Ah Gumusluk in Bodrum – Turkey. One of our favourite getaway destinations and places to relax. Sitting on Turkey's Aegean coast, Gumusluk is nothing short of delightful. Despite being a smaller coastal resort of Bodrum, Gumusluk earns fame for other world vibes making the resort seem detached in time. So, to switch off from modern life yet still enjoy the benefits, Gumusluk is an excellent place. Hence why many people visit for the day when they are in the Bodrum peninsula, while others buy holiday homes or even retire there. Expect everything that typical Turkish coastal resorts offer and more. So, if we have piqued your interest, let's look at what to know about beautiful Gumusluk.
Gumusluk sits on Turkey's western coast, which belongs to the Aegean. Fronted by the Aegean Sea, Gumusluk also belongs to the more prominent Bodrum peninsula, a popular holiday and retirement destination for Turks and foreigners. By car, it is a nine-hour drive from Istanbul. While Gumusluk provides everything on your doorstep, the main centre of Bodrum is 25 kilometres away.
Most international travellers fly into Bodrum airport, which is 60 minutes away. Alternatively, if driving from other places in Turkey, they head to the D330 highway, which eventually leads directly into the Bodrum peninsula and Gumusluk. If arriving via bus, head to the central bus station in Bodrum town centre and catch connecting buses into Gumusluk. Finally, if arriving by sea, the official entry ports are Gulluk, Turgutreis and Bodrum main centre, and from those points, get cabs or buses into Gumusluk.
Despite Gumusluk's small size, its history outshines many other areas. Originally belonging to Myndos ancient city, for centuries, it was part of Greece and inhabited by Greeks. Then after the 1932 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, settling Turks immigrated and settled down. Although this period was rough, by the 1950s, Gumusluk established itself in sponge diving and growing tangerines. Then in the 1980s, mainstream travel took off, and increasingly people started visiting Turkey and Bodrum. While few ever stayed here, when buying property in Turkey for foreigners was legalised, Gumusluk's fame spread.
Expect a typical Aegean weather climate, from hot summers and alfresco-style dining to mild winters. The rainy season in Gumusluk lasts from Jan to March, so avoid visiting during this time but as soon as April comes around, daytime temperatures attract trekking fans. May marks the beginning of the official beach and tourism season when beaches open and mainstream flight schedules start. Day temperatures average around 25 degrees but dip at night-time, so wear a jacket. By August, temperatures have steadily increased to roughly 40 degrees, and most people spend these days by the pool or on Gumusluk beach. October sees gradual temperature declines as autumn descends.
We love renting private villas in Gumusluk that give us privacy and peace. However, 3-, 4- and 5-star accommodation is available with bed and breakfast, self-catering, and all-inclusive choices. Hotel Gumusluk sits 100 metres from the beach and features an outdoor pool with a children's section. Mandolin studios have a large swimming pool and offer opportunities for water sports. Meanwhile, 50 metres from Gumusluk main beach, Paradise Garden apartments feature air-conditioning self-catering apartments.
Ask anyone who knows Gumusluk well, and they love talking about Rabbit Island. Sitting just metres away from the beach, it is possible to walk out to it when the sea is calm. The history dates back 3500 years to Myndo's ancient city when the king built a road out to the island to watch vibrant sunsets with his beloved. Excavations have revealed many delightful artefacts which give great insights into the Bodrum area, including evidence of pagan rituals dating from the 4th century.
Another claim to fame for Gumusluk is seaside fish restaurants that attract people from all over Bodrum. Even Turks from Istanbul visit Gumusluk just for the fish restaurants. The quaint coastal setting is the perfect alfresco-style dining experience, and the fish restaurants appear in many travel magazines promoting Gumusluk. Expect fresh catches of the day and extensive fish and seafood menus.
The other famous thing that happens in Gumusluk is the yearly classical festival. Running for two months, from the middle of July to September, the festival first started in 2004, intending to connect lovers of classical music. Such was the success; the festival has continued every year and attracts people from all over Bodrum and Turkey. On average, the Gumusluk music festival attracts 15,000 music lovers every year.
In towns, cities, and villages all over Turkey, weekly markets are the highlight of social calendars. Locals shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy produce. Vendors come from all over Bodrum for the Wednesday market next to Kadri Ozsari Park. Other vendors sell clothes and textiles, which make ideal souvenirs.
From May to October, buses run from Gumusluk into Bodrum town centre every 25 minutes from 7 am to 10 pm, and vice versa. In addition, they run every 20 minutes into neighbouring Turgutreis until 11 pm. Outside these months, check with local bus companies about times.
Aside from the above-mentioned fish restaurants, expect low-key, relaxed entertainment and dining. Beach BBQs are fantastic in Gumusluk, and seafront bars sometimes feature live music players, including Fenerci restaurant, which offers spectacular views of Rabbit island. We enjoy early evening meals at Limon, an excellent hilltop restaurant. The hilltop setting offers amazing views worthy of picture postcard scenes.
Gumusluk local council cleans beaches and lays out sunbeds and umbrellas for rent from May to October. The two main council beaches are Cayiralti and Ic. Use nearby restaurants and bars for snacks and refreshments. Otherwise, visit private beach clubs, which charge an entry fee but offer additional services and onsite dining. Great options include Club Gumusluk Beach and Club Ocean Beach. Large hotels on the outskirts provide private access to beaches for guests.
Daily Boat Tours: Head to Gumusluk pier at 10 am every summer morning and jump on daily boat trips. These are affordable because most include lunch. Boats cruise the coastline and stop off at specific points for swimming breaks. They stop at Small Kiremit Island, Cavus Island and Catal.
Archaeology and Trekking tours: Stretching 12 kilometres from Gumusluk to neighbouring Yalikavak, treks cover Derekoy, Kavakderesi Vadisi, Dedeler Village, Partipanaz, and Sandima. Themes include protected areas with more than 200 species of birds, traditional villages, and ancient ruins. While July, August, and September, might be too hot for trekking enthusiasts, the tours from Gumusluk are ideal from April to June and October to December.
Kos Ferry: Experience two cultures in one holiday by jumping on the ferry from Bodrum to the famous Greek island of Kos. This renowned island features ancient ruins, the old town quarter and many Greek taverns serving traditional Greek food. Also, go shopping for souvenirs, and enjoy an hour or two exploring coastline delights before embarking on the ferry to return to Turkey.
Scuba Diving: Bodrum is just one big underwater playground with many shipwrecks and aquatic sea life. Inexperienced divers can sign up for dive lessons in a swimming pool and, if they like it, sign up for more seaside lessons. Scuba diving is an experience to try at least once, and in Bodrum, divers can even complete PADI certificates at recognised diving centres.
If you are looking at the Bodrum peninsula and intend to buy property, Gumusluk is an excellent destination to consider. Call us today to arrange viewing appointments where we show apartments and villas for sale. You can also see our portfolio here. Each listing contains everything to know, including price, location, home features and an enquiry form to find out more details via email. (Reasons to buy property in Gumusluk.)
Best Area in Bodrum: Deciding on the best area in Bodrum can be tricky because the peninsula is full of hidden delights, from rustic Gumusluk to trendy Torba and fun-filled Gumbet. This article discusses the prominent areas and why they earn fame throughout Turkey.
Bodrum Main Town: Gumusluk in Bodrum is delightful, but spend time exploring the heart of the peninsula and where the fame all began. From the castle to the Underwater Museum to the mausoleum ruins, it is an excellent addition to your time spent in Gumusluk.