Bays and beaches of Bodrum: what to choose for a vacation
Bodrum rightfully holds the title of Turkey’s summer capital — not just for its top-tier parties, but also for its picturesque bays with turquoise waters, hot springs, and ancient ruins. We’ve gathered the best bays of the Bodrum Peninsula and added a guide to the top beaches by district, so you’re fully prepared for a perfect Aegean coast vacation.
Bays of Bodrum
Note: Not every bay is accessible by car. As expected, the most beautiful spots are hidden away and can only be reached by boat or yacht — something we’re more than happy to help with.
Orak Island
Location: Orak Adası
This small island is famous for its stunning seascapes and vibrant marine life. Orak is often called the “Turkish Maldives” thanks to its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters that range in color from emerald green to deep blue. In addition to excellent swimming conditions, the island is a hotspot for diving, with a rich underwater world — the most sought-after sighting being the Caretta caretta sea turtles.
According to legend, sirens once lived here, and their terrifying cries caused entire ships to sink in these turquoise waters! Whether or not it’s true is up to you — but those who dive deep enough still find remnants of shipwrecks to this day. The only downside? It’s often crowded. But if you’re traveling by private boat, that’s an easy fix. We explore Orak Island during our one-day voyage on the Aegean Sea.
This small island is famous for its stunning seascapes and vibrant marine life. Orak is often called the “Turkish Maldives” thanks to its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters that range in color from emerald green to deep blue. In addition to excellent swimming conditions, the island is a hotspot for diving, with a rich underwater world — the most sought-after sighting being the Caretta caretta sea turtles.
According to legend, sirens once lived here, and their terrifying cries caused entire ships to sink in these turquoise waters! Whether or not it’s true is up to you — but those who dive deep enough still find remnants of shipwrecks to this day. The only downside? It’s often crowded. But if you’re traveling by private boat, that’s an easy fix. We explore Orak Island during our one-day voyage on the Aegean Sea.
Rabbit Bay
Location: Tavşan Burnu
Contrary to popular belief, there are no actual rabbits here — the bay is named for its shape, which resembles a rabbit when viewed from above. It’s a great spot to stop during a boat trip and swim or snorkel in the cool water (mask optional).
Contrary to popular belief, there are no actual rabbits here — the bay is named for its shape, which resembles a rabbit when viewed from above. It’s a great spot to stop during a boat trip and swim or snorkel in the cool water (mask optional).
German Bay
Location: Alman Koyu
A small natural beach surrounded by untouched nature, where you can admire every shade of blue on the sea’s surface! This bay is still relatively unknown, so it’s perfect for some peaceful solitude. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear — the waters here are home to many interesting fish. The water is refreshingly cool, a real blessing during the summer heat! We recommend bringing water shoes too — walking along the rocky bottom is much more pleasant with them.
A small natural beach surrounded by untouched nature, where you can admire every shade of blue on the sea’s surface! This bay is still relatively unknown, so it’s perfect for some peaceful solitude. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear — the waters here are home to many interesting fish. The water is refreshingly cool, a real blessing during the summer heat! We recommend bringing water shoes too — walking along the rocky bottom is much more pleasant with them.
Red Bay
Location: Red Bay
Another picturesque bay boasting untouched beauty, pristine water, and a peaceful atmosphere. While you can reach it without a boat, there’s no direct access by car — you’ll need to hike a bit, but the breathtaking views are well worth it! Besides swimming and observing marine life, you can try kayaking or give paddling a go. On land, there are scenic hiking trails offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
Another picturesque bay boasting untouched beauty, pristine water, and a peaceful atmosphere. While you can reach it without a boat, there’s no direct access by car — you’ll need to hike a bit, but the breathtaking views are well worth it! Besides swimming and observing marine life, you can try kayaking or give paddling a go. On land, there are scenic hiking trails offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
Kargicak Bay
Location: Kargicak Koyu
A wild beach of stunning natural beauty where you can fully relax in nature, far from big hotels and noisy venues. Unlike many other bays, you can get here not only by boat or yacht but also by car (though be warned, the road isn’t great). If you’re heading to Kargicak Bay on your own, be sure to pack snacks and drinks — and why not enjoy a picnic with such an incredible view? Also, bring water shoes — the sea urchins here are plentiful, and pulling spines from your feet isn’t exactly fun. The beach is made up of coarse pebbles, so the footwear will come in handy. The water here is less salty, meaning you can open your eyes underwater. It’s cooler than in other places, and you might spot local fishermen paddling by in small boats. It’s a great spot to pitch a tent, turn off your phone, and dive into an "into the wild" kind of rest. We all need that kind of reset once in a while.
A wild beach of stunning natural beauty where you can fully relax in nature, far from big hotels and noisy venues. Unlike many other bays, you can get here not only by boat or yacht but also by car (though be warned, the road isn’t great). If you’re heading to Kargicak Bay on your own, be sure to pack snacks and drinks — and why not enjoy a picnic with such an incredible view? Also, bring water shoes — the sea urchins here are plentiful, and pulling spines from your feet isn’t exactly fun. The beach is made up of coarse pebbles, so the footwear will come in handy. The water here is less salty, meaning you can open your eyes underwater. It’s cooler than in other places, and you might spot local fishermen paddling by in small boats. It’s a great spot to pitch a tent, turn off your phone, and dive into an "into the wild" kind of rest. We all need that kind of reset once in a while.
Black Island
Location: Karaada
One of the most popular islands of Bodrum — and for good reason! Since ancient times, the island has changed hands many times: it was once ruled by the Greeks, the Knights of Rhodes, then the Ottomans, the Italians, and only in 1932 did it rightfully pass to the Turks. Clearly, there wouldn’t be such a struggle for lands of no value. So what’s so special about it?
Firstly, it’s beautiful: lush green nature, pine and amber forests, and a turquoise sea with green-blue shades — the scenery is incredibly picturesque! Secondly, the island is perfect for diving: in addition to coral reefs and fish, you can find ancient artifacts. Thirdly, the island has thermal springs and mud baths. The springs are of volcanic origin, and the clay has unique properties — just as effective for your skin as expensive spa treatments. And everything here is completely natural: you soak in baths right in Mother Nature, and enjoy the springs inside a cave surrounded by the Aegean Sea.
We also have to mention the Meteor Pit — an interesting natural site with a depth of around 30 meters. They say a meteorite once crashed here. Daredevils jump into this abyss from a 16-meter cliff, but you can also just swim without the thrill. Watch out for sea urchins — there are tons of them here. You can try all the Black Island activities during our Swimming Voyage in Bodrum.
One of the most popular islands of Bodrum — and for good reason! Since ancient times, the island has changed hands many times: it was once ruled by the Greeks, the Knights of Rhodes, then the Ottomans, the Italians, and only in 1932 did it rightfully pass to the Turks. Clearly, there wouldn’t be such a struggle for lands of no value. So what’s so special about it?
Firstly, it’s beautiful: lush green nature, pine and amber forests, and a turquoise sea with green-blue shades — the scenery is incredibly picturesque! Secondly, the island is perfect for diving: in addition to coral reefs and fish, you can find ancient artifacts. Thirdly, the island has thermal springs and mud baths. The springs are of volcanic origin, and the clay has unique properties — just as effective for your skin as expensive spa treatments. And everything here is completely natural: you soak in baths right in Mother Nature, and enjoy the springs inside a cave surrounded by the Aegean Sea.
We also have to mention the Meteor Pit — an interesting natural site with a depth of around 30 meters. They say a meteorite once crashed here. Daredevils jump into this abyss from a 16-meter cliff, but you can also just swim without the thrill. Watch out for sea urchins — there are tons of them here. You can try all the Black Island activities during our Swimming Voyage in Bodrum.
Aquarium Bay
Location: Aquarius Bay
A beautiful bay near Black Island with crystal-clear water — perfect for swimming and exploring marine life. This is one of those places where the name says it all: a huge variety of sea creatures can be seen everywhere.
A beautiful bay near Black Island with crystal-clear water — perfect for swimming and exploring marine life. This is one of those places where the name says it all: a huge variety of sea creatures can be seen everywhere.
Poyraz Bay
Location: Karaada Poyraz Koyu
The final gem in Black Island’s collection (yep, that’s how rich it is in beauty). The water here is absolutely stunning — turquoise and full of sea life. The bay is surrounded by charming cliffs, creating a magical lost world vibe.
The final gem in Black Island’s collection (yep, that’s how rich it is in beauty). The water here is absolutely stunning — turquoise and full of sea life. The bay is surrounded by charming cliffs, creating a magical lost world vibe.
Paradise Bay
Location: Cennet Koyu
If there’s a paradise on Earth, it’s not in Krasnodar — it’s here. Paradise Bay, located 3 km from Gölköy, is a fantastic spot for peaceful swimming and soaking up untouched nature. One of the most scenic (and crowded) bays in the area: turquoise water, lush green pines, and total connection with nature. You can get here by cruise or by car — just pick an unpopular time and dive into the wild beauty. There’s no infrastructure, so be sure to bring food, drinks, and everything you need for camping. Wow-level rest guaranteed!
If there’s a paradise on Earth, it’s not in Krasnodar — it’s here. Paradise Bay, located 3 km from Gölköy, is a fantastic spot for peaceful swimming and soaking up untouched nature. One of the most scenic (and crowded) bays in the area: turquoise water, lush green pines, and total connection with nature. You can get here by cruise or by car — just pick an unpopular time and dive into the wild beauty. There’s no infrastructure, so be sure to bring food, drinks, and everything you need for camping. Wow-level rest guaranteed!
Kisse Bükü Bay
Location: Kissebükü Koyu
A true cherry on top — though remote and the furthest of all, Kisse Bükü Bay is pure eye candy and soul therapy. The sea here is magical! The water is incredibly clear, with shades so surreal you’ll doubt your own eyes. The bay is surrounded by lush pine forests, and archaeological excavations are underway nearby. You can get there by yacht or by car, but the road is rough — better go with a caravan or SUV. There’s no infrastructure at all, but that’s part of the charm: full-on wild rest surrounded by beauty and ancient ruins. Moments like this are what we live for!
A true cherry on top — though remote and the furthest of all, Kisse Bükü Bay is pure eye candy and soul therapy. The sea here is magical! The water is incredibly clear, with shades so surreal you’ll doubt your own eyes. The bay is surrounded by lush pine forests, and archaeological excavations are underway nearby. You can get there by yacht or by car, but the road is rough — better go with a caravan or SUV. There’s no infrastructure at all, but that’s part of the charm: full-on wild rest surrounded by beauty and ancient ruins. Moments like this are what we live for!
Bodrum beaches by area
We’ve covered the bays, now let’s do a quick tour of the beaches. We’ll follow the map around the peninsula.
Central Bodrum
If you want to swim and sunbathe with a view of Bodrum Castle — and don’t mind crowds, lots of cafés, and passing boats — then welcome to the main city beach, Kumbahçe Sahili. The shore is pebbly, there’s a well-developed infrastructure, a lively vibe, and even a Blue Flag certification. A couple of kilometers from the center is Bardakçı Koyu, a small public beach with a sandy coast — great for families with kids.
Gümbet
Gümbet Beach isn’t exactly the top beach we'd recommend in Bodrum. It’s the heart of nightlife for every taste. And the water here is the most polluted — so think twice before swimming in Gümbet.
But! Between Gümbet and Bitez is the stunning Akvaryum Koyu (not to be confused with the bay of the same name on Black Island). You can reach it by car, but most of the way you’ll need to walk — about 3 km, so bring water, snacks, and proper shoes. Your reward? Otherworldly water and colorful fish swimming right alongside you. If that sounds like too much of a trek — no worries, you can easily get there by boat.
But! Between Gümbet and Bitez is the stunning Akvaryum Koyu (not to be confused with the bay of the same name on Black Island). You can reach it by car, but most of the way you’ll need to walk — about 3 km, so bring water, snacks, and proper shoes. Your reward? Otherworldly water and colorful fish swimming right alongside you. If that sounds like too much of a trek — no worries, you can easily get there by boat.
Bitez
Bitez Plajı is a lovely beach with both paid and public zones. It’s considered one of the best beaches in Bodrum — and rightly so. The water is clean, the depth is perfect for family swimming, the infrastructure is great, citrus groves grow nearby, and the surface is a mix of sand and fine pebbles. Come here to sunbathe, swim, dive, or try your hand at windsurfing.
Ortakent-Yahşi
Yahşi Plajı is a favorite for both tourists and locals. It’s surrounded by many hotels and cafés, and the locals love sipping tea and having heart-to-heart chats with a sea view. The water here is refreshingly cool. Nearby is Ortakent Halk Plajı — a great spot for surfing and water sports. Also nearby is Camel Beach — a clean sandy beach with a chill vibe, where the main attraction is camel rides!
Aspat
The Aspat Koyu (ıssız adacık) bay is known for its scenic beaches — a definite must-visit. Aspat Plajı itself is a bit pricey to enter, but it’s well-maintained (some even call it a “little Venice”). The neighboring public Karaincir Public Beach is also charming — clean, shallow water, though a bit chilly (a common Aegean trait).
Turgutreis
People don’t come to these beaches to swim — they come to windsurf. It’s super windy here!
Gümüşlük
Gümüşlük is usually visited for its seafood restaurants with a sea view and gorgeous sunsets. But if you’re up for a swim, there’s the small public Gümüşlük Plajı. Just be ready for seaweed alongside the fish.
Kadıkalesi
Here you’ll find the small public Kadıkalesi Public Beach. The water is clean and shallow, though you might encounter some seaweed, and the shore isn’t well-equipped. But hey — who needs umbrellas when you can relax in the shade of trees?
Yalıkavak
The heart of boho luxury. Most visitors here prefer swimming at trendy beach clubs and private beaches — where everything’s top-tier. Or they hop on a yacht and head into open waters. Still, Yalıkavak also has public beaches like Tilkicik Koyu, with fine pebbles and clear, azure water (though seaweed can show up). Another public spot is Küdür Halk Plajı, nestled near rocky tombs and surrounded by wild nature.
Göltürkbükü
Another upscale area with beach clubs and private beaches to suit any taste. Among the municipal options is Türkbükü Halk Plajı — a popular beach that gets pretty busy in season. The shore is sandy, the sea is beautiful, and it’s great for both adults and kids.
Torba
This area is full of all-inclusive hotels with their own beaches, but there’s also a small public Torba Plajı. It’s not very developed, so if you’re staying in this area, it’s best to enjoy the beach program at your hotel.
Yalıçiftlik
Yalıçiftlik Public Beach is located a bit outside the city, but it’s considered one of the most beautiful public beach areas. The water is clean, the shore is sandy with some small stones, and the sea can suddenly get deep (important to know if you’re with little ones). Here you’ll find nature at its best — but also sun loungers, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and even a small restaurant up on the hill.
Now you’re fully in the know about Bodrum’s most beautiful bays and beaches. A fabulous holiday awaits — and Courage Voyage will help you see the best spots in comfort. Bon voyage!
