Holidays to Gundogan

Introducing holidays to Gundogan

Gundogan means “sunrise” in English, and if you want lonely beaches on which to watch the sun rise and fall, then this resort – one of the most peaceful on the popular Bodrum peninsula – is worth exploring on your Turkish sunshine break this year.

Set in a deep bay on the north of the peninsula, Gundogan, has all the attractions that make Bodrum so popular; top quality beaches and lovely coastline, without the crowds of the bigger resorts.

You won’t find the big clubs of Bodrum – though that resort’s in easy reach – in peaceful Gundogan, which has an active fishing fleet and sponge divers heading out each morning. On the hills behind the town, olive and tangerine trees are a beautiful agricultural addiction to a landscape dominated by pine forests. If you like walking, there’s a lot to explore inland, including the ruins of Leleg.

But if you’ve come for the sea, you won’t be disappointed either. Gundogan’s own beach is an excellent, gently curving stretch of golden sand. The harbour is also a beautiful vantage point from which to enjoy the Aegean, either with a coffee in a café or on one of the regular boat trips that explore the nearby coast and Rabbit Island.

We offer a range hotel and holiday types in Gundogan, including all inclusive.

Life’s a beach

The Bodrum peninsula is small and easy to get around. And everywhere you go you’ll see the crystal clear waters that send divers into little dances of pleasure. You’ll have plenty of variety if you want to make every day a beach day. 

The waters of Akvaryum Cove are so clear that one of its resorts is called Aquarium. It’s a popular jumping off point for boat trips and divers who love the 30-metre visibility in the water. It’s the surfers who particularly love Akyarlar Cove, which has a beautiful beach to plop down on if you’re not feeling up to catching waves. If you fancy an ancient backdrop to your tanning, then check out Aspat Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful on the peninsula, and free (despite what the local hotel would like you to believe), with the ruins of a castle to enjoy.

There are lots more beaches to try on Bodrum: Bitez, Golkoy, Gumbet, Ortakent, and Torba among them.

Top attractions

If the peace and quiet of Gundogan gets too much for you then head to Bodrum, it’s around half-an-hour’s drive away and taxis and public transport are relatively cheap.

The city was once known as Halicarnassus, and it’s an important ancient site. Its chief archaeological site is the original mausoleum (it was built for King Mausolus), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sadly, there’s not much left of the grand structure built to celebrate a glorious king these days, but the site is atmospheric and peaceful. For a more complete ancient structure, make sure you take the walk to the city’s incredible amphitheatre, which is still robust enough to host concerts today.

More complete – in fact, completely renovated – is the city’s fortress, the Castle of St Peter, an impressively perching Crusader remnant beautifully sited over the city’s harbour. Inside is Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a world first that collects underwater finds not just from the locality but from across the Med and Europe.

If you want to catch the best of modern Bodrum then follow the money. The Palmarina is packed with expensive yachts, whose occupants – and hordes of visitors – are entertained by a great selection of top quality eateries and shops. Most of the facilities – including a pool and water park – are open to all.