The Bodrum Peninsula

Both Villa Callisto and Villa Jasmine are located just a five minute walk from the beach in the beautiful bay of Küçükbük (meaning literally "little bay" and pronounced "koo-chook-book" except the "oo" sound should be short like a "u"). Despite new villas having been recently built in the area, sites are still separated sparsely enough to show plenty of natural greenery. The beach is sandy and has several restaurants which, in the evening allow you to dine on the beach or on the wooden jetties which protrude into the sea.

Küçükbük is on the outskirts of the larger bay and village of Gündogan (pronounced "Goon-dhwan"). Gündogan is a 20 walk or 5 min drive and offers a greater selection of restaurants and shops, within a larger bay. Despite this, the village is largely unspoilt and has a rural feel with locals herding their cows through the streets and selling their home grown produce. Seafood is a speciality on the waterside restaurants and you will often see local fishermen selling their catches of the day directly to the restaurants. Gündogan also caters for many watersports such as sailing and windsurfing, and boat trips operate from here visiting local islands and bays further along the coast. (You can arrange to have them pick you up at Küçükbük if you ask.)

Yalikavak is a 15 minute drive away and offers a good shopping street, a marina, beach, bars and restaurants. On the road between Gündogan and Yalikavak are two major supermarkets, Gima and Migros, where you can stock up on provisions. At Ortakent (half-way between Yalikavak and Bodrum) is a large water park. It is opposite the KIPA hypermarket which is part of the Tesco chain and sells many well known Tesco products as well as local and international brands. Gumbet and Bodrum are only 30 minutes away for those want the busy night life and bustling resorts.

Also look out for the markets, typically the Turgutreis one on Saturdays. Yalikavak is usually on Thurdays and Gündogan on Wednesdays. There are no fixed prices so don't forget to haggle.

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