Excellent Reasons to Visit Yalikavak
If you are thinking to visit Yalikavak, prepare to be wowed. Sitting on the Aegean Bodrum peninsula, the town has risen the ranks from a small, traditional fishing village to a jet setting destination favoured by many nationalities from all over the world. Located 18 kilometres from Bodrum town centre and surrounded by green hills, Yalikavak is a scenic destination boasting of a cosmopolitan feel.
Such is the addictive vibes, many people return year after year for sandy beaches, upmarket restaurants, and decent shopping choices. Don’t think the town is all about new and trendy though. It still encompasses traditional Turkish values and that includes welcoming hospitality, so you arrive a stranger but leave as friends.
Excellent Reasons to Visit Yalikavak
1: Trendy Yalikavak Marina
Using the tagline slogan “It’s all about you” Yalikavak Marina is the perfect example of a life well lived. Often holding exclusive and luxurious weddings, the marina attracts celebrities and royalty from all over the world, because of its capacity to berth mega yachts. For an overnight stay, the beach hotel and boutique hotel offer over 15 deluxe rooms to sleep in style.
The marina is also where high-class shopping comes alive with over 50 brand names selling quality items by international designers. However, most people visit the marina for the upmarket restaurants that offer the best of eating out in Yalikavak. For some of the best steaks, try Nurset, owned by the famous Salt Bae. Meanwhile Sait specialises in fresh fish and seafood cuisine, while big brand names like Starbucks are where you can grab a coffee to go.
2: Visit the Greek Islands
Yalikavak is an excellent base from which to combine a Turkish holiday with Greek influences. Sitting 12 nautical miles away, the Greek Dodecanese island of Kos boasts of sandy beaches, an old town centre and a 15thcentury fortress. Other attractions include the agora ruins and 3rdcentury Casa Roman villa with mosaics. It is one of Greece’s top destination for tourism and a must-see so why not sail in style across the Aegean to arrive there?
Other Greek islands include Samos, 46 nautical miles away, Patmos, 36 nautical miles, and delightful Symi, which is 52 nautical miles away. If a bit of Greek is not your style, stay close to home by hiring a cabin charter Turkish gulet boat or head down to the harbour in the morning, for a lazy day cruise around the coastline.
3: The Old Town for Traditional Turkey
Many people want to experience the traditional side of Turkey. We suggest starting at the harbour which leads into the old town. At night, Turks gather here to enjoy the style of seaside Aegean dining. This means feasting on fresh fish, seafood, and Turkish mezes with close friends over good conversations. Wondering through the old town after dinner, keep an eye out for the traditional barber’s shop. Men should venture in to experience a Turkish shave that will leave you feeling fresher and cleaner than ever before.
Further on, you will also notice the local tea house. Unfortunately, this is a male-dominated environment, where men often gather to play the Turkish version of backgammon. Instead, seek out the local gardens to enjoy a cup of Turkish tea with your family. Other suggestions to enjoy the traditional side of Yalikavak is a local Hamam and eating in a lokanta that serves all versions of Turkish cuisine.
4: Easy to Get To
Part of Yalikavak’s success is that its prime destination makes it easy to get to via road, air, and sea. Bodrum airport sits just 52 kilometres away, and during summer, is one of Turkey’s top touristic air travel hubs because of flights from all around the world. People also use Izmir airport in winter while car drivers can get onto the D330 highway, which takes them to Yalikavak. If coming in via yacht, be sure to reserve a berth at the marina. Otherwise, if arriving from other parts of Turkey, head first to Bodrum town central bus station, and from there, catch a connecting bus to Yalikavak.
5: Ideal Weather Climate
Yalikavak is a hive of activity all year round thanks to the ideal weather. Avoid the rainy months of January and February. Come March, and outdoor activities kick in. May signals the start of the official tourism season and beach holiday packages that promise you the best conditions for a stunning suntan. Temperatures heat up until reaching a peak in August of 40 degrees. October and November are also ideal if you like trekking or want to relax in peace.
6: Activities and Things to Do
So, if you aren’t sailing or going Greek island hopping, what else is there to do? Plenty. We always start the weekend with a traditional Turkish village breakfast from Havva. If your aim after eating is to relax, head for the long beach in the town centre, or the surrounding beach clubs like Xuma. All have sunbeds and umbrellas to rent.
Pick up souvenirs and try your hand at bargaining on prices in the local Thursday market, where vendors sell everything and anything. Otherwise, local shops sell tours and excursions like jeep safaris, quad biking, and day trips to Ephesus ruined city. Also, visit Bodrum town centre to see the castle of Knights Saint John. Find out more in our article titled things to do in Yalikavak.
Further Reading
Bodrum in Turkey: When you visit Yalikavak, you will also be on the Bodrum peninsula, one of Turkey’s most celebrated holiday destinations. In this article, we look at the history, the roaring success of the peninsula, and individual coastal resorts, including Yalikavak.
Bodrum
