Yalikavak guide | Yalikavak attractions and things to do
Located on the north west coast of Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula, where the Aegean sea meets the Mediterranean, Yalikavak is an attractive seaside town, 17km from the larger, bustling resort of Bodrum. This region is known as the Turkish Riviera, owing to its clear sparkling seas, picture-perfect sunsets, and family-friendly beaches.
Historically the town was an important fishing centre and many of its natives once worked as sponge divers. Today, Yalikavak is popular with families and couples looking for a relaxed beach holiday, and is also popular with yacht owners thanks to the resort’s vast marina which sits alongside a picturesque harbour.
The nearest international airport to Yalikavak is Bodrum Airport, which is about 50km away, and connects to several major cities across Europe.
The airport is 36km northeast of Bodrum’s town centre. Buses and minibuses run frequently along the highway alongside the airport, but you'll have to walk a couple of kilometres to get there. Once in Bodrum town centre, you can take a public bus, or jump in a taxi, for the remainder of your journey to Yalikavak.
Because of the inconvenient walk to the highway from the airport, it may be a temptation to book a private transfer in advance to give you a hassle-free transfer to Yalikavak.
With very little humidity and no rainfall for six months, Yalikavak enjoys an ideal climate for holidaymakers. May to October is the hot season with temperatures climbing above 25C and peaking at around 34C in August. Sea temperatures are also high, and hover between 18C and 25C during the summer months.
There is no “bad” season for taking a holiday in Yalikavak. Spring and autumn will still provide temperatures hitting the 20C mark, with around nine hours of sunshine per day. Snow is unheard of in Yalikavak and winter temperatures remain warm at 15C, with plenty of sunshine.
Yalikavak boasts several small beaches with warm, crystal clear waters. The beaches are particularly scenic here, and are popular during the evenings owing to the spectacular sunsets.
Sightseeing opportunities around Yalikavak include several buildings of interest in nearby Bodrum, including the ancient Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archaeology Museum.
Back in Yalikavak, diving is a an extremely popular pastime with a few dive schools located in the resort, as well as companies offering daily excursions for certified divers. For water-lovers who prefer to stay above the surface, boat trips are one of the best ways to view this section of the Turkish coast, with the secluded grottos of Black Island a favourite with visitors.
Shopping opportunities in Yalikavak include the weekly market, which sells everything from fresh seafood to clothing and hand made goods. Alternatively, head to Bodrum for more extensive shopping, including colourful bazaars and markets.
Eating out in Yalikavak gives visitors plenty of choice, with some of the best restaurants in the resort being found in the area around the harbour. Here you can dine on the freshest seafood and fish dishes as well as traditional Turkish cousine.
Nightlife in Yalikavak is pretty sedate, so for a night on the tiles your best bet is to head for Bodrum, or one of the neighbouring resorts of Gumbet or Bitez, which all offer more choice for nocturnal fun.
