Natalie Roughly 20 years, a New York Times writer visited the small resort of Golturkbuku on the Bodrum peninsula in Turkey. At this point, while Golturkbuku was popular with Turkey’s rich and famous elite social circles, it was an international secret. Few foreigners ventured there, and few mainstream tourists had heard of the place.
Such was the writer’s amazement and pleasure with this corner of Aegean Turkey; she quickly took pen to paper to publish an article in the New York Times, a prestigious paper considered to be the leader of trends both in the travel world and in America. In the article, she called Golturkbuku the Saint Tropez of Turkey, and a new era began.
The nickname took off, and travel magazines across the globe promoted this destination in Turkey en mass. Golturkbuku was no longer a hidden secret among the Turkish elite. But these days, while fame and glory are widespread, Golturkbuku hasn’t let fame go to its head. The Turkish resort still maintains the luxury touches and leading edge, making it a specialist travel and real estate niche in Turkey.
Guide to Golturkbuku on the Bodrum Peninsula of Turkey
Where is Golturkbuku in Turkey?
Golturkbuku sits on the Bodrum peninsula that faces the Greek islands. Belonging to the Aegean coast, also called the west coast of Turkey, Golturkbuku sits between the other Turkish resorts of Gundogan and Torba on the peninsula’s northern part. The plush resort is approximately 45 minutes from Bodrum airport and about 35 minutes from Bodrum’s main town.
Are Golturkbuku and Turkbuku the same place?
These two names are often used; hence newbies to the Bodrum peninsula sometimes get confused. Initially, there were two villages sitting side by side. They were Golkoy and Turkbuku. However, as tourism and real estate developed on the Bodrum peninsula, the two villages eventually merged to become one.
The Best Hotel Accommodation
Golturkbuku’s overnight accommodation impresses everyone who knows the hospitality market of Turkey. To prove this, look at the outskirt Mandarin Oriental Hotel, that charges roughly 20,000 lira per night. This is also where you can check into the Lifeco Bodrum detox centre, made famous by Kate Moss. While some places market themselves as budget, this only applies if you redefine your definition of budget. Otherwise, with cash to splash, expect several all-inclusive five-star hotels and boutique accommodations that win many Turkish and international awards.
Sailing in Golturkbuku – Bodrum
To truly understand Golturkbuku, look at the yachting sectors of the Bodrum peninsula. For decades, locals of the peninsula have excelled in sailing. First, starting off as humble fishing men, who then advanced to sponge diving; the sea was in their blood, passed down through generations as the easiest way to get an income. However, the fisherman of Halicarnassus changed all this when he wrote about blue voyage cruises.
Then sailing became a leisurely pastime rather than a means to an end. Locals embraced the concept by building overnight sailing boats known as gulet. These were the traditional wooden vessels. Naturally, over time, as plush and seek yachts took to the waters around Turkey, locals also excelled in that niche.
The Bodrum peninsula currently features some of Turkey’s best sailing routes. As you look out from Golturkbuku every summer, see yachts docked into the bay. Naturally, to do as the Bodrum locals do, book an overnight trip to sail the peninsula, which will help you know Golturkbuku even better.
Beaches and Beach Clubs in Golturkbuku
The narrow main beach in Golturkbuku is more gravel than sand. Worry not, though. Locals have established beach clubs and wooden platforms from the coastline. Here, lie back under the umbrellas while listening to soft music and enjoy server service on hand.
Many outskirt hotels in Golturkbuku also have swimming pools and private jetties. Paradise Bay is also famous on the other side of the bay, especially with boat trips that dock in. Also, head to Kucukbuk, which sits halfway between Gundogan and Golturkbuku.
Night Life, Restaurants and Eating Out
For quiet nightlife scenes, head to the Golkoy part of the resort. Otherwise, Turkbuku is livelier. What you can expect, though, is excellent nightlife scenes and choice. Try traditional Turkish restaurants or do fine dining made by award winning chefs. As a seaside resort, alfresco-style dining is big business from Spring to Autumn. Restaurants with excellent reputations include Pitahaya, Atilay and Miam, which specialises in the Mediterranean, seafood and Turkish food. Whereas for bars, head to Pasha Club and Ship Ahoy.
Nice to Know – Historical Fact About Golturkbuku
Golturkbuku sits on top of the ancient city of Caryanda, of which little is known; apart from that, it belonged to the larger kingdom of Caria. However, the city did have one famous resident. Scylax of Caryanda, also known as Scylax of Caria, was an ancient Greek explorer and geographer from the city. He lived during the 6th and early 5th centuries BCE.
Scylax undertook a maritime expedition on behalf of the Persian king Darius I around 515 BCE. This expedition explored and mapped the Indus River. The account of his journey, “Periplus of Scylax,” described the geography, cultures, and people encountered during the voyage.
Sightseeing and Things to Do on the Bodrum Peninsula
Within Golturkbuku, there are many leisurely activities and things to do, like water sports, the beach, and daily boat trips. Tour agents sell excursions like Jeep Safari or go further afield to other places in Turkey like Ephesus, Pamukkale and Dalyan. There are also local options like the traditional Turkish hamam. However, the main sightseeing attractions are on the Bodrum peninsula.
15th-century Bodrum Castle: Also called the Castle of St. Peter, this structure was built by the Knights Hospitaller, a Christian military order, using stones from the ruins of the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once stood in Bodrum. The castle’s construction began in 1402 and was completed in 1522. Bodrum Castle’s unique triangular shape is surrounded by massive stone walls and towers. Bodrum castle defended against attacks from both land and sea.
Underwater Archaeology Museum: Inside Bodrum Castle is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Established in 1964, this underwater archaeology museum showcases artefacts and relics recovered from ancient shipwrecks and underwater excavations in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas of Turkey.
The museum displays an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, including amphorae, anchors, coins, and statues, dating from ancient civilisations like the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. One remarkable exhibit is the 1300 BCE Uluburun Shipwreck collection, one of the oldest ever discovered. The museum’s exhibits offer fascinating glimpses into the maritime history of Bodrum and shed light on ancient trade routes and naval activities.
Bodrum Amphitheatre: Bodrum theatre was built during the Hellenistic period, around the 4th century BCE, during the reign of King Mausolus. The theatre accommodated around 13,000 spectators and was primarily used for drama, music, and gladiatorial contests. The theatre is carved into the hillside, offering beautiful views of Bodrum and surrounding landscapes.
Bodrum theatre’s stage area is still visible, and there are also remains of the arched entrances and passageways that once led to the seating area and the stage. The remarkable theatre acoustics allowed actors’ voices to carry throughout the entire seating area.
Kucukbuk: For another day out and to visit somewhere off the mainstream tourism track, Kucukbuk, on the way to Gundogan, is a hidden gem. This is where you find Aegean Turkey’s nostalgic vibes before the Ritz and glitz high life. Some say this bay was where fishermen and sponge divers rested, or farmers brought their cattle here to graze. The people who live there are mainly retired Turks who come for summer. But regardless, what you will find here is good old-fashioned Turkish charm.
Gumusluk and the Ancient City of Myndos: Gumusluk earns fame for many reasons. First, people travel all over the peninsula to experience the seaside restaurants at sunset. Secondly, it was built on top of the ancient city of Myndos. While little remains, the landmark here is Rabbit Island, which features some ruins. Unlike more bustling towns on the Bodrum Peninsula, Gumusluk maintains a relaxed ambience, making the resort ideal for peaceful holidays.
Luxury Property in Golturkbuku
Golturkbuku property primarily consists of high-end villas, apartments, and luxury homes. Due to scenic beauty and desirable locations, property is expensive compared to other areas in Turkey. But the village offers charming traditional and modern architecture, making the resort ideal for holiday home investments and permanent living in Turkey.
The area also has shown steady growth over the years, making properties in Golturkbuku an attractive option for investors in Turkey looking for personal use and potential returns on investment.
Luxury villas in Golturkbuku are sought-after properties, offering residents lavish and exclusive lifestyles in beautiful coastal settings. These spacious villas typically boast modern amenities, stunning views, and proximity to the beach and other attractions. Many luxury villas in Golturkbuku have private swimming pools and landscaped gardens, providing residents with secluded and relaxing environments.
Top-notch materials and finishes are commonly used throughout the villas, including premium marble or wooden flooring, luxury fittings, and stylish interior design. If you are interested in property in Golturkbuku, email us today or see our full portfolio of Bodrum homes here.
More Luxury Places on the Bodrum Peninsula
Stylish Yalikavak: If Golturkbuku on the Bodrum Peninsula isn’t for you, try glitzy Yalikavak. Around 2002, when Turkey made it legal for foreigners to own property, many Brits moved to Yalikavak. Still, the golden goose was when the Mega Yacht Marina opened to much hype and media attention. It transformed the Turkish town to superstardom yachting status. It boosted its reputation as a desirable place to live in Turkey.
Bodrum Main Town: Cosmopolitan Bodrum in Turkey is a thriving destination for holidaymakers and ex-pats looking to move and live abroad permanently. Having long promoted hedonistic lifestyles, it attracts all levels of society, from budget backpackers to world-renowned millionaires. Known for windmills and whitewashed houses dotted over the hillside, the name refers to Bodrum town centre and the peninsula.
