Turgurtreis, situated on the western tip of Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula, has a fascinating history, and is named after the eponymous Ottoman Admiral who was raised from humble origins to command the Ottoman navy. Today, Turgutreis is a compact beach resort boasting a quaint town centre, several sandy beaches and an array of attractions in the surrounding region, including ancient ruins and the vibrant town of Bodrum.
The nearest international airport to Turgutreis is Milas-Bodrum, which is around 60km away, and connects to a vast number of cities across Europe.
The weather in Turgutreis ranges from warm to boiling hot. May sees average temperatures of 25C, and things start to heat up in June, with daytime temperatures averaging 29C. July and August temperatures regularly climb above 30C, and the humidity rises to often uncomfortable levels.
Daytime temperatures rarely drop under 14C, with the ‘coldest’ months being December to March. The winter weather is at its wettest during December and January.
Turgutreis’s gorgeous beaches are at the heart of the resort’s activity, with several watersports on offer. The sea here is particularly popular with surfers thanks to the strong prevailing winds in the region, which turns the sea into a wave-rider’s paradise.
For divers, the Aquanaut Diving School is a certified PADI and CMAS scuba dive centre offering a professional service for both experienced and beginner divers.
One downside of the strong currents that visiting families should be aware of is that the beaches in Turgutreis are not entirely child-friendly.
Away from the beach, there are a number of attractions in the resort, including the Castle of Saint Peter, which was built in the 1400s and today houses a fascinating museum dedicated to underwater archaeological discoveries.
Shopping in Turgutreis is of a high standard, with local products on offer from a variety of outlets. The town centre on Saturday hosts an excellent market, which is a great place to pick up items such as hand-knotted carpets, leather, bronze and copper wares, precious metals and stones, and intricate embroidery, as well as colourful fruit and vegetables.
Turgutreis is an excellent jumping off point for boat trips around the Bodrum Peninsula and beyond. Popular trips from Turgutreis include the Greek Islands, and often feature stop-offs at beautiful coves and islands to swim and sunbathe. Another favourite is visits to the ancient ruins at Pamukkale, a four hour drive from the resort.
For those feeling a little adventurous, you could hire a bike and head off to nearby Kadikalesi, a pretty historic town that lies just two miles north of Turgutreis, and home to the ancient Hellenistic Castle and a Roman church.
Regular buses also connect Turgutreis with the region’s main city of Bodrum, which is home to several sights of interest, including King Mausolos’s Mausoleum, one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World.
Nightlife in Turgutreis is fairly sedate, and if you fancy a big night out, Bodrum is where to head. The town is rammed with bars, clubs and restaurants.