Gulluk
Gulluk is not one of the well-known holiday resorts on the nostalgic Bodrum peninsula, but it does deserve more fame due to its ideal location, natural appearance and laid back atmosphere. It has maintained its original roots as a traditional Turkish fishing village and life is centred mainly on the harbour front and the numerous small beaches in the surroundings bays.
Originally known as Kulluk it also served as a trading port for the Greeks during the reign of the magnificent Ottoman Empire. Mass tourism has never reached Gulluk so the result is unspoilt Turkish way of living which is a great introduction to the country for any visitors who come here for the first time.
How to Get There
Gulluk is located just 10km from Bodrum airport and can be reached via the D330 Milas-Bodrum road. Due to the close distance, transfer time from the airport is just 30 minutes. There is also local transport between the centre of Bodrum and Gulluk. The distance is 40 km and takes roughly one and a half hours.
Things to Do
• The ancient ruins of Iassos are an impressive sight and located within a short drive.
• Explore secluded bays on the daily, pleasure boat trips that depart from the harbour.
• Alternatively, Gulluk is well known for being a destination on the Turkish Riviera and is often visited by the large traditional gullet boats that Turkey is so famous for. Take a four day Blue Voyage trip around the coastline and see more amazing coastal resorts on the Bodrum Peninsula.
• Visit the local market held every Thursday to discover holiday souvenir handicrafts, and fresh produce.
• Take the ferry boat from the harbour and visit Bodrum town centre with its impressive castle, unwater museum and cobbled back streets.
• The surrounding countryside and coastline are great for those who enjoy walking holidays.
• Hire a car and head to the surrounding and rustic Turkish resort of rustic Bogazici
• Bafa Lake is a short drive away and is ideal for those who love to explore old villages, ancient hillside ruins and scenic landscapes. The restaurants at Bafa Lake are also well known for their traditional Turkish breakfasts made from home grown produce.
• The Vita Golf Resort is located further along the coastline and is known for being one of the best in the country. Try your hand at a round of golf with friends and family.
Hotels
There is not a wide range of hotels to choose from in Gulluk. Centrally located are your small family run hotels while on the outskirts are the large all-inclusive holiday resorts that provide 5 star luxuries. The resorts will provide on-site entertainment and food should you not want to venture far, otherwise the centre of the village is roughly a 3km to 10km walk.
Weather
Gulluk is great for visiting at all times of the year apart from the months of December to March as this is when most of the yearly rainfall will occur.
If you plan to go exploring, mild temperatures make for better walking conditions in the spring and autumn time otherwise beach lovers will revel in the temperatures in the months of July/August and September.
Eating Out and Nightlife
It should come as no surprise that since Gulluk has maintained its traditional fishing village ambience, the recommended cuisine to eat is daily fresh fish and seafood. The favourite choice is delicious sea bass and bream.
There are a variety of other well-known dishes on the menu such as large pizzas and sumptuous steaks so it should be easy to accommodate people with specific taste. Most of the restaurants will also lay on entertainment after the main eating periods but if you are looking for the large nightclubs that are open till dawn, it is wiser to head to Bodrum town centre.
Property
Due to the close location of Gulluk to the airport of Bodrum, the village is an ideal place in which to buy property. Prices will vary depending on the location of the property to the main beach. Potential property investors should shop around before deciding to make a purchase as there are many choices from old villas that need renovating to modern houses with the latest in style and design.
