Where to Stay in Bodrum: Choosing Your Bay

Where to stay in Bodrum depends on the bay: Bodrum town for the castle and evenings out, Yalıkavak for its marina, Türkbükü and Gölköy for beach clubs on wooden piers, Gümüşlük for sunset fish dinners, and Bitez for a family base. The peninsula is a string of bays, each with its own character. So choose the bay first, then the hotel.

Where should you stay in Bodrum?

You should stay in the bay that matches your days. First, Bodrum town suits travelers who want history and nightlife on foot. Then, on the north coast, Yalıkavak, Türkbükü and Gölköy suit a stylish stay by the sea. In the west, by contrast, Gümüşlük suits a slow pace, and Bitez sits in between, with easy restaurants. Because the bays lie apart, a car or a driver helps wherever you stay. To see them in one day, join our Bodrum peninsula tour.

Is Bodrum town a good place to stay?

Yes, Bodrum town is a good base for history and evenings out. The Castle of Saint Peter stands on the point between two bays, with the Museum of Underwater Archaeology inside. Also, the remains of the Mausoleum and the ancient theater are close. In July and August, however, the town stays busy until late, so choose it for a lively stay. From the harbor, ferries also sail to the Greek island of Kos. Arriving by ship? See our Bodrum cruise stop guide.

Why stay in Yalıkavak, Türkbükü or Gölköy?

Stay on the north coast for marinas, beach clubs and the peninsula’s most stylish hotels. Yalıkavak has a marina full of yachts, and Türkbükü and Gölköy have long wooden piers and beach clubs. Here, too, are hotels such as Maçakızı in Türkbükü and Bodrum Loft in Gölköy. For dinner, the starred Kitchen by Osman Sezener and Mezra Yalıkavak are close by. So the north suits couples and friends who want a social summer.

Why stay in Gümüşlük?

Stay in Gümüşlük for a fishing village and sunset dinners. It sits on the site of ancient Myndos, and its fish restaurants set their tables right at the water’s edge. Then, nearby, a sunken path leads to Rabbit Island. So Gümüşlük suits travelers who want slow evenings rather than nightlife.

Is Bitez good for families?

Bitez suits families who want a base close to Bodrum town. It also has some of the peninsula’s easygoing restaurants, such as Bağarası with its mezze counter and Beynel among mandarin and lemon trees. So you can eat well without driving far each evening.

How do you choose where to stay in Bodrum?

Choose by your evenings: town for nightlife, the north for beach clubs and marinas, Gümüşlük for sunsets and Bitez for families. For hotels, read our best hotels in Bodrum, and for tables, our best restaurants in Bodrum. If you are still deciding on the coast, see Antalya or Bodrum.

Would you like us to match the bay and the hotel to your trip? Türkbükü, Yalıkavak or the town itself: send us your nights and your style, and we will pick the bay and the hotel.