Bodrum on the Turkish Aegean
The Bodrum Peninsula, Bitez and Gumbet offer a wide range of holiday
As the sun drops to the horizon it casts a golden glow over the white, sugar lump buildings of Bodrum.
As the sun drops to the horizon it casts a golden glow over the white, sugar lump buildings of Bodrum. The marina is a forest of yacht masts and buzzing with traditional sailing Güllets returning from secluded beaches with their decks packed with sun worshippers.
In the early evening the best views of Bodrum are from the walls of the Castle of St Peter, an ancient fortification which bisects the double horseshoe bay. At this time of day Bodrum is still a sleepy little town. People wander the narrow streets and alleys poking into shops in search of bargains and souvenirs or sit chatting over a beer or a cup of strong Turkish coffee. But that will soon change as Bodrum puts on its party clothes and the night time revellers come out to play in the pulsating, neon lit pubs, bars and nightclubs.
There is something for everyone in the Bodrum peninsula. Party animals can dance the night away in Bodrum or Gumbet, while sporting types can spend their days in Bitez sampling every type of water sport including windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving and sailboarding.
A group of local boat owners called the Bitez Boat Co-operative provide scheduled and private boat tours using traditional craft but with all the conveniences of a luxury cruiser including a bar, showers and sunbeds. Tours visit a variety of sites including the Aquarium, a natural pool teeming with fish, where you can swim or snorkel with the fish and Camel Beach, a long sandy beach which is famous for letting you try camel riding.
The nightlife of Bitez is quieter than Gumbet and Bodrum and most people opt for a long leisurely dinner followed by a few drinks in a friendly bar. An even more relaxing experience with lots of peace and tranquillity can be found in the fishing villages further round the coast of the peninsula or inland at small towns like Milas, where peasant farmers and fishers continue an age old way of life.
