Situated on the Aegean Bodrum peninsula, Yalikavak has come a long way since its humble fishing and sponge diving beginnings. The town’s rapid rise to one of Türkiye’s most elite destinations took little more than ten years. This beautiful location is now firmly on the map for superyachts and their guests, with the award-winning Yalikavak Marina now voted one of the best marinas in the world.

Photo Credit: Yalikavak Marina

Why Visit Bodrum and Yalikavak?

The Bodrum peninsula of southwest Türkiye is a must-see for most that cruise the Turkish Riviera. This stunning region, aptly described by the Greek author Homeros as the “Land of the Eternal Blue”, is often compared with St. Tropez due to its multi-million-pound villas, fine restaurants, designer shopping and superyacht-studded waters. For the wealthy, Bodrum and Yalikavak are a playground, with the best bays now claimed by luxury international resorts like Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, Four Seasons, the Edition, and Aman. But head away from the marina and glitz and glamour, and it’s still possible to find secluded coves, historic sites, and quaint fishing villages ideal for swim-stop, low-key excursion, or to soak in some traditional Turkish life.

Bodrum

Bodrum and Yalikavak in the Press

Bodrum and Yalikavak often appear in the press. The Times sang the area’s praises last summer in their article, Bodrum: the chic Med resort drawing a smart summer crowd. It’s also the place Hello! reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “escaped, completely undetected” for a pre-wedding getaway at a luxury villa back in 2017.

The royals are not alone in favouring the delights of Bodrum and Yalikavak. Forbes has also written many articles on the area, including a look at why the super-rich are leaving Spain in favour of Türkiye.

Yalikavak Bay

The charms on offer at Yalikavak Marina are only one of the many reasons chart-toppers, Saudi princes and billionaires regularly stop off on their yachts or invest in luxury property along the Bodrum coast. Yalikavak has developed an enviable following, so the area is certainly a worthy addition to your Türkiye superyacht cruising itinerary if for nothing else, to see what all the hype is about.

Yalikavak, Bodrum

Yalikavak’s Location

Yalikavak in western Türkiye is a one-hour transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport. It can also be reached in three hours from Izmir and Dalaman Airports. Yalikavak is 20 km overland from Bodrum, a 30-minute drive from the town. For easy arrival, helipad landing and private airport transfers and security can be arranged, please CONTACT US for assistance.

Photo Credit: Yalikavak Marina

Award-Winning Yalikavak Marina

Yalikavak Marina was Türkiye’s first high-capacity superyacht marina. It quickly made its mark, winning the World’s Best Superyacht Marina in 2018, 2019 and 2022, the International Marina of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and the facility also boasts 5 Gold Anchors from the British Yacht Harbour Association – it’s fair to say Yalikavak Marina is the place to be seen when cruising in Türkiye!

Photo Credit: Yalikavak Marina

You will find the marina situated on the northwestern side of the Bodrum peninsula, 18 NM from Bodrum’s historic centre. The marina regularly entertains superyachts and has hosted many iconic names, including Madame Gu, Galactica Super Nova, Okto, Voice, Arrow, and Eclipse, to name just a few.

“360° Yachting’s professionalism is second to none… their solutions-based approach to every request is outstanding and unmatched. They are the absolute best in the business!” Captain, M/Y Arrow 2020

Yalikavak Marina can accommodate 620 yachts to a length of 140m LOA and offers a full range of technical and maintenance services. Its “Island Zone” boasts many luxury lifestyle facilities, including two hotels, a premium spa and fitness centre, and over 100 high-end shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Photo Credit: Yalikavak Marina

Shop for items from the likes of Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Missoni, Rolex, and Dolce & Gabbana at Yalikavak Marina’s Shopping Alley. Socialise and excite the tastebuds at Novikov, Nusr-et, Zuma, Birds by Vasilchuk Bros, or Sakhalin by White Rabbit Group. Alternatively, enjoy time at MacKenzie-Childs or Bagatelle Bodrum, the French Restaurant and Beach Club that opened in 2022. For more information on Yalikavak Marina, berth requests, provisions, or spa reservations, please CONTACT US.

Photo Credit: Six Senses Kaplankaya

Bodrum and Yalikavak’s Best Resorts, Restaurants, Spas and Beach Clubs

Bodrum and Yalikavak are home to many incredible restaurants, spas, and resorts where you can enjoy quality time ashore. Look at our posts, Add These Locations To Your Bodrum Superyacht Cruising Itinerary, The Best Luxury Spas in Bodrum, and The Most Romantic Restaurants in Türkiye (Izmir & Bodrum) for inspiration. In the meantime, here are a few highlights in the Bodrum and Yalikavak area that most guests and crew will enjoy:

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

Forbes believed “there’s simply no reason to leave Mandarin Oriental” and rated the resort 5-Star. The resort was also described as “a true luxury cocoon on Türkiye’s glittering Aegean coastline” by The Telegraph. So, as you would expect, it’s a resort catering to the wealthy that lies in a class of its own.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental

With virtually the same number of staff as guests, Mandarin Oriental offers phenomenal views, fabulous bars, and world-class spa, and a choice of fine restaurants, including a steakhouse, sushi terrace, high-end Cantonese restaurant, and cocktails and snacks served at the Lucca beach club, and Lucca by The Sea. If you fancy heading along, you will find the resort in the aptly named Paradise Bay, an idyllic setting near the village of Golturkbuku, 13 miles from Bodrum town.

Photo Credit: Six Senses Kaplankaya

Six Senses Kaplankaya, Bodrum

If rest and relaxation are called for, a visit to Six Senses Kaplankaya is a great option. Rebranded in 2018, it is now a world-renowned spa and wellness resort straddling one of the prettiest bays on the Bodrum peninsular. Like most hotels in the Six Senses brand, serenity and seclusion are assured.

Photo Credit: Six Senses Kaplankaya

Six Senses Kaplankaya is a beautiful resort with one of the best spas in Bodrum. The wellness facilities stretch over 10,000m2, with 3 private beaches, 2 large pools, an indoor pool, Turkish baths, hydrothermal areas, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and yoga, spinning, and Pilates classes. It also has private beaches, many organic dining options, and even activities to entertain the kids.

Photo Credit: Paper Moon

Paper Moon, Bodrum Loft

For an authentic taste of Italy, pay a visit to Paper Moon at Bodrum Loft, a favoured haunt of yacht guests. You may be familiar with the name from their restaurants in Milan, New York, Istanbul, and Doha. The restaurant is so-called after the movie of the same name, and it’s the place to head for all things delicious and Italian. Favourite dishes include seafood pappardelle, linguine, pizza, steak, and crisp seasonal salads, all expertly cooked and presented with attention and flair —book a table in advance.

Photo Credit: Vakko Patisserie

Vakko L’Atelier Patisserie, Yalikavak Marina

Everyone deserves a sweet treat occasionally. If fine chocolate, ice cream, decadent desserts, and macaroons hit the spot, visit the wonderful haute couture patisserie, Vakko Patisserie, at Yalikavak Marina.

Photo Credit: Xuma Beach

Get Out and About – Other Activities to Do in Yalikavak.

Aside from leisurely cruising Bodrum and Yalikavak’s bays and exploring the fine coastal haunts, there are plenty of other on-shore activities and excursions in the area.

Photo Credit: Dibeklihan Culture Centre

Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village

Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village are found between Ortakent and Yalikavak and a few minutes drive into the hills from Yalikavak marina. The complex contains shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and a cafe/restaurant. This is a good option for low-key guests who wish to spend a couple of hours browsing Ottoman antiques, viewing local art and crafts, escaping the heat, and generally pottering around.

Photo credit: Xuma Beach Club

Xuma Beach Club

Set in 24 acres of beachfront and gardens not far from Yalikavak Marina, is Xuma Beach Club. The club is part of the quality lifestyle brand Xuma Village, and its reviews suggest it’s one of the best beach clubs in Europe. Xuma’s vibe is laidback-chic during the day, with the tempo turned up as the night draws in. The restaurant serves a wide variety of food, from burgers and grills to seafood, and the bar tempts you with everything from ice cream smoothies and wellness shakes to a negroni, margarita or Long Island Ice Tea. Beach parties with quality DJs and live music regularly run throughout the summer months. ASK US for details on events you may like to attend.

Gumusluk, Bodrum

A Seafood Dinner in Gumusluk

The quaint village of Gunusluk, not far from Yalikavak, is known for its seafood restaurants. The pretty village is the long-time haunt of Türkiye’s elite and in-the-know foodies eager to chow down on calamari and the catch of the day or simply relax at one of the local waterfront restaurants. Take an evening walk or enjoy a sundowner in good company. Graze over meze, and people-watch in this charming village away from the run-of-the-mill tourist crowds.

Shop at the Yalikavak Weekly Market

Have you ever tried to haggle Turkish style? If not, and you fancy a go, head to Yalikavak’s popular Thursday market. Here, you can find everything from attractive mosaic lamps and souvenirs to ‘genuine-fake” designer wear and baggy village pants. Walk through the canvas-draped stalls, listen to the locals peddle their goods, and pick up an eclectic array of items. For a chef, there’s a wide range of superb fresh produce, vegetables, and seasonal fruit, mostly organic and grown locally. Do head out early to avoid the crowds and source the best quality fresh produce, or let us arrange a guide to take you bargain shopping for a couple of hours.

Gumusluk

Cruising to Yalikavak and need assistance?

If you would like to know more about cruising in Bodrum or Yalikavak, for berthing requests, an Aegean itinerary or provisions, please CONTACT 360 YACHTING.

Note: This post was first published in August 2021 and updated in April 2023.