Introduction to Yalıkavak
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get around to creating this Welcome page for Yalıkavak! It’s the first town on the peninsula that tugged at my heart-strings, and it’s probably the location I’ve visited the most.
Bodrum and Turgutreis are the two biggest towns on the Bodrum Peninsula, but in my experience, Yalıkavak would have to be next in line. One thing they all have in common, is they host a modern Marina each, and Yalıkavak’s “Palmarina” is currently in the midst of expansion.
Yalıkavak reminds me of the “little engine that could” – it’s small and sleepy exterior, hides a powerful engine, which is driving expansion and change. The small and compact downtown area, is chock-full of shops and restaurants, and leads to a bustling harbour, lined with yet more restaurants.
The town places a keen focus on art and crafts; from Art Galleries, Craft Stalls and Art Walks, and this provides visitors to fully appreciate the artistic diversity of Yalikavak.
Location
- Yalıkavak is situated at the northern part of Bodrum Peninsula, lying between Gümüşlük and Gündoğan
- Approximate distances to Yalıkavak:
- 52km from Milas-Bodrum Airport
- 19km from Bodrum
- 7km from Gündoğan
- 9km from Gümüşlük
- 17km from Turgutreis
Getting There
- If you are driving to Yalıkavak, from Bodrum, you’ll drive through the heart of the Bodrum Peninsula.
- It takes about 25 minutes to get from Yalıkavak to Bodrum by dolmuş and in summer they run every 20 minutes in both directions.
- As well as the main Bodrum route from the south, you can also reach Yalıkavak from Gümüşlük to the West, and from Gündoğan to the East.
- The Yalıkavak dolmuş station is in the heart of town, on the main road, close to where the weekly Pazar is held.
Things to do – Beaches and Water
- Sunbathing on the long strip of sandy beach or one of the wooden jetty’s.
- Visit one of the public beaches on Küdür Peninsular, and maybe a glimpse of the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal.
- Explore the Küdür peninsular and visit the Panormus Rock Caves.
- Boat Trip along the coastline and to local islands.
- Walk around Yalıkavak’s Marina ‘Palmarina”
Things to do – Shopping
- Weekly Market: Tuesday (Food Market) Thursday (Textile & Household) Sunday (2nd Hand).
- Fresh Fish Stall at the Weekly Market
- Visit the Art Walk, Craft Stalls, Sarniç Art Gallery.
- Wander around the tourist and trinket shops in the heart of downtown Yalikavak.
Sightseeing
- Visit the Panormus Kaya Mezarlari (Panormus Rock Caves) near Alacain Bay
- Hiking and sightseeing in the ancient village of Sandıma
- Tour the renovated Windmill near the Harbour
- Tour the three Windmills on the hill overlooking Yalıkavak
- Explore Gerişaltı
Top 5 Lists featuring Yalikavak
- Elaine and Chris’s Top 5 Picks local to Yalikavak
- John Moon’s Where to Eat Top 5
- Boo’s Top 5 Family Holiday Bodrum Peninsula Tips
- Jack Scott’s Top 5 Bodrum Picks
- Top 5 Zesty Moments from Sedef
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Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your great website, and for the help it gave us in organising and enjoying our holiday.
You helped us choose our destination of Yalikavak – which was perfect, exactly what we wanted in a destination and thanks to you we found the oldest hammam in Bodrum and went to Geris on the bus for lunch, and may not have done either of these things if we had not found out about them from you. Thank you.
Hello Elaine .. thanks so much for taking the time to let me know about your trip, and I’m so pleased that my website inspired you to discover places you wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.
If you get a chance, it would be great to include your favourite “Top 5” list of places or activities from you holiday … and if you have any photos you’d be willing to share, that’d be brilliant. Jay
Roving Jay recently posted..Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide on sale at Amazon
Hi I am looking to book a holiday in Yalikarvak, but need to know a lot more about it, for instance are ther lots of places to swim as there seem to be a lot of private beaches which there is a charge for , could you tell me if that is true and how much can they charge? Also have heard that it is very hilly.My husband has walking difficulties so need to know if he can get about, are there taxis readily available ect?
Hi Susan, there are public beaches adjacent from the pedestrian down-town area of Yalikavak, and there are a few beach clubs that charge and entrance fee. So you have the best of both worlds. Near the town and shopping area it’s pretty flat, but if you travel further afield it can get a bit hilly, but there’s cheap public transport and taxis readily available.