Yalikavak Holidays 2024/2025
Located in the eastern tip of the stunning Bodrum Peninsula is Yalikavak, considered one of its most opulent areas and boasting top-end restaurants and fantastic bays. Turkey holiday packages are in high demand here, thanks to its wonderful array of beaches, nightlife and restaurants.
Yalikavak Holiday Deals
Humble beginnings
This area has always been popular with tourists and a lot of investment has made it an even more popular destination for families seeking cheap Bodrum holidays. Yalikavak began life as a humble fishing and sponge-diving area, but now you’ll discover a modern marina outside its traditional centre.
Despite its expansion Yalikavak remains a relatively small and charming town where you can mingle with the locals and watch elderly people play backgammon. Quaint old streets in the centre are lined with authentic restaurants and cafes that are just as popular with locals as they are with tourists.
The luxury yachts of the rich and famous are docked in the marina throughout the year, and no wonder – during peak season you can expect temperatures of 34°C, while daytime temperatures often stay above 20°C even from April until November.
Out and about
This is a bustling area with plenty to do. Farmers’ markets are a great way to get the feel of an area, and there’s one here every Tuesday, selling everything from fantastic lace clothes to hand-painted souvenirs, while locally grown fruit brightens up the stalls. And remember – when in Turkey, you can barter.
Eat and drink
There are plenty of great places to eat, and Turkish food is fantastic. Chefs use vegetables including pumpkin flowers plucked from the hillsides to make dishes such as dolma – a dish where the flowers are filled with rice, spices and currants. Fish is caught locally, so you mustn’t leave without trying grilled sea bass or sea bream.
Up high on a hill you’ll discover the fantastic MMK Yeldegirmeni Yalikavak Windmills Cafe. They serve delicious Turkish food, so don’t miss out on a mezze, but one of the best things about this cafe is the unsurpassed view across the Bodrum Peninsula, whether you’re sitting inside or on the outdoor terrace.
One of the best fish restaurants is Kahroom Usta Barboom, where you’ll also find wonderful Turkish desserts such as baklava. The restaurant overlooks the sea – as does Giggles, which is by a small beach and serves international food.
There are many bars and restaurants along the seafront – ideal if you’re a sun-worshipper – and, to make it that bit easier for you, they even lay out tables and chairs on the sand or decking areas.
Luxury marina
At the exuberant marina you’ll discover boutiques, children’s play-areas, art galleries and some very swanky nightclubs. The top-class restaurants serve everything from Turkish food, to English breakfasts and Indian food. Some of the restaurants that line the harbour even display the freshly-caught fish in glass cabinets.
The Billionaires Club is among the top clubs in the harbour, which was opened with a firework display and special-guest supermodels Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell. The club offers a great lifestyle, but you’ll have to pay for it. The marina is abundant with gorgeous yachts – apparently with some famous owners too.
If you want to feel like a celeb too, all you have to do is stay at one of the fabulous hotels here such as the All Inclusive Delta Beach Club Hotel which is located right on the seafront, with a private decking area for sunbathing and even a private stretch of sandy beach.
Boat trips
There are some fantastic stretches of sandy beach along here where you can sit and relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
If you want to get out and about but stay near the water, you can join a boat trip out to Rabbit Island or the lovely bay of Gumusluck. You can sail eastwards around the headland to quiet bays that are ideal for snorkelling and fishing. You won’t have to worry about getting peckish on board as food is usually served, and you can also buy soft or alcoholic drinks. There’s lots of room to spread out, sunbathe – though be aware that there’s little escape from the sun – and take in some fantastic views. You’re also very close to some of the Greek islands from here, including Kos, one of the loveliest and liveliest. Speak to your hotel’s concierge about excursions.