One of the unique features of Bodrum as a holiday resort is that in addition to the active recreational opportunities available by day and the unequaled Bodrum nightlife, so many more tranquil bays, beaches and villages are available to enjoy. Brilliant shots of the peninsula can be seen in the Bodrum-Video No other area on the Turkish Aegean coast provides the visitor with the opportunity to experience traditional Turkish life only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of a modern tourist center.

The Bodrum area provides all kinds of choices for visitors, but for those looking for >> holidays in Turkey << with a little extra luxury, there are several five star hotels to choose from in addition to a wide selection of luxury villas.

Gümbet Only 2-3 km away from Bodrum this place recently became almost a resort unto itself. Gümbet (named after Kümbet - these numerous white-domed cisterns in the area) features one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsula. Gümbet is also one of the most popular water sports centers with water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, etc. available. The popularity of Gümbet has also generated serious nightlife and the streets of Gümbet vibrate till dawn with the music from numerous bars, discos and street side-cafes Bitez ...own web page here Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gumbet. The winds here are particularly favorable for windsurfing and several water sports operators are based here. The beach is sandy, with plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas for sunbathing, 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. Dolmuses leave for Bitez every 20-30 minutes from the main bus station in Bodrum. Ortakent and Yahsi Ortakent & Yahsi occupy the next bay to Bitez following the peninsula round to the west. The very large beach is popular with families, although the water rapidly becomes quite deep. There are several beach side cafes providing inexpensive meals and snacks throughout the day. There is also camping space here. To get to the beach, take a dolls from the main bus station in Bodrum to 'Yahoos beach'. The village of , which means 'Midtown straddles the main Bodrum-Turgutreis road. The village is unremarkable except for the distinctive 17th century 'tower houses' unique to the area and built for defensive purposes. Also with their own Web site now www.ortakentyahsi.com

Turgutreis You find this little town at the western tip of the peninsula. Named after the famous admiral, Turgut Reis, this is a *stroll* town in its own right and combines a compact town center with several long sandy beaches. This part of the coast is favored by professional wind surfers as the winds are generally strong. Regular buses connect Turgutreis with Bodrum, and in high season coaches for Istanbul and Ankara leave from the Turgutreis bus station. Kadikalesi, is next to Turgutreis and offers some of the finest holiday resorts.

Gündogan Only a few minutes West of Yalikavak a place that can be really called peaceful. It is little village which is still more or less unspoiled despite the holiday developments on the surrounding hills. Here in the North of the peninsula a fresh breeze often comes . A reason why many surfers prefer this bay. 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, with the added advantage of many excellent fish restaurants along the small waterfront, where you can sit comfortably next to the gently lapping sea. Your feet are touching historical ground here, it is the harbor of ancient Myndos

Yalikavak Turn right on the main road near Ortakent, after 10 km you come to Yalikavak with its small, but busy, center and a harbour where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor cheerfully together. The restaurants in the town center and on the sea front are popular with locals and tourists alike. Here is little beach, but it's more comfortable to sit in a waterside cafe and watch the world go by. Several buildings have been tastefully restored in the town; a former water cistern has become a small art gallery and a former olive oil press is converted into a kilim showroom where visitors are welcome.

Akyarlar Good camping sites and an ideal surrounding for wind surfers are here. The marvelous scenery of the Greek Aegean islands is just in front of you and it is perhaps one of the safest, sandiest beaches for children on the peninsula. There are several cafes and a tiny harbor. Camping facilities and a couple of small, inexpensive pensions for independent travelers. Still this place has its own tranquil charm Kizilagac Hinter Kizilagac befindet eine der schönsten Ferienanlagen der Halbinsel - das vom Schweizer Konzern betriebene Seagarden. Vorbildich zwischen drei Buchten gelagert, kann der Tourist alle Annehmlichkeiten eines solchen Komplexes genießen.

Torba This little village is hiding in a charming little bay. Heading North of Bodrum Torba is the nearest village. It is only active during the summer months, but due to the generally high quality of the holiday home developments is a pleasant and relaxed place to visit. There are also the remains of a Byzantine monastery, and nearby is a small path leading to the next bay, which is ideal for a little light walking. Ferries to Didim (ancient Didyma) leave from Torba harbor across the Gulf of Güllük. Türkbükü und Gölköy These two fishing villages we will mention in one, because they are close to eachother. You find them on the peninsula map east of Yalikavak. These delightful spots are the favorite retreats of many well-known Turkish artists, actors and entertainers who enliven the many small bars and restaurants at night. Several of the more popular restaurants are run by Istanbul couples who have fled the big city.