BITEZ
After Gümbet comes Bitez, a long sand beach in form of a crescent moon that forms the east side of the bay. The beach direction west on the other hand is beautiful and also for children ideal because it goes flatly into the sea. Beach and sea are very clean , Also the streets are maintained. Because the main street passes behind the hotels, pension and restaurant, that surround the beach, the place offers a further advantage for families with children. For that, who travel with the car, there is however no reason to the concern, lots of parking are sufficiently available. Bitez is in the environment of the Bodrum Peninsula, even in the "Turkey", the best place for surfing. Englishmen discovered this already years ago and established surf-schools at the bay. So one can take Sailing surf-instruction in Sun Word. Parasol and deck chairs, finds at every place of the coast of Bitez, they are cost-free.
GUMUSLUK
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 harbour of ancient Myndos
GUNDOGAN
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.
GUVERCINLIK
This is the first settlement before Bodrum. Its enclosed sea like a lake. Güvercinlik is surrounded with small hotels, restaurants and houses. Off the shore there is Salih Island. Güvercinlik is the place you can greet Bodrum.
The hills to the east of the wide and tall Salih Island are covered in pines and lower parts in olive trees. The cove where there is a white house on the south east part of Salih is the best on the island.
The sea is still very clean despite the pollution created by the fish farms nearby. In the south there is another holiday area consisting of seven or eight villas.
Although it is claimed that the island of Salih was the location of Old Karyanda there are almost no historic remains to prove that. The Karyanda locals left the island and were re-located around Türkbükü–Gölköy and founded New Karyanda
ORTAKENT & 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 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 'Yahsi beach'. The village of Ortakent, which means 'Middletown' 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.
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 harbour across the Gulf of Güllük.
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 centre with several long sandy beaches. This part of the coast is favoured by professional windsurfers 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.
YALIKAVAK
Turn right on the main road near Ortakent, after 10 km you come to Yalikavak with its small, but busy, centre and a harbour where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor cheerfully together. The restaurants in the town centre 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.
