Where is it Gerişaltı?

For the past three years, I’ve referred to this area of the peninsula as “Yalikavak Old Town” – but have recently discovered that it’s referred to as Gerişaltı (Lower Geriş) by the Yalikavak Municipality.

On the side of the street that lines the bay, is a continuous row of restaurants; and on the the other side of the street is a uninterrupted row of small shops, businesses and pensions.  These two rows of establishments are separated by a cobbled street, that’s just wide enough for two cars to pass each other.

Half way along the street is a mosque, fronted by a brightly coloured outdoor gym.  A place to work out your soul and muscles as the same time?

I’ve eaten at a couple of restaurants in this area, and I love driving along this street.  If you drive out of Yalikavak downtown area heading West, you can take one of two roads.  If you choose the coastal road, you’ll drive through Gerişaltı, which ends with a short drive up a steep incline, where you’ll meet the other road that led from Yalikavak.

The first time we drop up this steep incline, we were on a moped touring the peninsula, and nearly came a cropper because we got chased by a barking street dog that frightened the life out of us. He usually lies in wait by the last restaurant on the right, and even if you’re in a car – he’ll come out and chase you!  At the top of the steep incline is where the two roads out of Yalikavak meet up.

The adjacent village of Geriş is up in the hills, and the turn-off to reach it, is a couple of hundred yards past “mad dog” junction.

Budget Places to Eat in Gerişaltı

As well as the all of the fish restaurants along the main street through Gerişaltı, there are a collection of smaller local restaurants and cafes that won’t bust your budget:

 If you’re in the mood for a walk, it’s not too far to stroll from central Yalikavak to Gerişaltı – as long as it isn’t in the heat of the mid-day sun.

Not far from the jetty, at the Geriş end of the village, is a taxi rank.

Click her to view more information and photo’s of Geriş