Reporter Ruken Alışkan continues our Explore series with a look at Bodum

I know most of you have been to Bodrum, at least to use the airport. However, I thought that an article with the most important places worth seeing would be useful.

Bodrum is a place that overtakes Muğla, to which it is connected, with its facilities that will look like a big city. It is also a large area with many beautiful points. For this reason, I will tell you about some of the must-see bays and places to visit in Bodrum Centre.

Since I prefer to stay in a quiet and peaceful place, I stayed in Güvercinlik and followed a route where I visited the surrounding bays. On my second day, I slowly descended towards the center of Bodrum and ended my short vacation by visiting the center. Here’s the route I followed.

Güvercinlik

The geography of Bodrum is quite different from that of Didim. The biggest difference being that Bodrum has many mountains, big and small. And the fact that each beach has different weather in itself.

Güvercinlik is the most peaceful of these beaches in my opinion. On the beach surrounded by pine forests, the taste of the sea is something else. While you are here, you should definitely stop by the fish restaurants and enjoy the delicious fish.

Then take a walk in the calm bay and see many small and large bays.

The address of Mandalya Restaurant, one of the best-known restaurants of Güvercinlik, is Güvercinlik, Cumhuriyet Meydani No:6, 48450 Bodrum/Muğla.

We tried Glaros for the first time and we were satisfied. The environment and the taste of the fish were also good. The address of Glaros is Güvercinlik, Cumhuriyet Meydani No: 10, 48450 Bodrum/Muğla. For a reservation: 0530 667 58 40.

Göltürkbükü

Göltürkbükü is a neighborhood where Türkbükü and Gündoğan are very close. It is an important point for those who love the luxury places of Bodrum, nightlife, and beach clubs.

If you don’t like this vibrant sense of entertainment like me, go swimming in Türkbükü during the daytime instead of at night. Since there is no public beach here, you have to pay for a beach club. Here, Dozo, Galen, The Swim Club, and Gizia are among the most well-known businesses.

Yalikavak

Yalıkavak is a place where the rich of Bodrum prefer to live and where stylish places are located. However, there is a small bazaar where luxury is not in your eyes.

There is a famous Köftecisi, which looks more modest than other places, in the bazaar, Kavaklı Köftecisi. Although the prices are a little high, the taste is really good. Address: Yalıkavak, Çarşı İçi No:110 D:No:110, 48990 Bodrum/Muğla.

For more luxurious places, you can go to Yalıkavak Marina. There are Zuma or Morena options for Japanese cuisine. There is a place called Novikov Lounge Bodrum for international cuisine. I didn’t go Novikov, but I met people who complained about its cost. Let me remind you again that these places I have mentioned are luxurious places. These venues are located on Yalikavak Çökertme Street. Yalıkavak has a wavy sea, so not very suitable for swimming.

Turgutreis

Turgutreis was also a place where I liked to walk along the coastline, but found the sea to be seedy. Although it has a sandy beach, the sea is quite wavy. It can be an ideal place for those who want to sit on a quiet beach at night, listen to the sound of the waves, and watch the stars.

Also, if you want to visit Kos Island, the journey from Turgutreis D-Marin takes only 20 minutes. You can go to Kos from Bodrum Cruise Port and the journey time is the same.

Akyarlar-Aspat

Akyarlar beach, which has been among the most modest and unpretentious places of Bodrum in recent years, has started to change a little with big businesses. This is my favorite place to swim because I like shallow seas more. If you are a family with children, choose this place as the sea will be safer.

However, I should mention that it can be more crowded than other places. If the shallow sea is not for you, you should come to Akyarlar for Aspat. It is connected to Aspat Akyarlar and has a marina called Anthaven. I really liked the good and different atmosphere of the Anthaven. Some of the places you can stop by in Anthevan are: Vi Coffee Healthy Living for gluten-free and vegan breakfasts and desserts; Hadi Balık Bistro for fish and appetizers; Antre, which is a nice place with wine, cheese, pizza, and salad varieties. If you are looking for a coffee shop, Karabatak Aspat is a cute place to check out.

Bodrum Centre

If you want to turn your holiday into a cultural trip, I recommend you to see Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archeology Museum. Bodrum Castle is one of the most iconic places and you should not return without seeing it. The underwater museum is located inside the castle.

I would also like to suggest a few places with a view of the castle. The first being the popular Marina Yacht Club. It is a popular place with its castle view and food, and there are dishes from world cuisine. Additionally, they have night entertainment. If you want Turkish food, choose the Bistro Marina on the upper floor. Their address is Eskiçeşme, Milta marina, Neyzen Tevfik Cd. D:No:5, 48400 Bodrum/Mugla.

How to get there:

It is possible to go to Bodrum from Didim bus station. Didim Seyahat has two buses at 09:00 and 16:00. Başkent Turizm has a bus service at 11.30.

The journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. After getting off the Bodrum bus station, you can find minibusses that stop by most of the bays you want. If you want to visit the bays one by one, a taxi or your private vehicle may be a more comfortable option. If you take a taxi, don’t forget to ask to turn on the taximeter.