The Most Popular Bays of Bodrum

Gumusluk

Gumusluk has become one of the more popular spots in Bodrum in recent years. When we visited in May, it wasn’t too crowded, but I imagine it gets much busier during the summer. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Gumusluk from Bodrum by minibus.

Gumusluk is perfect for both swimming and relaxing at one of the cafes by the beach. It’s also a great spot for taking photos with its charming decorations and flowers. If you climb a few steps up to the mosque, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view.

Bitez

Bitez is a place I’ve visited for years, and it’s my favorite among Bodrum’s towns. There are plenty of accommodation options, ranging from motels and apartments to boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Like most of Bodrum, the beaches here are public. The sea remains shallow for quite a distance, making it especially ideal for families with children. It’s about a 20-minute ride from Bodrum’s center. If you want to use a sunbed or umbrella, you’ll need to order something from the beachside cafes. I usually prefer the area near Corner Hotel, where there are fewer hotels.

The center of Bitez is a bit far from the beach, but you can take a walk one day and stop by Bitez for some ice cream or try their famous manti (Turkish dumplings). Bitez is becoming more lively each day, and I was surprised to hear that Brekkie had opened there recently.

Just a bit further from Bitez is the Ortakent/Yahsi area, which is also recommended for its beaches.

Yalikavak/Turgutreis

This area, which stays windy even in summer, isn’t ideal for swimming in my opinion. Turgutreis, with its marina, is a good option for shopping enthusiasts, but I didn’t notice any particularly unique brands or products.

Gumbet

If you’re into nightlife and looking for bars, Gumbet is the place to be. It’s also quite close to the center. The sea here isn’t wavy, but being nearer to the center means it’s generally more crowded.

Guvercinlik

Although I didn’t like the hotel we stayed at in Guvercinlik, I remember the sea being calm and pleasant for swimming. Our hotel didn’t have a beach; we entered the water from a platform, and it got deep very quickly, so it wasn’t ideal for those who can’t swim. However, I believe there are hotels with sandy beaches in the area. We didn’t have many options for exploring outside the hotel, but perhaps the area has become livelier since then.

As a bonus, I recently stayed in Bardakci Bay, and I was charmed by its tranquility and proximity to Bodrum. The sea is lovely, and it’s a small bay. You can easily reach the center by walking, taking a minibus, or a reasonably priced taxi ride.