Quick Facts About Akyarlar
| Location | The southwestern tip of the peninsula; south of Turgutreis, the closest point to Kos |
| Distance from Bodrum center | ~20 km (approx. 25-30 min via winding main road, approx. 45 min via coastal road) |
| Distance to Milas-Bodrum Airport | ~55 km (approx. 1 hour) |
| Distance to Kos Island | ~5 km (over sea, shortest distance) |
| Who is it ideal for? | Tranquility, an authentic town, diving, windsurfing, and sunset lovers; families (Karaincir) |
| Highlights | Karaincir, Aspat Bay, sunset, clear sea and diving, Tarık Akan's stone house, windsurfing |
| Best season | May - October |
| Accommodation | Akyarlar Hotels |
What kind of place is Akyarlar? Who is it suitable for?
What sets Akyarlar apart from many of Bodrum's towns is that it has “withstood time.” If you don't include Karaincir, it's actually quite a small place: it has a charming square, a tiny mosque at the entrance, local grocery and greengrocer stores instead of large supermarkets, and a small town market. The strawberries sold here in June are so fragrant that they easily become part of your memories of the town. In other words, Akyarlar offers genuine, calm, and natural town life, not luxury storefronts and ostentation.
Since the town is small, for everyday major needs (large supermarket, auto repair shop, etc.), it's 10 km to the west, at a larger Turgutreis‘It's where people go. But those who come to Akyarlar are already looking for the opposite of crowds and speed: to enjoy the sea, the quiet, and the sunset.
Who is it suitable for? It's perfect for those who love tranquility, nature, a clear sea, diving, and windsurfing, as well as for couples seeking a romantic sunset. Thanks to Karaincir's shallow and wide sandy beach, it's also suitable for families with children. For those looking for a lively nightlife and glamorous venues, Akyarlar is too quiet – Gümüşlük or the town center would be a better choice for them.
Where and How to Go?
Akyarlar is located on the southwestern tip of the peninsula, south of Turgutreis. Its distance from Bodrum center is approximately 20 km‘It takes approximately 25-30 minutes if you take the winding main road, and about 45 minutes if you take the scenic coastal road via Ortakent–Yahşi–Bitez (this road is a pleasure in itself for its views). Minibuses depart from the bus terminal. To Milas-Bodrum Airport The distance is approximately 55 km. For large markets and shopping, it is 10 km away. Turgutreis is the closest center.
Closest Point to Kos and Sunset
Akyarlar's most striking geographical feature is, The closest point in Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos (Istankoy) is; between the two shores only about 5 kilometers is found. The silhouette of Kos stretching across the water transforms into a magical landscape, especially in the late afternoon: Akyarlar's [beauty/charm] as the sun sets right next to the island. sunset It's one of the most beautiful peninsulas. Worth sitting and watching for hours.
If uninterrupted mountains and sea views are your priority, “Lighthouse”Villas in elevated positions and on slopes are ideal; thanks to their strategic locations, almost all of them offer panoramic sea views. White cliffs in the evening light, the calm sea, and Kos in the distance... This is the picture that most stays in the minds of those who see Akyarlar.
Sea, Beaches, and Coves: Karaincir and Aspat
Akyarlar's greatest asset is its sea; in fact, its daily boat tours It is a body of water that is frequently visited. Since the beach in the town center is not wide, it doesn't get overcrowded with thousands of people even in the summer; this makes it an advantage for those seeking tranquility.
Karaincir
In the summer, the crowd is usually within about 2 km Karaincir‘It turns towards. Karaincir, with its approximately 2-kilometer-long, wide, golden sandy beach, is a favorite of families with children due to its shallow and calm sea; it comfortably hosts thousands of people thanks to its capacity. The sunset view here is also magnificent. Businesses on the beach offer sun loungers in exchange for a certain amount of spending.
Aspat Bay
at the foot of Aspat Mountain, one of the highest points in the region Aspat Bay, 1. It has preserved its natural beauty as it's a Grade 1 protected area. There are very few establishments in the bay, offering a calm and quiet seaside experience. With its clear (and cool spring) waters, it's the address for those seeking peace. The ancient ruins atop Aspat Mountain Strobilos (Aspat) Castle its ruins can be seen with a short climb, and the view from the summit stretching to the Aegean Sea and Kos is unparalleled. To compare all the beaches To our guide to Bodrum beaches Look.
Windsurfing and Diving
Akyarlar, because it is on the western edge and receives a lot of wind windsurfing is one of the most favorable points on the peninsula for windsurfing and sailing; there are schools and rental equipment available around Akyarlar and Aspat. Another gift from the sea is DivingIt is one of the bays where underwater visibility sometimes reaches 20 meters and marine life is most diverse. It is possible to explore even with a snorkel in the clear waters. In short, Akyarlar is a rich resort for those who want to “enter” the sea as much as “watch” it.
Tarık Akan's Stone House
Akyarlar also has a cultural secret: the legendary star of Turkish cinema Tarik Akan, He spent 23 years of his life here. You can see from afar Stone house with blue shutters, it was the master's old house; after his passing in 2016, a street in the town was also named after him. Akan's memory still lives on in Akyarlar, and just as he loved it, the sunset over the house and town remains exquisite. Visiting this simple stone house and Tarık Akan Street while exploring the town is a wonderful way to understand Akyarlar's ’old Bodrum“ spirit.
Food and Drink
In Akyarlar, gastronomy isn't flashy; it's authentic and fresh. You can always find fresh seafood and fruit in the town; the seasonal produce at the town market (especially the June strawberries) is reason enough. For meze and fish Brothers Fish It's a local favorite restaurant; its mezes are especially loved. To cool off, the famous Bitez Ice Cream‘Don't forget to taste them. Most of the places are similar, simple cafes and small restaurants; but a simple fish-meze by the sea, eaten against the sunset, is the best feast in Akyarlar.
📍 See on map: Brothers Fish · Bitez Ice Cream
Akyarlar: Places to Visit and a Sample Itinerary
Akyarlar's attractions are mostly centered around the sea, nature, and sunsets; a typical day goes like this: In the morning Karaincir‘Start by swimming in its shallow and still waters; it's an ideal, calm beginning for families with children. Around noon Aspat Bay‘swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkel and explore, and if you have the energy, hike to the top Aspat Castle Take a short climb to the ruins. Conditions improve for surfers when the afternoon wind picks up.
Late afternoon, definitely sunset Thick: From Akyarlar center or the streets where Tarık Akan's stone house is, watch the sun set into the sea next to Kos. Afterwards, at a seaside table, at Kardeşler Balık or a simple establishment, end the day with fish and meze. One Sunday Akyarlar is great for a relaxing time; those who want a livelier Saturday night can head to the neighboring Gümüşlük‘or Bodrum center can be directed. For those who want to see the surrounding bays from the sea, departing from Turgutreis boat tours reaches Akyarlar waters.
Where to Stay in Akyarlar?
Akyarlar and Karaincir offer a few strong luxury resorts alongside beachfront hotels right on shallow, clear bays; they provide a calm, family-friendly seaside holiday. To compare all options, To our Bodrum hotels guide You can take a look.
🏨 All Akyarlar Hotels: Akyarlar Hotels Page →
Akyarlar Hotels: Featured Addresses (by Category)
Compare Akyarlar hotel prices (Skyscanner)
Luxury / Resort
| Hotel | Price | Point | Featured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Collection Hotel, Bodrum | $$$$ | Booking 8.9 (714 reviews) · Google 4.9 (2,952 reviews) | 400m to Aspat beach, zero meters to the sea — 5 stars, outdoor pool, fitness, garden. High potential in two locations + very… |
| Selectum Collection Bodrum | $$$$ | Booking 8.8 (459 reviews) | 4.3 km to the center, zero distance to the sea — 5 stars, outdoor pool, fitness, garden. Many reviews. (Note: “Selectum" in Gümbet... |
| Xanadu Island | $$$$ | Booking 8.8 (292 reviews) | 6 km, beachfront — 5-star, garden, private beach. Sustainability certified, sea view. |
| Kefaluka Resort | $$$$ | Booking 8.8 (125 reviews) · Google 4.4 (4,088 reviews) | 5.5 km, sea front — 5-star all-inclusive, Akyarlar beach, aquapark, spa, organized private beach. For families,… |
Beach / Boutique
| Hotel | Price | Point | Featured |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIV Hotel by Bellazure | £££ | Booking 9.3 (49 reviews) · Location score 9.5 | 5 km, beachfront — Outdoor pool, private beach, restaurant, sauna. Top-rated Akyarlar boutique. |
| Bellazure Hotel | £££ | Booking 9.6 (9 reviews) | 5.2 km, 120m to the beach — Air-conditioned rooms with balconies, private beach in Akyarlar's quiet bay. Few reviews but very high... |
| Club Marmara Hotel | £££ | Booking 7.9 (30 reviews) · Google 4.3 (1,259 reviews) | Karaincir beach, by the sea — Outdoor pool, garden, private beach. Family-friendly, with many reviews on Google. |
| La Brezza Suite & Hotel | £££ | Booking 7.7 (19 reviews) · Google 4.5 (391 reviews) | 500 m to Karaincir beach — Garden, restaurant, bar. Quiet and stylish, highly rated on Google. |
| Mare Garden Hotel | $ | Booking 8.4 (19 reviews) | 200 m to Karaincir Beach, right on the sea — Outdoor pool, garden, private beach. Convenient and very close to the beach. |
| CHARM BEACH HOTEL | $ | Booking 7.2 (25 reviews) | 500m to Karaincir beach, beachfront — Outdoor pool, fitness, garden. Mid-range family. |
Other options: (Google, Aspat/Karaincir): ASPAT Hotel Bodrum Beach (Google 4.4/228), Akçabük Tatil Köyü (Google 4.2/1,240).
We have a separate guide for Akyarlar's best-known beach: Karaincir Beach — where is it, how to get there, is it paid?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Akyarlar, and how far is it from Bodrum center?
It is located at the southwestern tip of the peninsula, south of Turgutreis; its distance from the center is approximately 20 km (about 25-30 minutes via the winding main road, about 45 minutes via the scenic coastal road).
How close is Akyarlar to Kos?
Akyarlar is the closest point in Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos; there's about 5 km across the sea between the two coasts. This proximity also makes the sunset views unique.
Is it suitable for families with young children?
Yes. Karaincir is very suitable for families with children thanks to its approximately 2 km long wide golden sandy beach and shallow, calm sea; also, the sunset view is magnificent.
Aspat Cove is a place where you can see the sea, the sand, and the sky. It is a place where the wind blows gently and the waves caress the shore. It is a place where you can relax and unwind, and forget about your worries.
Aspat, a first-degree protected area, stands out with its limited development, clear and cool sea, suitability for windsurfing, and the ancient Aspat (Strobilos) Castle on its hilltop. It is the address for those seeking tranquility.
Is Tarık Akan's house in Akyarlar?
Yes. Turkish cinema's master name, Tarık Akan, spent 23 years of his life in Akyarlar; his stone house with blue shutters can be seen from afar, and there is a street named after him in the town.
Can you windsurf and dive in Akyarlar?
Yes, it is very suitable for windsurfing because the town receives a lot of wind, and there are schools. Also, its clear waters (with visibility up to 20 meters in places) are ideal for diving.
Related Guides
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- For transportation to Akyarlar: How to get to Bodrum guide
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