MUGLA/Bodrum-Marmaris-Fethiye-Datca-Dalyan
The province of Mugla features the popular resort cities of Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca, Koycegiz and Fethiye. Beautiful resorts, comfortable hotels and motels, cozy guest houses, impressive ruins of past civilizations and magnificent landscapes offer holiday makers plenty of choice. Mugla, the province’s capital, lies inland and is known for its traditional architecture. In the village of Ozluce, a veritable open-air museum east of Mugla, is Turolian Park, where you can find fossils that geologists claim are from five to nine million years old.
Bodrum
An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to the dazzling blue bay of Bodrum, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet. This charming town attracts a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long, palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina.
Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations in waters that offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes and an immense variety of other aquatic life, including octopus.
The reputation of Bodrum’s boat yards dates back to ancient times. Today, craftsmen still build traditional boats: the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern and the broad beamed, rounded stern gulette. The latter are utilized for excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Bodrum Cup Race.
Yacht Race, Bodrum
The yearly throng of visitors has encouraged small entrepreneurs to make shopping in Bodrum a delight. Leather goods of all kinds, natural sponges and the local blue glass beads are among the bargains to be found in the friendly little shops along the narrow, white walled streets. Charming boutiques offer kilims, carpets, sandals and embroidery as well as original fashions in soft cotton fabric.
Bodrum has gained the reputation as a center of the Turkish art community with its friendly, Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an casual day time lifestyle and a vibrant nightlife. The evenings in Bodrum are for leasurely dining one of the many seafood restaurants. Afterwards, daytime nightclubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn.
Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of the tomb of King Mausolus (4th century B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the harbor, Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th-century Crusader architecture. It has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archeology, with remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The stunning panoramic view from nearby Goktepe, is often photographed by those who visit the second-century theater there.
The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits visitors interested in a understated relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. On the southern coast, Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Aktur, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar have fine, sandy beaches (Bitez, Ortakent and Aktur are blue-flag beaches). Campers and windsurfers enjoy Gumbet, and at Bitez colorful sailboards weave skillfully among the masts of yachts in the bay. On shore you can enjoy quiet walks through the orange and tangerine groves bordering the beach. Ortakent has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area and offers an ideal place for relaxing in solitude. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum peninsula is Karaincir, ideal for active days by the sea and relaxed evenings with local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach.
Bodrum Museum, “Amphora Collections”
Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak, all with excellent beaches, lie on the western side of the peninsula and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Gumusluk Beach is a blue-flag beach. In Turgutreis, the birthplace of a great Turkish admiral for whom it is named, you will find a monument honoring him. In the ancient port of Myndos (Gumusluk) you can easily make many friends from among the hospitable and outgoing local populace. In Yalikavak, white washed houses with cascading bougainvillaea line narrow streets. Small cafes and the occasional windmill make it particularly picturesque.
Bodrum Castle
On the north coast of the peninsula Torba, Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan can be seen by road. Even better, hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little windmills, still used to grind grain, crown the surrounding hills covered in olive trees. Torba, a modem village with holiday villas and a nice marina is located eight km north of Bodrum. Golkoy and Turkbuku are small and simple fishing villages with a handful of taverns overlooking the lovely bay.
After a boat trip to Karaada, half an hour from Bodrum, you can bathe in the grotto where warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to enhance the complexion.
The translucent and deep waters of the Gulf of Gokova, off the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula, vary from the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, and the coastline is thickly wooded in every hue of green. During the evening, the sea reflects the mountains silhouetted against the setting sun, while it shimmers with phosphorescence at night.
Native, Bodrum
You can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for a two, three or seven-day tour of the gulf.
The Gulf of Gulluk, and harbor of the same name, lie north of the Bodrum peninsula on the Aegean. The mythological Dolphin Boy is said to have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik (lassos). South of Gulluk, Varvil, ancient Bargilya, sits at the end of a deep narrow inlet surrounded by hillsides covered in olive trees.
Inland from Gulluk, is Milas, ancient Mylasa, known for its beautiful carpets a century-old tradition which continues today. The weavers rarely mind a visitor watching them at work. Plenty of old Turkish houses with carved timbers and latticed windows provide examples of the local architectural style. Gumuskesen, a memorial tomb, thought to be a small copy of the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, stands west of the city.
The ancients built Labranda high in the mountains as a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Today tourists have rediscovered this mountain retreat, escaping to its exhilarating air and breathtaking scenery.
Situated on a bay, backed by rugged pineclad mountains, Marmaris is a most attractive maritime parklands, ideal for water sports and sailing. It makes an excellent starting point for a “Blue Voyage” tour of the Aegean coastline. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the yacht captains and crews. With plenty of provisions aboard you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
In Marmaris, sample typical Turkish cuisine in one of the marina restaurants and drink raki, anisette, the traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water. Later stroll along the brightly lit palm-lined promenade and indulge yourself at one of the ice cream vendors. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated disco can end a perfect day. There are many good buys in Marmaris’s boutiques, colorlul bazaars and markets.
Gumuskesen Memorial, Milas, Mugla
You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper jewelry and other objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey called cambali is superb.
Marmaris, Mugla
Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia- Rhodes- Egypt trade route. In the 16th century, Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today. Swimmers should not miss Ataturk Park, to the east of Marmaris, where a shallow beach, extending to the bay leads to safe waters. The clear blue sea is warm enough for swimming from early May until late September. Marmaris also has horseback riding and tennis centers for the sports enthusiast. This is also one of the few places in the world where you can delight in the heady aroma of the frankincense tree. Weekly ferry lines run between Marmaris and Venice during the summer season.
Near Marmaris, at Icmeler, the hazy mountains of the interior slope down to sandy beaches. Under blue skies, the clear sea presents opportunities for all types of water sports. Many find this area so irresistible that they stay longer than originally planned. There are some excellent accommodations here, in which you can prolong your experience of nature. As you drive down from the high mountains into the scenic small village of Turunc, the vista opens out onto the spectacular blue waters beyond the natural harbor. Most of the restaurants border the beach, while a few bars and restaurants farther back from the water’s edge offer fresh fish and superb views.
Marmaris
Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay. On the northern, above the water, is the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. Loryma, at the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, where the ruins of the ancient harbor and castle remain, can only be reached by boat. Quiet, natural bays and scattered islands punctuate the northern shore of the peninsula.
Sedir Island, in the Gulf of Gokova, was the ancient Cedrai. Its old city walls, theater and temples can be visited by driving from Marmaris north to Gelibolu Bay and then crossing over by boat. This trip also offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the mountain scenery across the bay. At the head of the gulf is the village of Gokova whose houses seem to cascade down the Mt. Kiran mountainside. Restaurants built over bubbling, fresh-water streams that cascade from the highlands create an unforgettable setting. The towering pines and cooling breezes of Gokova Park are often a welcome respite from the hot sun.
The Datca Peninsula provides a natural boundary between the Gulf of Gokova in the Aegean Sea to the north, and the Gulf of Hisaronu in the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Along the 75 km from Marmaris to Datca, the road winds among trees and hills, opening onto lovely views over the blue expanse. Campers have many wonderful settings to choose from. Those who are less adventurous can stay in one of the many comfortable resort villages. The beautiful blue-flag Aktur beach is 25 km from Datca. In Datca white-washed buildings hung with bougainvillaea decorate the town. The marina is on the southern bay and swimmers prefer the northern bay. Around the marina bars, cafes and a wide selection of shops keep the tourist’s interest.
Lycian Rock Tombs, Fethiye
Some shops remain open well into the evening. Relaxing over a pre-dinner drink and then a delicious meal in a friendly restaurant is a popular way to spend the evening hours. Of course,the local eateries offer both fresh fish and classic Turkish cuisine. With any remaining energy, take a stroll and find a disco to your liking until the early morning. The Kormen Harbor, 10 km north of Datca is connected to Bodrum by a daily ferry line.
Dalyan, Mugla
As you travel out of Datca either by road or by boat, you will find unspoiled flays and golden sandy beaches. Kargi is one of the most popular.
At the end of the peninsula 38 km from Datca stands the ancient Carian city of Knidos,described by Strabo as “a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas.” Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourthcentury B.C. the city had two harbors: one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love overlook the two harbors. The arcaded walkway was built of white marble in heart- shaped columns. Praxiteles’ legendary statue of Aphrodite, one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple.
Knidos, Datca – Mugla
The town of Koycegiz lies at the northern end of the lake by the same name and is joined to the Mediterranean by a natural channel. This unique environment is being preserved as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the tiny village of Dalyan on the inland waterway. The maze of channels is easily explored by boat as you immerse yourself in this tranquil dream world. The restaurants which line the waterways specialize in delicious fresh fish.
Magnificent tombs were carved into the rock high on the cliff face, at a bend in the river, above the fascinating ancient harbor city of Caunos. The Dalyan Delta, with the long, golden, sandy lztuzu beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and blue crabs.
Oludeniz, Fethiye
At Ekincik, a delightful yacht mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area. Only a half hour’s drive from Dalaman Airport, Sarigerme has wonderful sandy beaches, and a pleasant resort village discreetly situated in a pine forest. The Dalaman River is the great for rafting, the best time being between May and October.
The road to Fethiye winds up and down hills through a heavily forested region that offers occasional glimpses of the sea and an islet or two basking in total seclusion. The Gulf of Gocek and its friendly marina is one of the best sailing spots on the Mediterranean. Dotted with islands and sculpted by many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins ofArymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure water. Opposite, on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.
The popular resort, Fethiye 135 km southeast of Marmaris boasts an important marina at the head of a beautiful bay strewn with islands. A hill crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes overlooks the little port. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity), numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facade’s of ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face. The Tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the fourth century B.C., is the most remarkable.
Harpy and Semerdam Monuments, Xanthos, Antalya
Swimmers head for the popular Calis Beach, four km west of town, or to Sovalye Island, opposite the harbor, which blazes with flowers in the spring.
The road to Belcegiz Bay takes you through the mountains, where cozy guest houses cater to those seeking mountain scenery. Ocakkoy is a mountain village must. Stay in one of the lovely guest houses and enjoy the numerous hiking possibilities. Hisaronu, also in the mountains, has very nice hotels. Kayakoy, four km from Hisaronu, is a picturesque ghost town of old houses and churches. Explore the bay and the beautiful Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz)where the calm, crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and other water sports. The Blue Lagoon is one of the best places in the world to do absolutely nothing but soak up the sun amid stunning natural surroundings. From Mt. Baba (1,969 m), you can paraglide into the Blue Lagoon. For those seeking accommodations, Belcegiz beach is highly recommended. Intoxicating scenery surrounds the beach and shady park at Kidirak. On Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas Island), Byzantine ruins are tucked amid the pines. South of Kidirak beach,Koturumsu Bay is reachable only by boat. Beyond the idyllic beach, a forest, waterfalls and a valley filled with hundreds of varieties of butterflies await the intrepid explorer. High in the mountains above Fethiye a rushing torrent cuts a narrow gorge through the mountains, creating Saklikent (Hidden City) Canyon 44 km south of Fethiye. A cool refuge on hot summer days, Saklikent is a favorite picnic spot, with rustic restaurants serving delectable fresh trout. Yakakoy (Tlos) 36 km south of Fethiye, is the oldest city in the Lycian region and the home of the Lycian Hero Bellerophon. Visitors can see the remains of a castle, the agora, the necropolis, the theatre, Roman baths and a good view of Esen Valley. Two km east isTlos Park, a terrific picnic spot. Pinara, 49 km south of Fethiye, is another ancient mountain city,popular for hikers who can see the remains of a theatre, an agora, a rock tomb, and baths.
About 65 km southeast Fethiye, near Kinik, are the ruins of Xanthos, an important Lycian capital in a splendid natural setting. Nearby Letoon was formerly an important religious cult center where temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo stood in ancient times.
Fethiye
Gumuskesen
