Turgutreis
Turgutreis stands in a unique geographical location where the Mediterranean and the Aegean intersect and blue depths turn into turquoise bays. The magnificent nature adorned with olives, citruses, oleanders, and begonias promises a memorable holiday filled with sunbathing on wonderful beaches, swimming in crystal-clear sea, and relaxing at a seductive sunset.Until recently, Bodrum was a charming and small fishing village. Within a few years, however, it has evolved into the most famous and popular tourism region in Turkey. The name Bodrum is mistakenly used to indicate the entire peninsula extending into the Aegean-Mediterranean waters. Here each step is a piece of paradise and tourists from all around the world flock to various spots on the peninsula every summer. After Bodrum, the peninsula’s namesake district, the next largest populated area is Turgutreis. Turgutreis expands a large coastline stretching from Akyarlar to Kadıkalesi; therefore, it is the peninsula’s doorway to the Aegean Sea. A resort large and developed enough to be an administrative district in its own right, Turgutreis increases in popularity everyday due to its competitive touristic facilities and modern marina.
In memory of Turgut Reis
The first known natives of Turgutreis were the Lelegs. In antiquity, the region was ruled by the Dorians, Persians, and Caria, respectively. After Alexander the Great, the region fell under the rule of the Seljuks, Byzantines, and the Knights of Rhodes. When Suleiman the Magnificent won the war against the Knights of Rhodes in 1583, the region was annexed to the Ottoman Empire. During the years of the republic, the area was known as Karatoprak. In the 1970s, its name was changed to Turgut Reis, in memory of a respected seaman who was born here. Turgut Reis was known as the conqueror of Tripoli throughout Ottoman lands, while in the Western world he was referred to as “Dragut”, a cross between the vocal similarities of “dragon” and “Turgut”. He passed away during the siege of Malta, before he saw the conquest accomplished and was buried in the tomb of the mosque he had built in Tripoli. Today Turgutreis has a park named after him and a monument in this park depicting the famous captain at the bow of an alley pointing to the horizon with his sword. Boats coming into Turgutreis practically perform an official parade in front of this monument, since it is not possible to enter the marina without passing by the monument, which stands on a small hill overlooking the marina.
D-Marin, opened in 2003, makes Turgutreis a favourite stopover for yacht-lovers travelling around the peninsula. Stores, shopping centres, and restaurants located within the marina as well as art activities, fairs, and races organized here bring pace to the resort. Having also gained an international customs identity through the D-Marin Marina, Turgutreis develops from day to day at a great pace. Boats departing from Turgutreis to the nearby Greek islands of Kos and Kalymnos are highly favoured by locals and visitors alike. The fact that Greece has lifted visas for green passport holders has increased the interest even more.
The beaches
Turgutreis is a growing tourism centre where there are lots of good quality hotels, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and shops. In its coves of all sizes scattered between Gümüşlük and Karaincir, Turgutreis has dozens of sandy beaches catering to all kinds of tastes. With all kinds of activities offered ranging from beach football to water sports, these beaches add to the attraction of Turgutreis.
The closest beach to the city centre is Günbatımı, an easy-to-access spot right opposite Çatal Island. While lying on your sun lounger and soaking up the sun, you can make use of the nearby cafeterias all day long and enjoy the charming scenery in the evening, since the sunset in Turgutreis brings together various tones of red and blue in the same magnificent picture. As the day turns into night, the scent of citrus from nearby trees adds a fresh breath to the scenery.
The largest of the islands stretching out opposite is known as Çatal Island, situated 3 nautical miles from Turgutreis. There are two conical hills on the island, a popular stop for daily yacht tours. The island is not inhabited, and no touristic facilities are found here. But it is a well-known scuba diving centre, since these islands were the last stop for many ships in the ancient times. The first underwater archaeological excavations were carried out in this area and the findings lead to the opening of Bodrum Underwater Archaeological Museum.
There is a lighthouse on the way from Turgutreis to Akyarlar. A beautiful cove unfolds below with a magnificent view of Kos ahead. The lighthouse is restored for tourism purposes.
Fener Bay, 5 km from Turgutreis, is the meeting point of windsurfers. The windsurfing school in the bay hires out equipment to beginners, and to those who arrive unprepared. The restaurant at the tip of Cape Fener adds to this wonderful scenery with delicious seafood dishes.
Akçabük, which is right after Fener Bay, is 7 km away from Turgutreis. It boasts a wonderful beach and crystal-clear waters. Not surprisingly, an abundance of summerhouses and a holiday village have been built here. You can hop on a boat for a daily yacht tour departing from Akçabük and visit nearby coves between Akyarlar and Meteorology Bay. Kos Island is at a distance of only 3 nautical miles, and on clear days, it is possible to see its buildings. When the night falls, the view of Kos adds a different kind of beauty to the scenery.
Past Akçabük, the old fishing village of Akyarlar comes into view. Situated at a distance of 8 km to Turgutreis and directly opposite Kos Island, it is possible to reach Akyarlar by catching a minibus. One of the most enjoyable places in the Bodrum Peninsula, Akyarlar used to earn its living by fishing and sponge-fishing until recently. However today, tourism rules everything… Yet Akyarlar has lost nothing of its charm. It welcomes its guests with its sun-kissed sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a wide range of accommodation options. The winds that blow from the land towards the sea make Akyarlar a favourite spot for windsurfers.
When you follow the main road to the shore, a fishing hut will appear on your right hand side. The restaurants are mostly situated here in the middle section. The crescentshaped beach unfolds beautifully on your left. Hotels, motels and pensions are usually positioned at the back of the beach. The wind blows smoothly all day giving windsurfers exactly what they want! One cannot travel this far and fail to try this fun sport. On the road from Akyarlar to Bodrum, Karaincir is the westernmost point for daily boat trips. Located 10 km away from Turgutreis, Karaincir boasts a large sandy beach that is lined by hotels, restaurants, and small piers built on the water for sunbathing. Since both sides of the 500 metre-long beach is surrounded by hills, the sea is always calm here. Abundant fig trees that once gave the resort its name are today replaced by holiday villages and hotels. The strip of restaurants on the beach attracts quite a lot of interest.
Looking out to the sea from Karaincir, you can see the shores of Yassıada, the largest of the 14 islands. Yassıada is famed among marine archaeologists and diving enthusiasts for its archaeology of sunken ships. Travelling another 2 km from Karaincir towards Bodrum, you reach the furthest settlement area linked to Turgutreis, Aspat. The large beach here was known as the shelter of Genoese
pirates due to its position. Similarly today, it is favoured by yacht owners who cast their anchors here. If you have time, pay a visit to Aspat Cave.
Some shopping
Turgutreis offers its visitors dozens of beautiful coves, crystal-clear waters, sun-kissed beaches, magnificent vistas, and a modern marina. Furthermore, it is the largest shopping centre on the Bodrum Peninsula. The market set up on Saturdays in Turgutreis is just like a large shopping centre in the open-air. Locals exhibit their own vegetable and fruit produce. Fresh, lively and vivid-coloured stalls are set up one after another, and one can find everything from food to clothing and gifts to authentic handcrafted items. For years, this traditional way of selling goods has brought many people from around the peninsula to Turgutreis every Saturday. Besides having the oldfashioned street market, Turgutreis also houses branches of Turkey’s and the world’s greatest supermarket chains.
Shopping options in Turgutreis are surely not limited to the street market and the supermarkets. One particular street, known as the Artists’ Street, brings together artworks and handicrafts by local artists. Here you can find paintings, handcrafted jewellery, earthenware items and souvenirs. You can feast your eyes on these locally produced treasures on your walk from the seashore towards the marina. Offering locals and visitors a lively picture, Artists’ Street embraces you even if you are just walking through it without purchasing anything.
After wandering through Artists’ Street, you can sip a refreshing drink in one of the bars or continue walking along the streets within the marina. One of the most attractive spots of the marina that instantly changed the face of Turgutreis, the Handicrafts Corner offers wonderful examples of traditional handicrafts blended with modern designs. It ems attracting the most interest are Bodrum-style squash lamps, felt puppets, traditional embroidery, and handmade jewellery.
Turgutreis awaits you in a unique geographical location where ancient civilizations and modern times meet, the Mediterranean and Aegean intersect and blue depths turn into turquoise bays. Adorned with olives, citruses, oleanders and begonias, the magnificent nature offers a perfect holiday filled with sunbathing on sandy beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and sipping a cool drink in afternoon breeze that heals the scorching effects of the sun.
How to Get There
You can reach Turgutreis by air, sea, or road. Various Airlines operates flights three times a day between Istanbul and Bodrum everyday. It is easy to reach the Bodrum Airport. Atlasjet also provides shuttle services between the Airport and Turgutreis. For those wishing to travel to Turgutreis by their private yachts, the yacht marina D-Marin has the capacity to cater to every need. It is also possible to travel comfortably from every corner of Turkey to Turgutreis by land with various alternatives. Transport between Bodrum and Turgutreis is maintained by local minibuses.
What to Eat?
Turgutreis boasts a wide variety of restaurants ranging from authentic Turkish Cuisine to seafood and from fast food to olive oil dominated Mediterranean Cuisine. If you would like to try the olive oil dishes, go for local delicacies such as ‘köpoğlu’ a cold dish made with aubergines, tomatoes, and yoghurt; ‘glasswort salad’ a cold herbal dish, and ‘stuffed vine leaves.’ Turgutreis is quite rich in terms of seafood. The fish farms in the vicinity and prolific waters of the Aegean increase the alternatives. It is possible to find fresh goby, sea bass, gilthead bream, rock grouper, squid, and octopus on the menu in many restaurants.