YALIKAVAK

Yalikavak Situated 18km from Bodrum,

Yalikavak's history goes parallel  with that of Bodrum. Today, most of the archaeological remains are either unexcavated sites or unattractive ruins.  It is suggested that the ancient city of Yalıkavak was situated on top of one of the hills.

Few tombstones and city walls still bear witness to history of the town. Carian cave tomb is worth seeing. The tomb been carved directly into the rock and fronted with cut stones. It once contained a funerary urn in the shape of a ship's prow. Located along the main road are a number of antique cisterns which have been used by the numerous civilizations. Many are still used today.

Yalikavak with its small, but busy, center and a harbor where visiting yachts and fishing boats moor cheerfully together is one of the attractive towns of Bodrum Peninsula. The restaurants in the town center and on the sea front attract many locals and tourists from the various corners of Bodrum Peninsula. 

Several old buildings such as cisterns and olive oil presses have been tastefully restored in the town and have new functions like art galleries or carpet kilim showrooms. Yalikavak is famous for its beaches, strong  sea breezes and as a result is popular with wind-surfers. Also, it has one of the finest views of the Peninsula from the windmills.

Yalikavak has many fine restaurants and bars which are placed perfectly by the water. Yalikavak is so popular that Istanbul's most famous Jet-setters often frequent the town.

As you approach Yalikavak, over the spine of the hill, where you find a row of windmills, there is a breathtaking view of the whole area including the bays of Tilkicik, Pasa and Agacbasi - and the lower deep green bay of Yalikavak itself. The name Yalikavak means poplars by the sea but the abundance of trees are actually not poplars, but plane trees. However, the do attest to the fact Yalikavak does have a very good supply of fresh water, hence the greeness.

Combining traditional charm with modern hotel comforts, Yalikavak is the favourite choice of many discerning visitors.

The small shops in the traffic free town centre have benefitted from sensitive restoration and conversion, and many interesting and unusual souvenirs  can be found. A former water cistern has been converted into a small art gallery which exhibits  the works of both local and well known artists.

The gleaming yachts and gaily painted fishing boats in the harbour are a delight to watch from one of the relaxed and friendly waterfront cafes. The restaurants of Yalikavak have not yet succumbed to international cousine, but offer some of the freshest and tastiest local cooking in the area. 

Hotels and Accomodation Options in YALIKAVAK on Bodrum - The Complete Guide