposite side of the Bodrum Penninsula. The village is still a lively fishing port, with no less than twelve fish restaurants along the promenade, displaying a wide variety of locally caught seafood, (and some 'not-so-local'). No cars are allowed in the central area, which is only a short walk from the car park. The westerly aspect of Gumusluk provides some spectacular sunsets, which can be appreciated over an evening aperitif whilst relaxing on your terrace or balcony, listening to the distant chugging of the single piston diesel engines of the fishing boats.

Yalikavak : Yalikavak is renowned for being one of the most important fishing villages on the Turkish Aegean coastline, from here one can watch the local fishermen and sponge divers heading out to sea. It is a charming village which has white-washed houses that are nestled in a secluded cove. It's cobbled streets are decorated with an abundance of colourful bouganvillaea.

Getting Here : During the summer season (May – October) there are many charter flights that operate from many regional airports of the UK, Ireland and across Europe to Bodrum and Izmir Airports. In the winter season (November – April) 03 direct charter flights operate weekly from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. Year round scheduled flights operate daily from many European and American cities to Istanbul's Atatürk Airport, and from there you can get a connecting flight to Bodrum or Izmir Airports.