The Best Beaches and Bays Near Gümüşlük
From the village beach to the sandy bays of the south coast: where to swim near Gümüşlük, which beaches are sandy, and where to go when the wind is up.
Gümüşlük sits on the western tip of the Bodrum Peninsula, which puts a surprising number of beaches within half an hour’s drive. They are not all alike. Some are long and sandy, some stony and deep, some sheltered and some built for windsurfers. The trick is matching the beach to the day, and above all to the wind.
First, understand the wind
From roughly mid-May to mid-September the meltem, a northerly wind, blows across the Aegean. It is usually light in the morning, picks up after lunch and often eases again in the evening. On a strong meltem day, beaches open to the north and west can be choppy, while bays tucked into the south coast stay much calmer.
So a simple rule works most of the summer: swim on the west coast in the morning, and head for the south-facing bays if the afternoon gets breezy. In September and October the wind usually drops and almost everywhere becomes swimmable. Our piece on autumn in Gümüşlük explains why so many people prefer those months.
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On the doorstep
Gümüşlük beach
The village beach curves south from the harbour towards Rabbit Island, with the restaurants of the waterfront at one end. The shore is a mix of sand and fine shingle, and in places it shelves fairly quickly, so water shoes help. The water is usually clear, and snorkelling over the scattered stones of ancient Myndos is part of the appeal.
It faces west and can get wavy on windy afternoons, which makes it less suited to very small children then. On a calm morning, though, it is hard to beat for convenience: swim, wade out towards the island, and walk back up for coffee.
Kadıkalesi
A few minutes’ drive south, on the road to Turgutreis, Kadıkalesi has a longer, sandier beach backed by citrus orchards and low-key village life. The water is shallow near the shore, which families like. In summer the afternoon wind brings out kitesurfers, so mornings are calmer for swimming. It is also a good place to watch the sun go down over the islands.
Koyunbaba
North of the village, on the rocky coast towards Yalıkavak, Koyunbaba has a small public beach with simple municipal facilities. It is more exposed to the northerly wind than the beaches south of Gümüşlük, so pick a calm day. When it is still, the water off the rocks is clear and deep, and it feels far quieter than its distance from the village suggests.
Turgutreis
The town beach at Turgutreis, about ten minutes south, is busier and more built-up, with cafés and bars along the front. Its advantage is shelter: islands offshore take the edge off the wind, and the water is often calm when the open coast is not. Useful if you are already in town for the Saturday market.
The south coast bays
Akyarlar
At the south-western corner of the peninsula, roughly 20–25 minutes from Gümüşlük, Akyarlar has a wide sandy beach looking across the strait to the Greek island of Kos. It is one of the windiest spots on the peninsula, which is why windsurfers and kitesurfers love it. Swim in the morning, before the afternoon breeze builds. On the sandy headland of Fener Burnu, protected sea daffodils flower from late summer into October.
Karaincir
Right next to Akyarlar, Karaincir is the opposite in character: a bay of fine sand around half a kilometre long, sheltered from the northerly winds, with shallow water that deepens gradually. That makes it one of the best choices for families and for windy days. There are paid sunbed areas and free public sections where you can bring your own chair.
Aspat and Bağla
Further east, the neighbouring bays of Bağla and Aspat sit below dry hills. Bağla is a sandy bay popular with Turkish families, with sunbed businesses along the shore. Aspat, reached over the hill from Bağla, is a protected area with clear water and a shore of sand and stones; springs flowing into the sea can make patches of the water noticeably cold. Above it stand the ruins of Aspat Castle, a Byzantine fortress. Expect around half an hour’s drive from Gümüşlük.
Kargı (Camel Beach)
Kargı, further east towards Ortakent, is a long sandy beach best known for the camels that give it its nickname. It is a regular stop for day-trip boats, so it can be lively in summer, and access to the main beach usually involves an entrance or sunbed charge. Allow 35–45 minutes by car, or arrive by sea on a boat trip.
Towards Yalıkavak
About 15–20 minutes north-east, Yalıkavak has a town beach of mixed sand and pebbles, plus smaller coves around the bay, many run by hotels and beach clubs that charge for access. It is a good option if you are combining a swim with the marina or the weekly market, less so if you want somewhere wild.
At a glance
| Beach | Shore | Wind | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gümüşlük | sand and fine shingle | exposed in the afternoon | morning swims, snorkelling |
| Kadıkalesi | mostly sand | windy afternoons | families in the morning, sunset |
| Koyunbaba | rocky, small beach | exposed to the north | calm days, quiet |
| Akyarlar | wide sand | very windy | windsurfing, kitesurfing |
| Karaincir | fine sand | sheltered from the north | families, windy days |
| Aspat / Bağla | sand, some stones | fairly sheltered | a day out on the south coast |
| Kargı | long sand | varies | a lively beach day, camels |
Tip: Many beaches mix free public sections with paid sunbed areas. In high season the paid ones can be expensive, especially near Yalıkavak, so a cheap folding chair and an umbrella soon pay for themselves.
Before you go
- Check the wind forecast, not just the sun. It decides which beach will be pleasant.
- Bring water shoes. Many entries are stony, and sea urchins live on the rocky stretches.
- Arrive early in July and August. Parking at the popular beaches fills by late morning.
- Respect protected areas. Aspat and the sea around Rabbit Island are protected sites; do not take anything away.
- Stay for sunset. The west coast is at its best in the evening; see our guide to sunset spots on the peninsula.
