Despite the huge popularity of Bodrum as holiday destination, and the increasing popularity of the Bodrum Peninsula as a whole, there are still many places in the surrounding region where you can get off the beaten track. A holiday in Bodrum can be an unforgettable experience, but for a true taste of Turkish culture, spend some time away from the town, visiting small and traditional villages.

 

Bodrum lies at the start of the Bodrum Peninsula, and it’s the largest settlement in the area, but if you head west along the coast you’ll come across several much smaller towns and villages that have a more intimate feel about them.

 

The first village you come to is Gumbet, though this resort village is about as popular as Bodrum itself so not really off the beaten path! But if the beach in Bodrum doesn’t do it for you, Gumbet’s beach is very popular and offers a great range of watersports.

 

To get further off the beaten track you can travel further along the coast of the peninsula, or head inland a little way to hillside villages. Our Bodrum Driving Tour page gives a suggestion for a driving tour for your holiday in Bodrum that takes in all the best places of the Bodrum Peninsula.

 

If you’re staying in a hotel in Bodrum’s centre, take the time to walk up out of the centre into the hills surrounding the town. It will take a while to get up above all the hotels but you’ll be rewarded with some great views over both Bodrum and the Aegean Sea.

 

If you have a hire car and feel like travelling further out from Bodrum, drive north of the town to the northern shores of the peninsula. This side of Bodrum Peninsula is greener and features more of the Aegean Coast’s beautiful pine forests, perfect for hiking or biking in, and definitely off the beaten track!