The Best Beaches in Bodrum

Picturesque View of Bodrum Harbour with Castle in background

Being a haven for creative artists, the fishing village of Bodrum transformed into a seaside dream destination and is known as the playground of the rich and famous. I can easily understand why Time Magazine announced Bodrum as one of the Most Terrific Holiday Destinations in the World. The DailySabah announced Turkey’s 3rd spot globally for the most International Blue Flag beaches. Our journey led us to the junction of the World’s two best seas, the Aegean and the Mediterranean. All Bodrum Beaches have their charm, and although at a relaxing pace, check out these Exciting Trips and Places in Bodrum.

9 Top Bodrum Beaches & Attractions

Unusual Things To Do In Bodrum

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Bodrum Blue Flag Beaches

Turkey’s Blue Flag award status is a stamp of approval given only to the most immaculate Bodrum beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. With 67 blue-flag Bodrum beaches and summer temperatures around 30°C (86F), thousands of people from all walks of life flock there every summer. Bodrum boasts not less than 67 blue-flag beaches, making Turkey one of the most astonishing Beach holiday destinations. Here is my pick of the best Beaches in Bodrum (in no particular order); I recommend you visit first.

1. Bitez beach

The long compacted sand and shingle Beach of Bitez is lined with restaurants and hotels, each with its patch of sun loungers and shades on the shorefront and even provides service on the beach. Bitez is a trendy choice for those looking for a Bodrum Beach with watersports, parasailing, and other facilities. Being a narrow beach overlooking the bay where wooden boats float in the water makes it a favourite to sit and relax while having something cold at one of the restaurants. Bitez is 6 miles from yet another famous, Gumbet Beach.

Bitez Beach, lined with bars and restaurants
Bitez Beach, lined with bars and restaurants

2. Gumbet Beach

Centrally located on the Bodrum Peninsula, with a view over the Bodrum Castle, Gümbet Beach attracts zillions of sun lovers every summer. The lively, long sandy beach is famous for its water sports and shallow waters. The beach has cosy shops, bars, restaurants and hotels with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a colourful selection of chairs and cushions. Besides the ambience, the Turkish hospitality, and excellent Turkish food, one can expect a vibrant nightlife.

A popular tourist attraction is the historical Windmills located at the top of the hill on the eastern side of the beach. Overlooking the Mediterranean, these old windmills date back to the 18th century and were used ancient years ago to grind grains. Its long stretch of golden sandy beaches and shallow waters makes Gumbet Beach popular among families. Altogether, it is a nice hang-out place as the beach is lined with cosy restaurants and a selection of Sunbeds close to the water line. About six miles from Gumbet, you’ll find the favourite Bitez beach in Bodrum.

How to Get to Gumbet Beach

  • Plane: By air, the closest airport to Gumbet Anil Beach, Gümbet, is Bodrum (BJV).
  • Bus journey: Kamil Koc has a bus from the Izmir bus station to Bodrum every hour. The bus journey takes about 3.5 hours and costs between R 320 – and R 440.
The Old Windmills overlooking Gumbet Beach
The Old Windmills overlooking Gumbet Beach

3. Ortakent Beach

One of the Bodrum Peninsula’s liveliest beaches, Gümbet offers crystal clear water, water sports, and vibrant nightclubs. Perfect for groups, families, and couples, hotels, restaurants bar, bars, and shops line the long beach. The sunbeds are free to use, and the drinks are an excellent price; plus, they bring them to you. Ortakent Beach is a small pebble beach with delicate small shells located far from the crowd of Bodrum city. The beach in Bodrum is trendy among families and couples looking for a quiet spot.

Picturesque Ortakent Beach, Bodrum, Panoramic Bay with hotels and villas overlooking the Mediterranean.
Panoramic view over Ortakent Beach Bodrum Bay

4. Kumbahce Bodrum Beach

Near the castle and marina in Bodrum town centre is a good stretch of sand around 300 metres long. Places to eat and drink nearby make it convenient to take a break from the sun to enjoy lunch. It can get busy in peak season and is very popular with Turks.

5. Yahsi Sahil Beach

The longest beach in the district of Ortakent, Yahsi Sahil, offers views of the Greek Island of Kos. Locals boast of the old stone houses and citrus groves and recommend staying for the incredible sunset from the central beach area. Yahsi Sahil beachfront restaurants are famous for Alfresco dinners and the several Bodrum Beach clubs, especially during a full moon.

Yahsi Beach Bodrum, With a Tranquil scene of Yahsi Bay with umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach.
Yahsi Beach Bodrum

More Top Turkey Bodrum Beaches

6. gümüşlük bodrum Beach

With its laid-back atmosphere, the trendy seaside village of Gumusluk is home to an impressive selection of attractions, making it well worth a visit. In 350 BC, Gumusluk became the ancient city of Myndos, which means to worship the mother goddess. To travel from Bodrum to Gumusluk, catch a bus from the Bodrum Otogar or take a taxi from Bodrum to Gumusluk, which should take about 20-30 minutes.

7. Camel Kargi Bay Beaches in Bodrum

Also known as Kargi Bay, Camel Beach is one of the lovely swimming sandy beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula. It derived the name Camel Beach from the camels on the beach. Besides Camel rides, there are watersport activities, and the Bodrum beach boasts an array of great eateries. If kite and windsurfing is your thing, you might visit the large stretch of sand further along the shoreline at Kadikalesi, which kite surfers highly rate for its good facilities and conditions. The top five Kite Surf schools in Bodrum are Kiteboard Bodrum in Bitez, Fener Windsurf Club in the city centre, VIP Windsurf Center in Ortakent, Rush Windsurf in Bitez and Bodrum Windsurf in Kadıkalesi on the Turkish Coast.

Bodrum Camel Beach, Blue waters with camels lying on the beach
Bodrum Camel Beach

8. Turkbuku Beach in Bodrum

Also known as the San Tropez of Turkey, Türkbükü, or Göltürkbükü is a small bay located on the opposite side of the Bodrum peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Bodrum. Türkbükü is a favoured summer destination of well-heeled Turks and is widely recognized as the San Tropez of Turkey. This is where you will find some of Bodrum’s best restaurants, beach clubs and hotels that cater to a high-spending, sophisticated crowd. During the day, all of Türkbükü’s restaurants and bars turn into beach clubs, with sunbeds on the small piers over the water and eating and drinking services all day.

Turkbuku Eagean Coast, Turkey

The protected harbour of Türkbükü is lined with picturesque high hills dotted with several luxury hotels and holiday villas. Of course, some beach clubs are better than others, especially if you want to mingle with the best of the bay’s sophisticated crowd. Even if you’re not a guest at Maçakızı, you can use the gorgeous private beach for a fee, including the excellent lunch buffet and a cocktail when the sun sets. Another great option is the No.81 Hotel, which also has a beautiful beach during the day, placed under the shade of large white umbrellas overlooking the turquoise hue of the sea.

View of Bodrum Beach, Aegean sea, traditional white houses, flowers, marina, sailing boats, yachts in Bodrum city town Turkey.
Beach Aegean Sea, Mugla, Turkey

9. Aspat Beach in Bodrum

The famous Aspat Beach Bodrum is half an hour’s drive from Bodrum. With its clean beach, crystal clear water, and good amenities, it is popular amongst many, although very pricey. Unfortunately, a lot of construction is going on, which has a negative impact. Last untouched beaches in Bodrum. It is a hidden gem on the peninsula that receives fewer visitors than other beaches in surrounding areas.

Ferries From Bodrum to the Greek Islands

If you want to explore even more, you can take the Bodrum to Kos ferry to spend the day on a Greek island and return later with the Kos Bodrum Ferry. Many other Ferry options exist, such as the Bodrum to Symi Ferry and even the Bodrum to Rhodes Ferry.

Kos Bodrum Ferry timetable and bookings

Bodrum Beaches FAQ

What is the nearest airport to Gumbet Anil Beach, Gümbet?

The closest airport to Gumbet is the Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV), which offers domestic and international flights. Located 36 km from the centre of Bodrum and 39 km from the famous Gumbet Anil Beach.

Where to Stay near Bodrum Beaches?

Check for the Best Places to Stay near Bodrum in Turkey

 

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