Gümüşlük is one of the most tranquil coves with its unmatched natural beauty on the Bodrum Peninsula –the holiday hotspot of the Aegean– as it brings a great historical treasure together with sea, sand, sun, and exquisite flavors.
The history of Gümüşlük, which welcomes its guests with its windmills today, can be traced back to the ancient Lelege ancient city of Myndos dating back to three millennia ago, founded by the Carian King Mausolos, after whom the city came under the rule of many civilizations led by great personalities that shaped the world history including Alexander the Great, Aristonicus, Antonius, Brutus and Cassius.
Poetic Greek houses in the old Karakaya Village on the foothills, the magnificent view of Koyunbaba, which offers breathtaking views of the islands, the unparalleled natural beauty of Yalı and the Rabbit Island in the Gümüşlük Cove, which is accessible through the historical King’s Road, make it one of the most special locations on the Bodrum Peninsula, hosting the finest fish restaurants, festivals, world-renowned concerts, and art exhibitions. Gümüşlük is also the best destination for boats and yachts thanks to its natural harbor and spectacular sea.
An area to explore with its historical texture
Founded as a settlement in 640 B.C. in where modern Gümüşlük is located by one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia, the Leleges, Myndos’ name meant “worship of the mother goddess.” Designated an archaeological protected site in 1975 following the recovery of numerous historical artifacts from that period during the archaeological excavations conducted on the Bozdağ hills and the Rabbit Island, the speculation on the origins of the modern name of Gümüşlük boils down to two stories. According to the first one, the region was home to silver mines in ancient times, which gave the town its name. A second story purports that the town received the name Gümüşlük because of the silvery color the sea takes during sunset…
Gümüşlük is famous for the historical Greek Houses in the Old Karakaya Village on the foothills, the glorious view of the Koyunbaba Islands, and its historical 150m-long, 1.5m-wide King’s Road. What makes Gümüşlük the most special point on the Bodrum Peninsula is the unmatched nature of Yalı and the Rabbit Island, which becomes accessible once the 3,500-year-old, submerged ancient King’s Road, which connects Gümüşlük to the Rabbit Island, reveals itself when the sea recedes and grants access to the island.
As soon as you set foot in Gümüşlük, you will be greeted by stands featuring handmade ceramics and glassware and jewelry and souvenirs made by artisans, stalls that sell lamps made from calabash, which is endemic to the Gümüşlük region and stores offering amazing desserts. Just take a few steps and you will find yourself on the path towards the bars where you can dine and wine before and after you take a dip in the water. Since this is a coastal town, finding an indoor venue here is almost impossible. At the café beaches extending along the shore, you can have a swim during the day, and a delicious meal and great time at the venues that transform into restaurants and bars in the evening. The International Gümüşlük Classical Music Festival, which is well-known in the world of classical music, is very popular among music lovers as an event that brings together successful artists from all around the globe in summer. In addition to the classical music festival, the 400-year-old Eklisia Church is also home to concerts by various artists.
A favorite among gastronomy lovers
Cafés and restaurants along the Gümüşlük coastline welcome their guests with an array of fabulous dishes, particularly during summer. In Bodrum, when it comes to watching the sunset, Gümüşlük is the first place to spring to mind particularly when it is accompanied by delicious mezes and fish. At night, Gümüşlük is the address of romanticism and peace with illuminations under the sea, renowned for its atmosphere and the unique flavors of the Aegean cuisine and famous fish restaurants. Those who visit Gümüşlük must not leave this small and romantic cove before they try kabak çiçeği dolması (stuffed zucchini blossoms), turp otu salatası (wild radish salad), acı ot kavurması (roasted inula), şevketi bostan yahnisi (blessed thistle stew), and kırlı patlıcan kızartması (fried eggplants).
Gümüşlük is known for its venues that offer not only evening feasts but also rich breakfasts where you can take your time to enjoy in an easy summer morning. Breakfast tables in sitting areas surrounded by green spaces against an endless seascape and in a fresh atmosphere are adorned by citrus jam, clotted cream of fresh goat milk, and a host of delicious cheese varieties, making it even harder for visitors to leave Gümüşlük. At the venues set in orchards of lemon and satsuma trees, you can taste tangerine and orange jam, delicious ice creams made from fresh goat milk, and apple cookies.
A holiday destination that offers peace
Gümüşlük secures a tranquil holiday experience with small boutique hotels, apart hotels and bed & breakfasts. It is also a proper location for those who are into camping, offering a variety of opportunities. Visited by everyone young and old, the cove welcomes in summers those who are into extreme sports such as watersport activities and particularly windsurfing. And if you enjoy boat tours, you can experience a vacation accompanied by the peaceful sound of waves by sailing against the immense seascapes of the Aegean Sea in its hidden coves.
About Turkey
Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and Europe continents that are separated by famous Bosphorus, Turkey is a unique destination that welcomed last year about 40 million tourists. The country that has always been a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates inspires the visitors today with its history, nature, and gastronomy that reflect the diversity of civilizations for centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a distinctive understanding of art & fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its extremely dynamic shopping & entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world.
For more about Turkey visit the GoTurkey website HERE.
