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 around the Peninsula.

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.

Gümbet
Only 2-3 km away from Bodrum, Gümbet has recently became almost a resort unto itself. Named after Kümbet -these numerous white-domed cisterns in the area, the village features one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsula and is one of the most popular water sports centres with many available activities including water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing.
The popularity of Gümbet with the young and young-at-heart has also generated an active nightlife and the streets of Gümbet vibrate till dawn with the music from numerous bars, discos and street side-cafes

Bitez
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 sun loungers and umbrellas for sunbathing, while away from the beach it is possible to wander through mandarin orange groves where oxen plough and life continues asit has for countless years. 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. Dolmus local buses 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 and there are several beachside 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'.

Turgutreis
You'll find this little town at the western tip of the peninsula. Named after the famous admiral, Turgut Reis, this is a strollers paradise in its own right and combines a compact town center with several long sandy beaches. This part of the coast is favoured by professional wind surfers as the winds can occasionally be 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 pursuits.

Gündogan
Only a few minutes West of Yalikavak this is a place that can really be 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 which is a reason why many sailors and windsurfers 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  as it is the harbour of ancient Myndos, which repulsed alexander the Great only to slip into the sea - remains can still be seen under the water.

Yalikavak
Turn right on the main road near Ortakent and after 10 km you come to Yalikavak with its small, but busy, centre and a harbour where visiting yachts and local fishing boats moor cheerfully together. The restaurants in the town centre and on the sea front are popular with locals and tourists alike. There 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 was converted into a kilim showroom where visitors are welcome.

Akyarlar
Akyarlar offers good camping sites and it is an ideal surrounding for wind surfers. 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 harbour giving Akyarlar its own tranquil charm.

Torba
Heading North of Bodrum Torba is the nearest village, which hides in a charming little bay. 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 a small path leads to the next bay, which is ideal for a little light walking. Ferries leave from Torba harbour to Didim (ancient Didyma) which lies across the Gulf of Güllük.

Türkbükü und Gölköy
These two fishing villages we will mention in one, because they are so close to each other, East of Yalikavak. 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 left the big city for the peace of this beautiful area.