TOURIST INFORMATION
Turkey
The country is rapidly modernising and since the early twentieth century has
been looking to model their country along European lines. A key figure in this
process was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who gave the vote to women; encouraged
European dress; and changed the language 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; it is a member of NATO; and is working towards
EU membership. The economy is flourishing and the massive growth of tourism is
being supported and encouraged by the government.
Stretching out over two continents, it is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains
and lakes where one can experience the four seasons simultaneously. It is a
land rich in natural beauty and seeped in history dating back to the Greek and
Roman period. The country hosts two of the ancient wonders of the world, The
Temple of Artemis in Selcuk and the Mausoleum in Bodrum.
The Turkish hospitality is unique and you will meet some of the most
friendly and helpful people around where English is spoken as a second language.
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
golfing.
Shopping is an endless pleasure with its open air colourful bazaars offering
everything from eastern spices to hand made rugs.
Turkish cuisine is world renowned for its fresh produce and aromatic
flavours. With a variety of restaurants offering both Turkish and
International dishes.
With its unspoilt coastline, hot summers and
relative mild winters Turkey is now becoming one of the most popular places for
Europeans to purchase property, whether it's for investment, a holiday home or
simply a place to get away from it all Turkey has everything to offer.
Bodrum
Bodrum, Peninsula is located in the Aegean region of Turkey and in ancient
times was known as Halicarnassus. It was the birthplace of Heredotus and the
site of King Mausolus's Tomb one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In the harbour, the Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of Stupider, is a
fine example of 15th century Crusader architecture, and has been converted into
the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with remains dating as far back as the
Bronze Age.
Today Bodrum is a cosmopolitan town and over the years has
become very popular with both Turkish from big cities and foreign visitors.
The Bodrum climate during the long Turkish summer is especially comfortable as
it is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Aegean and creates a unique air
quality. The warm clear blue waters are perfect for swimming and other water
activities and of course the famous 'Blue cruise' (boat trips).
It is now rapidly becoming the St Tropez of Turkey and has activities to suit
everyone taste, fine restaurants and café along the marina offering Turkish or
international cuisine, ancient history to explore, sun seekers and water sports
lovers, exhilarating nightlife with a choice of many taverns, bars and discos
and of course the newly opened 18 hole golf course with many more under
construction. Bodrum is a hotspot for property investment and holiday homes
with its whitewashed buildings draped in flowering begonvil. It is a perfect
choice for your Mediterranean holiday, steeped in history and full of charm
Bitez
Bitez is a picturesque holiday resort just 10 minutes
from the centre of Bodrum. It has become one of the most popular holiday
resorts on the Aegean coastline set among the mountains and mandarin gardens.
It has one of the cleanest beaches around the peninsula and offers a peaceful
setting with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and café along the beach front
ideal for a family holiday. Bitez is a well known windsurfing area and there
are many other water sports available. It is only a short Dolmus ride away
from the bustling town of Gumbet and the cosmopolitan town of Bodrum.
Gokcebel
Situated just 2 km from the popular resort of Yalikavak this peaceful little
resorts offers an ideal stress free holiday. The resort offers stunning views
down the hill side and just a short drive away from the many bays where you can
relax and soak up the sun. There are many facilities in the nearby resort of
Yalikavak which offer shops, restaurants and bars. Here you can also find
some of the most famous fishing restaurants around the Bodrum Peninsula
Güllük
Güllük town is set in a protective bay on the Aegean coastline, meaning
place of roses this town is surrounded by forests with olive, almond, fig and
orange groves.
The resort is a quiet and peaceful place and has many hidden unspoilt bays,
coves and beaches where you can soak up the sunshine relax by the sea and
appreciate the evening sunset. The village is known as the fishing paradise
of Turkey and the daily fresh catch of sea bass and sea bream can be enjoyed in
the many open air restaurants on the promenade.
The village is only 30 minutes to the popular resort of Bodrum; 15 minutes
drive to the airport and the newly opened Vita Park Golf Course which makes it
an ideal all year round holiday location to suit all tastes. The town is open
all year round and with the industrial marina moved from the centre of town
means tourism is now becoming more popular. The town has all amenities with
plenty of restaurants, cafe, bars and supermarkets.
Golturkbuku
The laid back village of Türkbükü and the adjacent village of Golkoy have
merged together and are now called Golturkbuku. Situated on the greenest part
of the peninsula it is a favourite holiday spot for the elite of Turkey.
Known as the French Riviera of Turkey it is where you find Turkeys most stylish
holiday makers. There are a lot of shore side restaurants which have their
own jetties for sunbathing during the day and relaxing over dinner in the
evening. If it's a holiday where you want to hang out with the rich and famous
then this is a must.
Gumbet
A lively holiday spot offering endless sunshine by days and entertainment
throughout the night From the white washed building down to the sea front
there are an abundance of bar and restaurants both British and International
overflowing with entertainment. A great holiday hotspot ideal for those who
want to get the most out of their holiday day and night.
Gundogan
Is a quiet Turkish village which remains very traditional. The waterfront
is spacious and not over crowed which makes it ideal for those wanting comfort
and privacy. There is a selection of intimate seaside restaurants and if you
want to go out and explore hidden in the ridge above the village are the ruins
of a small Greek monastery offering a splendid view of the countryside.
Despite increasing popularity of the village it has still managed to keeps its
charm. It is in an ideal location with the popular resort of Yalikavak just
10 minutes away and the cosmopolitan town of Bodrum just 20 drive away.
Gümüslük
Stands on the site of the sunken ancient city of Myndos it was one of the
oldest inhabited settlements on the peninsula. The village is an official
historical site and the area around is protected by rigorously enforced
environmental laws. Cars are not allowed into the old village but you can take
a stroll down to the many fish restaurants along the sea front display their
daily catch. On the sea front there is a shallow walkway formed from stones
of the sunken city to a small island called Rabbit Island where rabbits are
frequently seen. Gümüslük wakes up late in the morning and stays out late in
the evening but this does not take away from peaceful surroundings as any loud
noise is prohibited. The sunset is a must to watch as the sun rises behind
the hills and set across the bay behind the Greek islands. A perfect holiday
retreat for those looking to enjoy its natural and peaceful surroundings and
only 20 minutes away from the centre of Bodrum
Konacik
Just minutes away from the bustling town of Gumbet and the pretty resort of
Bitez Konacik is set in the peaceful countryside with views of both bays. It
has become a very popular village seeped in Turkish culture. It has a rural
setting where you can explore the ruins of Pedasa on the hilltop set among a
wealth of scenery and wildlife. In the evening you can enjoy the hustle and
bustle of Gumbet, the peaceful setting of Bitez or the cosmopolitan town of
Bodrum all just a 10 minutes Dolmus drive away.
Ortakent
Set inland just 13 km from the resort of Bodrum Ortakent is a typical
Turkish village famous for its mandarin groves, fig and olive trees. Ortakent
means middle town which makes it an ideal place to stay to discover the Bodrum
Peninsula. The beautiful long beach just 4 km away called Yashi offers
peaceful relaxing holidays. Wind conditions are ideal around the beach making
it a perfect place for windsurfing and sailing. Along the beach front there
are many bars and café which you can enjoy whilst sunbathing on the beach. In
the evening many of the restaurants set out table on the beach front so you can
enjoy a romantic evening sunset. Ortakent is one of the oldest settlements of
the region and has some interesting historical feature around including the
17th century fortified tower built for defensive purpose.
Torba
Torba is a quiet sleepy little village on the north-eastern side of the
peninsula. It has its own sand and pebble beaches to enjoy a relaxing day
sunbathing. There is a selection of hotels and restaurants doted around the
seafront. With its location just 5km from Bodrum town centre it is an ideal
holiday for those wanting to relax and enjoy the scenery during the day and in
the evening to enjoy the cosmopolitan town of Bodrum.
Turgutreis
The second largest town on the peninsula Turgutreis is a charming bubbling
town. There 19km stretch of beach allows you to relax and soak up the sun.
In the evening there is a large selection of local and international
restaurants to suit everyone's taste. There is a selection of bars around
offering lively or peaceful surroundings. Every Saturday there is the second
largest market with holiday makers taking a trip to avail of the many bargains
on offer. The new marina offers daily trips to the Greek Island of Kos just
30 minutes away. An ideal holiday destination to suit all tastes.
Tuzla
This relatively new area is gaining more popularity due to the development
of the new golf course due to open in 2008. It is situated just 8 km from the
airport and 15 minutes drive to the centre of Bodrum. The wet lands are
surrounded by pine, olive and tamarisk trees which are rich in plankton, water
plants and fish; this makes it an ideal shelter and feeding place for birds
that migrate in winter. It is a bird sanctuary and throughout the year a
large variety of pelicans and flamingo can be seen around the lake. The
unspoilt fishing village of Bogacizi on the edge of the Gulf of Gulluk is close
by offering fresh daily caught sea bass and sea bream. The up and coming area
is becoming very popular with foreigners and locals.
Yalikavak
A small town on the Bodrum peninsula which is a much sought after resort and
is still a thriving fishing village with many sponge divers among its residents.
Windmills are one of the symbols of Yalikavak. When you arrive at the location
where the windmills stand the views across the horizon will impress as you will
witness completely green scenery on one side and amazing panoramic views across
the bay on the other side. The town is neat and tidy and many old buildings
have undergone restoration to modern use which makes it an attractive place for
those who care for both old and new. There is a pretty harbour which is
surrounded by restaurants and bars and the atmosphere is quiet, unhurried and
relaxing. The centre of the town is closed to traffic to allow you to wander
through the many shops and small cafe. Close to the new marina you will find
many fish restaurants offering delicious fresh daily catch. The resort is only
20 minutes drive to the centre of Bodrum
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