Yalikavak Vacation Rentals

Yalikavak lies at the north-west corner of the Bodrum Peninsula, 10 miles from Bodrum town. Yalikavak was formerly a fishing and sponge diver’s village but today is a fashionable seaside resort which has strived hard to maintain a traditional Turkish feel. Indeed the overwhelmingly friendly atmosphere of Yalikavak satisfies the most discerning of holiday travelers looking for the real Turkey. Yalikavak is renowned for superb sunsets, its un-spoilt shoreline and sparkling clean seas. The seas around Yalikavak are the home of the endangered Monachus Mediterranean seals and are therefore a protected area.

The area is full of pretty low rise whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful bougainvillea cascading over the sides of the houses. The houses are unique to this area of Turkey and the locals call them “sugar cube houses”. Palm trees, oleanders, and tropical style plants are in abundance throughout Yalikavak. Most views have hills/mountains in the background and they are frequently covered with green pine forest. As you look out towards the sea you will see a myriad of islands and enchanting bays.

The heart of Yalikavak town surrounds the old fishing harbour. Here you will see the old men enjoying a glass of Raki whilst playing backgammon. In the small straw covered bazaar it is a joy to walk around the many local shops without being hassled. The old harbour is lined with fish restaurants; one of the best known is The Cumbali which is well frequented by the locals.
Yalikavak can boast an excellent selection of restaurants, some serving traditional Turkish fare, others catering for more International tastes; all are normally reasonably priced.

Yalikavak's beach is in the midst of the restaurants and small boutique hotels. The beach is long and sandy and several of the restaurants have placed loungers on the beach which they are happy for you to use - all for the price of a drink!.

There are many boats trips in the traditional Gulets from the sea front at Yalikavak taking you for the day to the various bays and islands. A trip to the village of Gumusluk is a must. Here the idyllic bay is surrounded by some of the finest fish restaurants in Turkey. After lunch why not take the opportunity to visit the sunken city of Myndos or wade across the shallow water to the small off- shore, Rabbit Island?

Yalikavak has an impressive new marina complex with some very exclusive shops and cafe/bars, there is also a new amphitheatre that holds regular shows and concerts during the summer. These facilities are all open to the general public to enjoy.

Yalikavak always has a cool breeze in the height of summer and, because of this, there are fewer insects in this area as they do not like the wind. This cooling breeze is very welcome in the hotter months. You are almost guaranteed sunshine from May through to the end of September and April and October time are often like a pleasant English summer's day. The winters are extremely mild in this region. Whilst several restaurants and bars stay open throughout the year in Yalikavak, and especially now that many Europeans have retired here, Bodrum remains a lively place to visit even out of season.