Welcome to this helpful guide about Yalikavak on the Bodrum peninsula of Turkey. We have been selling homes there for many years, and collectively, our team agree that Yalikavak promotes beauty within Turkey with style and finesse. Starting as a small fishing village, Yalikavak has grown to become a popular holiday destination and place for foreigners to buy property, whether this is just a holiday home or for permanent living. This proves that the popularity stems globally and not just within Turkey. For some, Yalikavak’s prestigious status revolves around mega yachts sailing the Turkish riviera. In contrast, others prefer traditional parts of Yalikavak, portraying Turkish culture and bygone eras. Regardless, together they form one destination within Bodrum worth getting to know. So let’s look more in-depth at stylish Yalikavak.
Guide to Yalikavak in Bodrum
1. Where is Yalikavak?
Yalikavak sits on Turkey’s Aegean coast, within the large Bodrum peninsula facing the Greek islands. The town is one hour’s drive away from Bodrum airport and 30 minutes’ drive from Bodrum town center. For anyone arriving by car, get onto the D330 highway of Turkey and follow the signs.
2. Why is Yalikavak Famous?
Delightful Yalikavak is surprisingly famous for windmills. Yes, not something you would associate with a Turkish town, yet the constant breeze around the bay made the use of windmills perfect. In addition, locals used to make their main trades from growing mandarins and sponge diving. These days, that has been replaced by tourism, holiday homes, millionaire mansions and that famous marina attracting yachts from all over the world.
3. About the Marina
The marina, called the new part of Yalikavak, is what boosted the reputation to international status. Awarded five golden anchors by The British Yacht Harbour Association, other awards are the “2022 World’s Best Superyacht Marina”, “2020-2021 Best International Marina”, and “2018-2019 World’s Best Superyacht Marina.” Within the sailing industry, Yalikavak marina is Turkey’s best. Accommodating 620 yachts at a time, the marina caters for vessels reaching 140 meters, which only rich or famous people can afford to buy.
4. Shopping in Yalikavak
Visit Yalikavak marina to splash the cash in style, hosting world-class luxury brands. Over 100 stores sell everything; brands include Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino, Bvlgari, Chopard, Gucci, Audemars Piguet, Hublot, Balmain, Loro Piana, Moncler, Missoni, Rolex, and Beymen. For more mainstream shopping malls, visit Mid Town in Ortakent, a 15-minute drive away. Otherwise, visit traditional Turkish markets to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, souvenirs, and textiles, and enjoy the traditional Turkish shopping experience. Yalikavak’s food market is on Tuesday, while the textiles market is on Thursday. Both are held on Plaj Caddesi.
5. Best Restaurants and Bars for Nightlife
For luxury dining, visit Yalikavak marina, where world-class chefs perfect their cooking skills in five-star restaurants, including Zuma, Nusr-et steak house, Club Bagatelle Bodrum, Novikov, Sakhalin by White Rabbit Group, and Birds by Vasilchuk Bros. During summer, dine at the harbor side restaurants. These promote old-style Aegean dining, hence starter platters of mezes, followed by fresh fish. To be typically Turkish, accompany the meal with a glass of raki. Otherwise, high-profile restaurants known for their excellent Trip Advisor reviews include Reis, Kitchen Bodrum, and J Joe’s. Bars to party at include Mojitos, Zorro, Anchor, and Bej Beach Club.
6. Accommodation and Hotels
We like to rent a private, luxury villa when we stay in Yalikavak. The fantastic décor and design sit alongside stunning swimming pools. Otherwise, luxury hotels include Yalikavak Marina Beach Hotel, Yalikavak Marina Boutique Hotel, Elementa Boutique Hotel, Sirene Luxury Hotel and Spektr Boutique Hotel.
7. Beaches and Beach Clubs
Right in Yalikavak town center, running along Plaj Caddesi, a beautiful stretch of sand attracts crowds. Rent a sunbed umbrella and enjoy fantastic days of sunbathing and swimming with stunning Aegean Sea views. When you get hungry or need refreshments, visit nearby restaurants and bars. Other choices are Dodo beach and Tilkicik. Xuma village is the most popular beach club, hosting people from all over the peninsula. Remember that Yalikavak sits on a peninsula of the Mugla region, with Turkey’s highest percentage of blue flag status beaches. Hence, nothing is better than jumping in the car or on a bus and heading out to discover more beautiful Bodrum peninsula beaches.
8. Activities and Things to Do
- Visit Neighbouring Gumusluk: Explore the rustic vibes and traditional village atmosphere, dine in fish restaurants with front-row Aegean views.
- Visit Bodrum Centre: Discover Bodrum’s heart, including the Castle, Underwater Museum of Archaeology, and ancient ruins.
- Daily Boat Trips: Enjoy daily boat cruises from the harbor, perfect for relaxing and exploring the coastline.
- Havva Breakfast House: Savor traditional Turkish breakfast with organic ingredients and freshly baked bread in a hillside setting.
- Rent a Car: Explore other Bodrum peninsula resorts like Turgutreis, Torba, Gumbet, and Turkbuku.
- All Things Turkish: Experience a Turkish bath, traditional shave, and formal Turkish nights with folk and belly dances.
- Tour Agencies: Buy tickets for various excursions and activities, including ancient ruins of Ephesus, Dalyan mud baths, and Pamukkale white calcium pools.
9. Owning a Holiday Home in Yalikavak
Many people buy property in Yalikavak as a holiday home, and some eventually come to live in Turkey. The resort also features many high-profile millionaire mansions for sale thanks to the Yalikavak marina. See examples in our portfolio. Each listing contains everything to know, including price, location, home features, and how to arrange viewings. To learn more about how to purchase property, call us today and chat with our local agents about Yalikavak in Bodrum.
About Us
We are Aegean Real Estate, a real estate agent with offices in many towns and cities, including Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya, and Istanbul. Over the years, we have helped many people buy property in Turkey, whether this was for an investment or place to call home from home. We have taken all our team’s knowledge and experience to form one blog, that will be of interest to anyone holidaying or living in Turkey.