Yalikavak
The fishing port of Yalikavak is, much like most Turkish ports, well known for the fantastic sea food that is about as fresh as you can get anywhere else in the world. Yalikavak benefits from a bustling city centre and large areas of shops that allow anyone to find the absolute perfect souvenir to take home for you loved ones. There is a very popular market as well that is around on Thursdays, offering a range from traditional Turkish carpets and silver items to replica designer items and other mainstream low cost items. As well as shops, Yalikavak also has many useful locations such as a post office, chemists, medical centre and car hire, as well as a bank and other necessary amenities.
But if shopping isn’t really your thing, there are two picturesque blue flag sand and pebble beaches that are ideal for sunbathing in the glorious Turkish sun, or for taking a swim when you want to cool down. And if you go for a dive in deeper waters, keep an eye out for fish, as the waters around Yalikavak are plentiful with Sea Bream, Bass and Octopus. If you have any amateur fishers in your group, make sure to hire out some basic fishing equipment to try and catch your own dinner!
Although there are many bars and restaurants around Yalikavak, if you are after something even more lively, take a bus or taxi to Bodrum, only twenty minutes away, and experience the sort of nightlife that you can only dream of. But if a slower pace of things is more your style, why not take a stroll around the hills of Yalikavak and visit the ruins of three old windmills; the perfect spot for picnics with a view over the bay.
Another great walk is to Sandima, an abandoned village that also creates a perfect photo opportunity. Overall Yalikavak offers the best of both worlds, the slow and sleepy nature of a fishing town with the hustle and bustle of a modern Turkish city, with five star hotels and bars, as well as a good proximity to the ever popular Bodrum.