The beautiful Bodrum peninsula suits those interested in a more subdued and relaxing atmosphere.  Dotting the peninsula are enchanting villages with guesthouses on quiet bays.  On the southern side there are fine sandy beaches at Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla, and Akyarlar.  Campers and wind surfers will enjoy Gumbet, while at Bitez there is a superb bay where colourful wind surfers weave skilfully among the masts of yachts.  On shore you can enjoy quiet walks through the orange and tangerine groves bordering the beach.  One of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area is at Ortakent and it offers an ideal location to relax in solitude.  One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum peninsula, Karaincir, is ideal for lively fun days by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with local villagers.  Finally, you will find Akyarlar which is famous for the fine, powdery sand of its beach.

On the western end of the peninsula are Turgutreis, Gumusluk and Yalikavak. Turgutreis is the birthplace of a great Turkish admiral of the same name, and in the village, on the south side, you can find a monument honouring him. In Gumusluk the ancient port of Myndos, you will find the locals are very warm and friendly, and after a couple of days you will have made many friends. The air is rich with romance and tranquillity; savour this very special place. In Yalikavak, you will see white painted houses covered with bougainvillea, tiny streets, small cafes, and picturesque windmills. Turgutreis, Gumusluk, and Yalikavak all enjoy excellent beaches, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water-sports.

On the northern side of the peninsula Torba, Turbuku Golkoy and Gundogan are popular. See this coast by road or hire a boat and crew to explore the quiet coves, citrus groves and wooded islands. Little windmills are still used to grind grain and crown hills covered with olive trees. Torba, a modern village with a nice marina and vacation villages, is located 8 km to the north of Bodrum. Golkoy and Turbuku are not resorts but tiny fishing villages with their handful of taverns overlooking a nice bay.

Take a boat trip to Karaada, a half-hour from Bodrum, and bathe in the grotto where warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to beautify the complexion.

The Gulf of Gokova on the south shore of the Bodrum Peninsula, is deep and beautiful with thickly wooded shores. The colour of the translucent waters varies from the deepest blue to palest turquoise. In the evening they reflect the mountains silhouetted against the setting sun, while at night they are often phosphorescent. You can take a yacht tour or hire a boat from Bodrum for a two, three or seven day tour of the gulf, which will provide you with wonderful memories of your vacation at Bodrum.

The deeply indented Gulf of Gulluk and harbor-town of the same name are north of Bodrum. The Dolphin Boy of mythology was born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik (lassos). Varvil, ancient Bargilya, is a little south of Gulluk, at the end of a deep narrow bay resembling a river, and is surrounded by hillsides covered with olive trees.

Inland is Milas, ancient Mylasa, famous for its handmade carpets. The craftsmen rarely mind a visitor watching them at work. Here, there are old Turkish houses with carved timbers and latticed windows in the typical architectural style. Gumuskesen, a monumental tomb, which is taken to be a copy in miniature of the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, is situated in the western part of Milas.

The ancients built Labranda high in the mountains to make a place of worship for Zeus. Today, tourists have rediscovered this mountain retreat and escape to its exhilarating mountain air and breathtaking scenery.