Introduction to Gümüşlük Bay

As you drive towards Gümüşlük from the North, you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the Gümüşlük Bay.  The end of the peninsula curves around, to create a secluded bay, and in the middle of the vista is Rabbit Island.

The majority of visitors heading to Gümüşlük, drive straight through the village and head directly to the fresh fish restaurants lining the harbour.

Gümüşlük is a popular dining destination, and at peak season, these restaurants are packed with locals as well as foreign and Turkish visitors.  Some of the restaurants are a bit pricey – but the views and ambiance are priceless.

Beach

The Beach is narrow and lined with pensions, and the loungers that populate it during the day, are replaced by tables and chairs, with sunset views of Rabbit Island, making it a memorable location for a dinner and cocktails at dusk.

Harbour

Turn the corner by the underwater pathway leading to Rabbit Island, and you’ll be met by an endless array of restaurants. There’s a small harbour where local fishing boats are moored, and if you follow the harbour around the waterline, you’ll reach another small beach.

History

• The sunken walls of the ancient city of Myndos create the underwater path which divides Gümüşlük Beach and Harbour  into two halves.
• Read about the history of the ancient City of Myndos

Location

• Gümüşlük is on the North-Western corner of the Bodrum Peninsula
• 47km from Milas-Bodrum Airport
• 7km from Turgutreis
• 9km from Yalikavak
• 23km from Bodrum

Getting There

• Regular dolmus service via Turgutreis and Bodrum, and there’s a coastal-route service that connects Gümüşlük to Yalikavak (the service also connects it to Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan.
• There’s a municipality car-park within a short walking distance to the bay, and there’s also a couple of private car-parks nearby. Depending on the time of year, you can also find free parking spots along the side of the road.
• If you arrive from the Yalikavak road, you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the harbour side of Gümüşlük Bay and part of the path leading from Rabbit Island.
• Adjacent to Gümüşlük Village

Things to do

• Walk across to Rabbit Island (the island is currently fenced off to protect the archeological activity taking place – but you can still walk across to Rabbit Island).
• Dinner at one of Gümüşlük’s reknowned fish restaurants. If you don’t mind foregoing the sea view, there are some less expensive eating options.
• Boat Trip from Gümüşlük Bay (There’s just a couple of boats available for day trips here)
• Snorkel and Swim in the protected Gümüşlük Bay
• Hiking in the nearby hills near Karakaya and stop off at the Teldolap Restaurant for a glass of wine, lunch or dinner
• Shopping at the Artisan Market/Pazar near Gümüşlük Harbour
• Hiking up the hill opposite the harbour (the hill with a flag on top and a great aerial view of Rabbit Island)
• Rent a kayak and paddle around the harbour

Sightseeing

 

This article was originally published in 2011, but has been updated with new information and republished based on my recent visit there in May 2017.