Bitez Things to Do Tips by iaint Top 5 Page for this destination

Ortakent

This village is next one along the coast from Bitez, heading west.

We took a drive over one day. Looked nice, and we'd certainly consider staying there in the future.

Like Bitez, the old village is inland a little with the tourist development on the beach.

Should have gone to see the 17th century Mustafa Paşa tower, but only found out about it afterwards!

Address: Ortakent

Directions: West of Bitez about 3km.

Bodrum

Worth a visit even if you don't go round the castle.

Spring and autumn are the peak times for sensible visitors. The summer is for touroids. Too hot, busy and noisy.

Its the Turkish equivalent of Nice - favoured by celebrities and media types.

You can take the hydrofoil over to Kos, or round the coast to Marmaris.

Address: Bodrum

Directions: Head for town centre & harbour.

Castle of St Peter

If you are in the Bodrum area, this is a "must see".

Its construction was started in 1406, by the Knights of St John. It came under Ottoman rule in 1523. It became a prison in 1895. it was shelled by the French during WW1.

Now it has been restored, and parts are used to display archaeological artifacts recovered from underwater wrecks.

The views of the town, harbour and beach are amazing
It is well worth 2-3 hours to wander round all the towers, the battlements and the exhibits. If you go in summer, make it early - say 9am. By 11am it is getting to hot to enjoy... Plus its quieter early on.

Entry was 10 ytl in August 08.

Address: Bodrum Harbour

Directions: Lies between the harbour and the beach.

Phone: 0252 316 25 16

Website: http://www.bodrum-info.org

Akyarlar

This is a small undeveloped (well almost) village on the southwest tip of the peninsula, looking out towards Kos.

The road from Bitez onwards is narrow, badly surfaced, very steep in places and twisting as well. Go slow, and watch out for some of the crazies who pass for other road users. Its worth the trip.

The village is charming, BUT they are building a monster hotel which will probably ruin it. Aaah...progress.

It has a working fishing harbour.

We had a bizarre dinner there after we had looked round. The food was fine, but the service was shambolic.

Address: Southwest tip - Bodrum peninsula

Directions: Go west on the highway out of Bodrum, turn south to Bitez, then follow the coast road west through Ortakent (signposted Turgutreis from Ortakent onwards).