Introduction to Aspat

Aspat Bay is sandwiched between Bağla Bay and Karaincir, and sits in the shadow of Aspat Hill to the east.

This hill is the ancient location of Aspat Castle (also known as Çifit Castle), which had a circumference measuring 700 paces. Follow a narrow path and steps up the hill, to step back in time and journey through the ruins of the civilizations who inhabited this location in ancient times.  If you manage to make it to the top of Aspat Hill, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of land and ocean.

History

• Aspat features in a famous local folk song “Çökertme”.
• Historically this area was known as Aspartos (which means dry and rainless)
• Evliya Çelebi, an Ottoman traveller wrote of Aspartos in his chronicles in the 1600’s.

Location

• Aspat is located between Bağla Bay and Karaincir
• Approximate distances to Aspat:
  • 55km from Milas-Bodrum Airport
  • 12km from Turgutreis
  • 22km from Bodrum

Getting There

• I visited Aspat during my road trip around the penisula, starting in Turgutreis. Aspat Hill is a perfect landmark for locating this secluded bay.
• If coming by Dolmuş, ask to be dropped off at the Termera Resort Solida Beach
• Follow the coastline to the west, and you’ll reach the sheltered bay of Karaincir
• Follow the road to the east, and you’ll reach Bağla.  Read about my rural drive from Aspat to Bağla

Things To Do

• Watersports (rent surf or windsurf boards, catamarans etc.)
• Learn how to Sail with Aspat Sailing School
• Take advantage of the restaurants and bars on Solida Beach Club, part of the Temera Resort Hotel
• Spend the day at the long sandy beach, on one of the wooden sunbathing platforms, or swinging in a hammock
• Hike up Aspat Hill for stunning views. The hill can be accessed from the road, or from the beach.  To get over the small inlet of water that divides the beach from the hill, you’ll cross a small bridge.

Sightseeing

• Explore the old Hamam at the base of Aspat Hill
• Visit the Cretan Arap Agha’s stone house on the beach
• Explore the remains of Aspat Castle (Çifit Castle), on Aspat Hill

 

Panoramio User ID Maschuehle has posted a great group of photo’s of the climb up Aspat Hill. His Aspat Album gives you a great preview of all of the ruins you will see along the way.

 

Map

View larger map

 

© Source of Feature Photo
© Content Photo’s Copyright Adil Özdemir and Maschuehle via Panoramio