Yalikavak's astonishing transformation

If Yalikavak in Bodrum is on your radar, expect nothing but the best. Yalikavak resort, a town that delights visitors time after time, is known for excellent hotels, blue flag beach clubs, and the luxury Yalikavak marina that hosts mega yachts owned by billionaires and celebrities. During the height of summer, pristine beaches come alive, thanks to their status as a popular tourist destination, but it hasn't always been this way.

Located on Bodrum's northwestern tip, this charming fishing village was once a tiny port where fishermen docked their boats along the harbourside, selling their daily catch and sponges to villagers. It was well off the beaten path for tourists, who preferred established Bodrum towns or locations further down the Mediterranean coast.

Over the past decade, and mainly because of the expensive marina, Yalikavak's transformation from a simple but charming backwater to one of Turkey's premier destinations has firmly placed this Aegean town on the map. But one beguiling aspect is that alongside the undeniably luxury and pristine beaches, Yalikavak still retains traditional charm.

You're just as likely to bump into fishermen as an oil tycoon or member of a European royal family docking into the vibrant marina. While luxury hotel accommodations offer excellent hospitality, harbour restaurants reflect time-honoured trends. Indeed, old-world charm still shines through alongside the prestigious status and trendy cafes. So, let's find out how to combine Yalikavak's modern luxury lifestyle with discovering the authentic charm and traditional heritage.

Guide to Yalikavak in Bodrum

Experience Yalikavak Marina

The award-winning Yalikavak marina, for all things yachting, and all things chic, is highly discussed in this elegant resort town. The swanky marina boasts 105 upmarket shops and stores like Louis Vuitton, coffee cafes, and internationally renowned restaurants serving fresh fish, steak and pasta dishes. You don't have to own a yacht to enjoy the facilities of Yalikavak Marina, which underwent rebranding to a new tagline of "It's all about you." They have two boutique hotels, the Yalikavak Marina Garden Hotel and the Yacht Hotel, which feature a spa and gym centre. Three beach clubs also offer informal eating and drinking, including the world-famous Zuma brand, which serves delicious Japanese cuisine. The vibrant marina is a great place to spend the day.

Yalikavak Harbour and Traces of the Traditional Village

From upmarket charm to traces of bygone eras, to go low key, explore the harbour and old town area. During hot summer days, there is nothing better than sitting at the harbourfront restaurants sipping an ice-cold beer because those restaurants offer fantastic views of the spectacular sunsets that Yalikavak is famous for. During the height of summer, After the sun sets, local restaurants serve delicious Turkish mezes and traditional meals for excellent dining in summer, al fresco style. Head away from the coastline to cobbled streets to find the traditional architecture of wooden shutters and white-washed houses. Some have been converted into shops and art galleries, while others are conventional tea cafes portraying Turkish culture.

Public Beaches and Blue Flag Beach Clubs

As if the 620-berth marina and charming cafes weren't enough, Yalikavak delivers more by offering beautiful beaches along the coastline with brilliant views. Yalikavak Beach, right in the town centre, is an excellent place to start. The pebble beach stretches far and offers excellent swimming conditions. Beach facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, and toilets, and if you get hungry or thirsty, use the back restaurants and cafes.

Beach lovers also enjoy the laid-back Magi Beach Club on Tilkicik Bay. This family-oriented establishment has ample seating areas spread alongside the water's edge and pontoons floating in crystal clear waters. Beach umbrellas are available, and the onsite restaurant serves delicious food. Dodo Beach, 2 miles north, has a public section that is free of charge and then a private beach section with quality facilities. Also, try Xuma village for blue flag status beaches and Bej beach club and restaurant.

Yachting Scenes and Boat Trips Along the Blue Coastline

Naturally, being a centre of sailing, eager tourists head out to enjoy the Aegean Sea waters of this beautiful location during summer. Whereas in days gone by, Yalikavak focused on sponge diving so sailors had a source of income, these days, it is all about pleasure. Daily boat cruises from the harbour sell cheap tickets, including lunch and swimming spots along scenic cruises and coastline coves. You can also hire luxury yachts for privacy or large groups of friends. This enchanting living experience portrays Turkey's delights during summer, and as a popular tourist destination, is the number one activity.

Turkish Shopping Experiences of Market Day

Whether you are in Yalikavak or any other Turkish town, the weekly tradition is market days. This is when all Turks head to buy organic fruit, veg, dairy products, and other goods. The experience is fantastic for foreign visitors, regardless of whether you purchase anything. But Yalikavak market on a Thursday is suitable for those who live here permanently or are on self-catering holidays and to pick up souvenirs. While there, try Gozleme, a favourite Turkish snack.

From Yalikavak to Aegean Bodrum Centre

Rightfully so, Yalikavak is proud and majestic and has much to boast about. But when it comes to geography, it belongs to the Bodrum peninsula, of which the town hub is the centre. Sitting 19 kilometres away, on the southern side of the Bodrum Peninsula, Bodrum centre is the hub of shopping, and where the main bus station with services to other parts of Turkey is. Famous for Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology, in antiquity, Bodrum centre was called Halicarnassus and was home to the mausoleum of the same name, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. (More about Bodrum in Turkey.)

From Elite Yalikavak to Rustic Gumusluk

Another place worth knowing about and visiting from Yalikavak is neighbouring Gumusluk, sitting just 10 kilometres away, or 20 minutes driving distance. This seaside village earns fame for rustic but classy restaurants lining the shore that provide unique dining experiences while serving fresh fish dishes. The landmark Rabbit Island was the home of ancient Myndos city, and while the Turkish village architecture is evident everywhere, newly built luxury villas command respect and admiration. Gumusluk is home to the yearly music concerts of the classical festival. Also, head to Limon café in the hills for a fantastic village Turkish breakfast. (More about Gumusluk.)

Getting to Yalikavak on the Bodrum Peninsula of Aegean Turkey

The easiest way to get to Yalikavak is via Bodrum Milas Airport, which services the Bodrum peninsula. It is a one-hour drive on the D330 highway from Bodrum airport, and book shuttle transfers in advance or hire a car. There are taxis available, but they are expensive. Bodrum is the nearest airport, but flight schedules vary from November to April. Hence, people either use Dalaman Airport or Izmir. If arriving by bus, head first to Bodrum town centre bus station and catch smaller Dolmus buses from there.

Real Estate Investments in Yalikavak

Over the years, we have witnessed firsthand the change in quality and design of current properties in the region, lifting up in line with homes that would not be out of place in other luxurious parts of the world to welcome more discerning buyers. A famous example was the Richard Meier house, which sold for 5 million dollars and offers breathtaking views because of the architect's use of natural light.

Careful city planning and low build density on the hills of Yalikavak overlooking the bays mean huge land plots and dream properties are trendy. When you compare this to other prominent global places like the south of France, Marbella and Italy, prices are still less than half what they are in these places for 5-star luxury properties with fantastic views on huge exclusive plots.

Our property portfolio lists beautiful apartments and villas in this beach resort town, and to chat with an agent about buying a home or permanent living in stylish Yalikavak in Bodrum, contact us here or drop into our office on Neyzan Tefik Caddesi in Bodrum town centre.