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Homer's description of Bodrum as
"The land of eternal blue" and the words of another resident of Bodrum, Cevat
Sakir, who said "The heavenly bliss of life in Bodrum is better than any
eternal bliss that may await us" were not without foundation in reality.
Throughout history Bodrum, known as Halicarnassos in ancient times, has always
been fought over and people have been unwilling to share its beauty with
others.Built on a peninsula formed by the meeting of the eastern and western
harbours, Bodrum, with its narrow streets winding down to the sea, is famous for
its castle, its world-renowned yachts, its shipyards and the dazzling white
houses and tombs lining the shores of its two harbors.
BODRUM HOUSES
The common features of the
traditional architecture used in Bodrum are windowless first floors and
doors on the second storey with access by way of ladders that can be drawn
up into the house. These houses, which are now protected by the government,
are located mostly in the villages of Ortakent and Kocakaya above Gümüslük.
Individuals, such as artists and writers who have
settled in Bodrum have done a great service to the area by restoring older
houses and this has made it an even more interesting place to visit.
BEACHES ON THE
PENINSULA
Güvercinlik: A cove
of unusual beauty with every conceivable tone green and blue, it is located
25 km from Bodrum. Salih Island, located right across the water, only serves
to enhance the natural appeal of this beautiful cove.
Torba: A peaceful
little village just 5 km from Bodrum is a charming and lively place where
the shining sea melds with the green pines and olive trees. There are boats
going to Didim, Milet and Priene from here.
Gölköy: Located 13
km north of Bodrum, this beautiful cove blends the green of olive, tangerine
and pine trees with that of palms. Because it faces the north, it is always
lush and the water in the cove is cooler than that in the other coves.
Türkbükü:
Situated beside Golkoy,
at a distance
of 15 km from Bodrum, it resembles Gölköy in almost every way. It is
one of the places preferred by people looking for peace and quiet.
 Gündoğan:
Located 18 km from Bodrum, Gündogan cove is one
of the coves that has been least changed by man and which still preserves
its beauty in the most natural way. Its tangerine orchards are famous.
Yalıkavak:
This village is 18 km from Bodrum in the
north western part of the peninsula. It is famous for
its windmills, fish, citrus orchards and sea. The most famous sponge divers
have come from this village.
Gümüslük:
It is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. It is still
possible to see the underwater remains of the old harbour
wall which connected Tavsan Island to the
mainland. The sea and fish here are famous. Watching the sun set here amidst
the lush green vegetation will be a life-long memory.
Kadıkalesi: The
sandy beaches of this crystal clear sea are surrounded with citrus orchards.
Situated 23 km from Bodrum, it gets its name from the remains of a nearby
castle belonging to the Hellenistic era.
 Turgutreis:
Situated 20 km from Bodrum, the town is famous for its tangerine orchards.
It was named after the famous Turkish admiral, Turgut Reis. In terms of
population, it is one of the most populous areas of the peninsula. It is
known for its unforgettable sunsets.
Akyarlar: This cove
with its wonderful beach and crystal clear waters is 13 km from Bodrum. It
is one of the best places to surf.
Karaincir: Situated
16 km out of Bodrum, its 500 m. beach is one of the best in the area.
Bagla:
With one of the best coves and beaches on the peninsula, it is an
excellent place to camp and is 14 km from Bodrum.
Aspat: Rising out of
the shores of the Aegean and mentioned often in Turkish folk music, the real
name of Aspat is Aspartos. Built on a barren rock, the perimeter of Aspat
Castle measures 700 paces. The remains of several civilizations dating back
to the Classical Age can be seen here.
Ortakent: Located 14
km from Bodrum, its waters are warm and it has sandy beaches. Its tangerine
orchards are quite famous. It is one of the best vantage points from which
to view village life in Bodrum.
Bitez:
One of the most beautiful coves on the
peninsula, it is 10 km from Bodrum. It has sandy beaches. It is a beautiful
quiet corner where blue and green reach out to touch each other in the
tangerine orchards which stretch from the village to the sea.
 Gümbet:
About 3 km west of Bodrum, its waters are very shallow. Bardakci
is at a distance of 500 m. from Bodrum. Most people go there by boat. It is
known for its beach and the water, which is as clear as glass, as well as
the fresh water spring there.
Bardakçı: It is 500
m. from Bodrum. One can reach to Bardakci
by sea easily. Its crystal clear sea is well-known
for its springs.
Karaada: Situated 6
km from Bodrum, it is famous for its healing mineral springs. The water
comes out of a cave and the mud from the cave is said to be good for skin
conditions.
Ada Boğazı (Aquarium):
It is called as Aquarium because of its
crystal-clear waters. In the open waters, the seafloor to 30 m depth can be
seen with the naked eye.
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