Welcome to Turkey

The modern Republic of Turkey is situated spanning Asia and Europe in one of the most historical areas of the globe. Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes and offers a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying history and culture. The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is delicious, and there’s an enormous variety of things to see and do, ranging from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to night-clubbing, and river rafting to drinking raki.

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is the only city in the world that sits on two continents, and if offers an abundance of fascinating attractions, including the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. With an efficient infrastructure of domestic transport, Istanbul can be easily reached from all areas of Turkey by domestic airlines or overnight coach. A unique city, it is the bridge between east and west.

The modern Republic of Turkey is situated spanning Asia and Europe in one of the most historical areas of the globe. Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes and offers a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying history and culture. The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is delicious, and there’s an enormous variety of things to see and do, ranging from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to night-clubbing, and river rafting to drinking raki.

The modern Turks respect their history, but since the early twentieth century have been looking to modernize their country along European lines. A key figure in this process was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who founded modern Turkey in 1923. Under his leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging social, legal and political reforms – it was Ataturk who gave the vote to women, encouraged European dress and changed the alphabet to a common form with roman script.

Now at the beginning of the twenty-first century, Turkey is hailed as a shining example of a Muslim democracy, becoming a member of the UN in 1945, and joining NATO in 1952. An associate member of the European Community since 1964, and working towards accession membership with the European Union, the economy is flourishing and the massive growth of tourism is being supported and encouraged by the government.

The Aegean Coast

The Aegean shores of Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches, many of which have been awarded The Blue Flag of Excellence. Surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods, whether you prefer idyllic fishing harbours, popular holiday villages, or the remains of ancient civilizations, this region offers a holiday with something for nature lovers, sun worshippers, photographers, bird watchers, sports enthusiasts and archaeologists.

The highlight of any Aegean tour is the site of the legendary Trojan War, ancient Pergamon, once a great centre of culture and now one of Turkey’s finest archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor, which was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and Pamukkale, a unique fairyland of dazzlingly white calcium fields.

Bodrum Peninsula

Bodrum, where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet is one of Turkey’s most sophisticated and loveliest holiday resorts, offering something for everyone: wonderful scenery, interesting sights, good shopping and a famous nightlife… Turkey’s gateway to world tourism.

Bodrum is a hotspot for property investment and holidays. Famous for its white-washed buildings, it is home to the Castle of St Peter, dating back to the Crusades. An excellent place for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing time, with pretty villages and secluded bays welcoming you, Bodrum itself has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with taverns, bars and discos offering an exhilarating nightlife for those looking for fun and dance.

On the coast of the Peninsula lie many golden, sandy beaches. Gümbet and Bitez are magnets for those who enjoy windsurfing; Ortakent is the best choice for walking; and Akyarlar is famous for its clear sea. There are other pretty villages close to Bodrum: on the western end of the Peninsula Gümüşlük, Turgutreis and Yalıkavak, on the northern coast the fishing villages of Gündoğan, Türkbükü and Gőlkőy, all of which are worth a visit.

Gümbet

Only 2-3 km away from Bodrum, this place has recently become almost a resort unto itself, with some of the most popular hotels in the region to be found in and around Gümbet Bay. With one of the longest sandy beaches on the Peninsula, Gümbet is also one of the most popular water sports centres, with plenty of choice available for the young and young-at-heart, as well as daily boat trips, reminiscent of the famous Blue Voyage trips. The popularity of Gümbet has also generated an energetic nightlife and the streets of Gümbet vibrate till dawn with the music from a multitude of bars, discos and street-side cafes, boasting the cheapest beer to be found on the Peninsula. Dolmuses run 24 hrs in the summer to and from Bodrum centre.

Bitez

Bitez lies 7 km west of Bodrum, in the bay next to Gümbet. It is a favourite for both watersports enthusiasts and those seeking calm and tranquility. The beach is sandy, with plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas for sunbathing in the secluded cove. 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 Yahşi

Ortakent & Yahsi occupy the next bay to Bitez following the Peninsula round to the west. The beach is long and wide, with cooling off-sea breezes which provide relief from the intense summer heat and speed up the tanning process. It 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 dolmus from the main bus station in Bodrum to 'Yahoos beach'. The village of Ortakent, which means “Midtown”; straddles the main Bodrum-Turgutreis road. Between the beach and the village lies a green, fertile valley with fig, olive and mandarin trees, and neat market gardens typical of the agricultural backbone of this area. The village is unremarkable except for the distinctive 17th century 'Mustafa Pasha tower' unique to the area and built for defensive purposes.

Akyarlar

Good camping sites and an ideal surrounding for wind surfers are here. The marvellous 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 harbour. Camping facilities and a couple of small, inexpensive pensions for independent travellers. Still, this place has its own tranquil charm.

Gümüşlük

Gümüş 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 harbour of ancient Myndos.

Turgutreis

Named after the famous admiral, Turgut Reis, this is a town in its own right and combines a compact town centre with good beaches, many shops and restaurants and several fine hotels. Together with neighbouring Kadikalesi, Turgutreis is a 'Windsurfers' Paradise'. The strong prevailing winds and current create challenging and unpredictable conditions. Families also find it children-friendly, with the large paved square in the middle of town, and the largest market on the Peninsula on Saturdays, when the town fills up with villagers bringing fresh produce to sell. Each stall of sun- ripened tomatoes, deep purple aubergines, shiny olives and enormous watermelons tempts you to buy, or to take some memorable photos. After a day at sea there are many bars and cafes in which to relax and enjoy the sunsets for which Turgutreis is renowned. The most popular restaurants are those offering typical Turkish specialties such as 'pide' and other oven baked delights. Regular buses connect Turgutreis to Bodrum. In high season coaches for Istanbul or Ankara leave direct from Turgutreis bus station.

Yalıkavak

Turn right on the main road near Ortakent, after 10km you come to Yalıkavak with its small, but busy, centre and a harbour where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor together. As you approach Yalıkavak over the crest of the hill, you find a row of windmills, where there is a breathtaking view of the whole area including the bays of Tilkicik, Pasa and Agacbasi - and the lower deep green bay of Yalıkavak itself. The gleaming yachts and gaily painted fishing boats in the harbour are a delight to watch from one of the relaxed and friendly waterfront cafes. The restaurants of Yalıkavak have not yet succumbed to international cuisine, but offer some of the freshest and tastiest local cooking in the area. Several buildings have been tastefully restored in the town; a former water cistern has become an art gallery and a former olive oil press is converted into a kilim showroom. Complimenting the riches that Yalıkavak has to offer, there is now a Marina that services internationally as a port of entry.

Gündoğan

Only a few minutes west of Yalikavak and 18 km from Bodrum, Gündoğan is one of the least-known holiday resorts on the Peninsula and a place that can really be called peaceful. The village itself is small and calm with clean and enjoyable beaches. The cafes and tiny restaurants providing local food offer an authentic ambiance. Nature lovers may appreciate the chance to join a guided trekking group to explore the surrounding countryside. A visit by boat to the nearby 'Apostol' Island with its ruined, but romantic, Byzantine church is always a delight.

Türkbükü and Gőlkőy

These two fishing villages are mentioned as one, since Gölköy and Türkbükü became a municipality called Göltürkbükü in the election of 1999. You find them on the peninsula map, east of Yalıkavak. These delightful spots are the favourite 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. Citrus fruits, especially satsuma are grown in the environs, as well as olives and almond.

Milas Tuzla

The name Milas comes from the name of the Carian city of Mylasa. Like other Carian cities, it surrendered to the army of Alexander the Great in 334BC for nearly 200 years, after which it became part of the Roman Empire, before being conquered by the Turks in the 13^th Century.

Tuzla Lake and its extensive wetlands lie at the end of a deep inlet from the Gulf of Güllük and Mandalya Bay. The site is unique as it is where the Lake unites with the sea. Embraced by rolling mountains, covered with a rich combination of wild shrubs, Olive groves, Pine and Tamarisk trees, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in Turkey.

Tuzla Lake

Tuzla Lake has been a nature reserve under international protection since 1994. A huge variety of birds take sanctuary here. Greater Flamingos flock to the area by the thousand, you can see the largest population of White Storks in the region, with Pelicans also a frequent visitor. Among other species you can spot are Heron, Mallard, Water Chicken, Grey and Hungarian Duck and Swallow. Butterflies also breed here, and for nature lovers and bird-watchers alike, Tuzla is a paradise.

The small fishing village of Boğaziçi nestles on the shores of Mandalya Bay. The village holds an important place in history as the site of the ancient city of Bargilya. Today, a few fish restaurants fringe the seafront, offering the day’s fresh catch and other Aegean specialties. Original old stone houses line the road and testify to Turkey’s traditional village life.