Tatler UK - 08.2019

TATLER PROMOTION

For the Turkish Culture and Information Office, please visit gototurkey.co.uk or call 020 839 7778

All that culture is bound to build an appetite

for relaxation and, as luck would have it, the

stunning shoreline of the Bodrum Peninsula

features a wide variety of beaches. In the town

centre, near the castle and marina, there’s

Kumbahce beach, a good stretch of sand with

restaurants aplenty. For a little more space,

visitors are tempted by the peaceful bays and

quiet coves out of town on the peninsula –

reached by car or, perhaps, aboard a traditional

gullet. The famous Aquarium Cove offers

crystal clear waters surrounded by dense,

fragrant pine trees. Further along the peninsula,

Yahsi Sahil offers views of the Greek island of

Kos on a clear day, perfectly complemented by

the sight of old stone houses, sprawling citrus

groves and perfect sunsets – alfresco dining at

any of the beachfront restaurants comes highly

recommended. For those seeking the adrenaline

of watersports, Fener beach is the best bet, with

kite- and windsurfing that caters to all levels.

Alongside its flourishing city centre, the

Bodrum Peninsula is surrounded by an array

of charming, quieter villages. Pretty and

timeless, these areas have remained low rise and

unspoiled, with enchanting whitewashed

houses adorned with bright bougainvillea

flowers. For an authentic Turkish experience,

visit a farmer’s market (they’re held every week

in many of the towns) or head to the

picturesque fishing port of Gümüşlük, known

for its open-air market, which sells beautiful

handmade ceramics, lanterns and other

souvenirs. Thanks to its fertile land and mild

climate, the area boasts high-quality fresh

With the glamour of the

French Riviera, it’s known

as the St Tropez of Turkey

produce in great abundance, from peaches and

oranges to figs and pomegranates, all of which

adds great colour and vibrancy to the stalls and

stands. Another classic sight among the olive

groves of Bodrum’s hills are historic water

cisterns and stone windmills; the latter were

used from the 18th century up to the 1970s for

grinding flower. Many have been whitewashed

and masterfully restored, complete with fully

working sails to give a glimpse of the past set

off by impressive panoramic views.

When it comes to dining, there are plenty of

options to choose from, although no trip to

Bodrum would be complete without sampling

the local cuisine. Expect heavenly mezze and

fresh fish as standard, as well as deli-style

‘counter culture’ dining, where a variety of

dishes are displayed in an intimate restaurant

setting. With all this (and much more) to lure

holidaymakers from all over the world,

Bodrum is bound to delight.

Opposite,

Bodrum’s historic

castle and

harbour, lined

with yachts and

gullets. Clockwise

from left,

traditional

whitewashed

houses adorned

with bright

bougainvillea

flowers in

Bodrum Town;

a classic wooden

boat in Akyarlar

on the Bodrum

Peninsula; a

buzzy restaurant

in Bodrum

harbour by night,

with a view of

the floodlit castle;

yachts anchored

in the idyllic

Paradise Cove

Tatler August 2019 tatler.com

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