Swim, Snorkel and Windsurf at Gümüşlük Beach

Gümüşlük has a double bay; the Harbour side is lined by restaurants, and the Beach side is dotted with pensions.  The point between the two sides is marked with a statue, where you can step off dry land onto the ancient underwater path that leads to Rabbit Island.

Swim and Snorkel

Red and I have spent quite a few days relaxing on Gümüşlük Beach, its quite small, and gets very packed at the weekends, but it’s a great place to swim and snorkel. It’s neither the biggest or best beach on the Bodrum Peninsula, but it’s low-key, and there’s no hard-sell to purchase drinks and food from the restaurants whose loungers you use.

Underwater netting cordons off the beach to create a safe haven for swimmers and snorkelers, and protects you from boats entering the bay.  It’s fun and easy to swim out to the net, where the water is too deep to see the bottom.  Hang out here for a rest, and watch the boats sailing lazily across the Aegean.

Wade along the underwater path leading to Rabbit Island

You can also swim over to the underwater pathway to the right of the beach, to explore the ruins of the city of Myndos, but be careful when you’re clamoring over the rocks and ruins, and keep your eyes peeled for the black sea urchins nestled in the cracks.

Windsurfing

Wander to the farthest end of the beach, and you’ll come across a place where you can rent out equipment to go windsurfing. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to windsurf in the mornings, as the wind picks up in the afternoon.

Eat, Drink & Watch the sun go down

Plot up in front of one of the many restaurants or pensions that line the beach, and they’ll bring you food and drinks during your lounging hours.  As the sun starts to slip down towards the horizon, the loungers will get packed away and be replaced by tables and chairs at the waters-edge – for a Shirley Valentine moment!

Don’t rush to leave – the sunsets from Gümüşlük are beautiful.