Overlooking a beautiful bay west of Bodrum, Gümbet is a lively beach resort on Turkey’s Aegean coast that is particularly popular with British tourists. Once just a small village backed by pine-covered mountains, it’s now packed with souvenir shops, laid-back cafes and bars that stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Things to do in Gümbet
Kick back on the sands of Gümbet Beach, which is dotted with sun loungers and bean bags available for rent. You can get active while jet skiing, parasailing or banana boating, then relax with a drink in one of the upscale beach clubs. Backing the beach is a waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and hookah bars.
The waters surrounding Gümbet are a wonderland for scuba divers, with shallow dive sites that cater to beginners, as well as current-swept drop-offs for more experienced divers. Get up close to colourful parrot fish and barracudas on aptly named “Big Reef” or venture through the 12-metre-long Bubble Cavern. Antique anchors and centuries-old amphorae scatter the sea floor.
A short drive south of Gümbet is Akvaryum Koyu, a small stretch of golden sand whose name translates as “Aquarium Bay”. Its calm waters are framed by rocky outcrops and its lack of facilities makes it ideal for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Bodrum. In the summer months, a floating kiosk parks in the shallows and dishes up local seafood.
Getting around Gümbet
Gümbet is around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Bodrum and 45 minutes from Milas–Bodrum Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses travel to Gümbet and the beachside area is ideally explored on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the surrounding region.