Discover the true heart of Bitez

Bitez’s beachfront can seem a little bit frantic at times.  It’s one of the smaller destinations on the peninsula, and there’s stiff competition at the restaurants, resulting in is some enthusiastic sales techniques to entice you into a particular establishment.

But wander off the beaten track, and you’ll discover the true heart of Bitez. It was one of the early holiday destinations on the peninsula, and the flora and fauna has matured to create a lived in feel, and the developments looks settled in place, unlike some of the other newly developed corners of the Peninsula.

Wandering the back streets

Wander away from the beach, and explore the lanes behind the beachfront establishments.  You’ll find yourself amid private villas and small hotels, separated by mandarin and olive groves. It’s only a few steps away from the ocean, but a million miles away from the Tourist Trappings of restaurant row.

You can walk the length of the road behind the beach, and even veer further off the beaten track.  Follow the sign for the “Chapel Walkway”, and follow the small, unpaved country lane which weaves its way past small farmsteads, country houses and yet more olive and citrus orchards.

It’s a step back in time, and an opportunity to experience Turkey as a local. Don’t forget to take some water and snacks with you, and then there’s no hurry to find your way back to the beach. 

Hightailing it to the harbour

But when you do finally make it back at the beach, you can still get off the beaten track, by following the bay around to the left, and you’ll end up at Bitez harbour.

This is where you’ll find all the fishing boats and small day boats. It’s not quite so touristy as the main beach, and you can find cheaper cafes (like the Harbour Cafe) and get away from the crowds.

• Read about a Day trip on the Kelebek II from Bitez Harbour

There’s also some hiking trails near here, which can take you for the scenic view around the coastline of the peninsular, or lead you over the hill, to provide a great vista of the other bays between Bitez and Bodrum.

So whether you want to experience a slice of village tranquility, or explore the aegean coastline, Bitez is ideally located to pander to both.

 

   

 

© Source of Bitez Mosque Photo

© Source of photo’s and inspiration for this article