Famed for its white sugar-cubed houses cascading down the hillsides, Bodrum on the Aegean coast of Turkey offers another captivating attribute: its pristine beaches. The small bays and caves of the peninsula are home to some of the country’s best beaches, making Bodrum a premier holiday destination. These stretches of golden sand, combined with the blue waters of the Aegean and a hedonistic lifestyle of boats and parties, have catapulted it into one of the top spots of the Turkish Riviera. An easy way to explore all the beaches is through a Blue Voyage cruise of the peninsula coastline or a 2-week driving holiday to highlight every bay that this section of Aegean Turkey offers.
The Best Beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula
Kumbahce Beach Starting in Bodrum town centre, Kumbahce beach, near the castle and marina, offers 300 meters of sand and blue water. Nearby eateries and bars provide convenience, though the beach can become crowded during the summer.
Gumbet Beach Located 2 miles west, Gumbet beach features shingle and sandy sections, lined with bars, restaurants, and rows of sunbeds. It’s popular for water sports, including snorkelling, banana boats, pedalos, and jet skis, making it a favorite among families and groups.
Bitez Beach Six miles further west, Bitez beach is preferred by older generations. The shallow waters and variety of restaurants keep sunbathers content all day long. Though not entirely golden sand, its charm lies in the sunbeds touching the Aegean waters.
Yahsi Sahil Beach In the Ortakent district, Yahsi Sahil is the longest beach, popular with Turks. The Greek island of Kos is visible from here on clear days. Known for its incredible sunsets, alfresco dining in beachfront restaurants is highly recommended.
Camel Beach Also known as Kargi Bay, Camel beach is famous for its camel rides. It offers standard amenities like water sports, sun loungers, bars, and restaurants, attracting many daily boat trip passengers.
Karaincir Bay Near the small resort of Akyarlar, Karaincir Bay features a 550-meter stretch of sand with gentle shallow waters, ideal for families with young children. At night, fresh fish and seafood restaurants in Akyarlar are popular dining spots.
Turgutreis Beaches Turgutreis is a great base for beach lovers, offering roughly 4.5 kilometers of sandy coastline. Beaches like Gumbatimi, Fener, and Meteor cater to different preferences, from windsurfing to quiet relaxation.
Kadikalesi Beach Kadikalesi is famous for its kite surfing center, with a massive stretch of sand. Neighboring Gumusluk offers a quaint village ambiance and beachfront seafood restaurants.
Yalikavak Beaches Yalikavak’s town center beach attracts sun lovers with its easy accessibility and amenities. The state-of-the-art marina hosts international mega yachts, making it a hub of luxury and elegance.
Gundogan Beach Popular among middle-class Turks, Gundogan boasts a town center beach with jetties extending into the sea. For opulence, head to Turkbuku, the San Tropez of Turkey, favored by the rich and famous.
Bodrum’s blend of stunning beaches, luxurious marinas, and charming villages make it a must-visit destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast.