GUNDOGAN

18 km from Bodrum and a few minutes drive east of Yalikavak, past magnificent roadside rock formations and towering mountain peaks covered in pine forests, brings you to the secluded village of Gundogan (pronounced “Gundowan”). The old Greek name 'Farilya' means 'Sunrise' and is still visible on some signposts.

Historically Gundogan has always been important for fishing, sponge diving, olive and tangerine growing.  At one time most of the inhabitants lived by the seashore supporting the main local industries of fishing and sponge diving, but fear of British gun boats during the First World War caused the villagers to move inland, leaving the waterfront spacious and uncrowded. Once an important fishing centre, Gundogan's major economies are now agriculture (primarily citrus fruit) and tourism.

The Google Earth map below shows Gundogan and its neighburing Kucukbuk.



In recent years, holiday developments have popped up over the surrounding hills and it is now home to visitors from various European countries as well as its Turkish residents. Gundogan is developing fast and is very popular with wealthy Turks from Istanbul and Ankara who have summer homes in the village. The beach is clean, the water crystal clear and is surrounded by some lovely restaurants and cafes offering good quality local and international food

Four years ago a five star hotel was  opened on the bay and Gundogan’s further developments mean that Gundogan now boasts some of the best boutique hotels on the Bodrum Peninsula. These include Mandal Hotel which is owned by Mustafa Sandal (who is Turkey’s George Michael)!

Daily boats/gulets for hire are available from the small harbour.

Restaurants
Gundogan’s hotels and restaurants are dotted along the horse shoe shaped beach and offer a variety of cuisine.  In the summer months, when these restaurants can often be full, chairs and tables spill out from the pedestrian walkway onto the beach.  You actually dine just a few feet from the water.  It is common to see families and couples strolling along the beach path deciding which restaurant to chose.  A certainty is the warm welcome you will be given by the restaurant staff as they proudly offer and serve the fresh catches of Gundogan's remaining fishermen.

Our absolute favourite restaurant is Terzi Mustafa. Terzi means “Tailor” in Turkish and during the summer this restaurant is crowded with locals, Turkish visitors and foreign holidaymakers. It is located right on the beach close to the Istanbul Palace Hotel.  There is no menu but everyone is so friendly and welcoming. In our opinion it serves the best “Meze” (Turkish starters) at amazing good value prices. All the meze are made at home by the family and they taste superb.  For the main course, you can choose from fish, meatballs or chicken all cooked in local style and as we say, great value for money.  One not to miss.

Beaches
A seaside pedestrian road and path runs pretty much from one side of the bay to the other. On one side there is the beach which is mostly sand and various jetties. On the other side are a huge selection of restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfast and small shops. The beach in Gundogan is gently sloping and ideal for children. There are also some excellent coves and areas of the bay which are great for snorkelling.

For the adventurous there is a water sports company on the bay where you can hire equipment to jet-ski, water-ski, wind-sail and Hobie-cat sail at very reasonable prices.
Even in the height of summer the beaches remain busy but not overcrowded. You can choose your own secluded and private spot on the beach or one of the small coves or there are a number of private beaches. Private beaches or beach clubs we would recommend are:

Olira Boutique Hotel – a fantastic service and very well kept jetty and small beach attached to the hotel. The beach is safe for kids and families. A little pricey but if you want a touch of luxury at the beach well worth the day out. In August it is so popular that you may not get a space as all the loungers are reserved for the guests.

Mandal Boutique Hotel – a touch of luxury in one of the most exclusive boutique hotels on the Peninsula.
Alara Beach Club – has a good restaurant and beach jetty with sun loungers etc.  During July and August their stage is home to bands playing live music or a salsa dancing show.

Getting around
The center of the town has it’s own bus station and Gundogan has connections to Yalikavak, Torba, Bodrum, Turgutries by mini bus “Dolmus”. There are also numerous taxi ranks.

Historical Sites
Gundogan also offers some interesting historical sites. Across the bay is Kucuk Tavsan (Little Rabbit) Island, where an old Greek Church is clearly visible atop the hill. A steep climb up the ridge just outside the upper village leads to a flight of 50 steps cut into the rock and the entrance to a small, but spectacularly sited monastery. In addition, on the far side of the main Yalikavak-Torba road, across from the upper village, an old Ottoman tower pokes its head from the lush pine forest.