THE BODRUM PENINSULA The Bodrum peninsula is an excellent place for those who prefer a smooth and relaxing atmosphere.  Charming villages on  secluded bays .  The sea is beyond comparison in that area and you will find beautiful beaches adorning azure waters in Bardakci Bay, Gumbet Bay, Bitez Bay, Ortakent Yalisi, Karaincir, Bagla, Guvercinlik, Torba, Golkoy, Turkbuku, Yalikavak, Gumusluk, Kadikalesi, Turgutreis, Aspat, Karaada, Ada Bogazi (Akvaryum), Akyarlar. Yalikavak is an ideal base for exploring the area by boat and several of the Gullets in the harbour offer Aegean trips including lunch, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.They depart daily at 10.30 and return at 6pm. Destinations include thesunken city of Myndos,Gumusluk and Rabbit Island.On Saturdays there's a special trip to the weekly market at Turgetreis.Holiday villages and hotels, discos and bars beside the picturesque bays contribute much to the beautiful picture. Gumbet and Bitez are heavenly places for wind-surfers with the wind and the sea perfect for this sport. Ortakent is the best choice with its sandy beaches for a solitary walk. Akyarlar beach is famous for its powdery sand. In Karaincir you will have lively days on wonderful beaches and a fine relaxing atmosphere at night in the public coffee houses. The northern side of the peninsula is interesting. To enjoy the best of the region, it is better to take a car trip along the coast or a boat trip to explore the coves and little islands. The white windmills, which are still used to grind grain, are fascinating and lie among the orange groves and green olive trees. You will come across a well-equipped marina in the modern village of Torba, 5 kms north of Bodrum where there are fine holiday villages, which offer active holiday facilities. Golkoy (13 kms north) and Turkbuku (15 kms) are enchanting, with taverns overlooking a nice bay. A boat trip to Karaada offers an amazing beauty. The warm mineral waters flowing out of rocks in a grotto in Karaada are known to be good for revitalizing the complexion. To the north of Bodrum at Kiyikislacik (lassos) near Gulluk, is the birth-place of the mythological Dolphin Boy. The Gulf of Gulluk is very much frequented by yachters, and the town harbor has the exciting air of yachtsmanship. There is Varvil, the ancient Bargilya, with its interesting location a little south of Gulluk, at the end of a deep, narrow bay resembling a river. It is a pretty place to visit, surrounded by hillsides covered with olive trees. Heading inland, Milas greets you with its typical Turkish houses with carved timbers and latticed windows. The beauty of handmade Milas carpets will fascinate you and most probably you will buy some to take home. In the western part of Milas is Gumuskesen, which has a monument resembling the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, but with miniature dimensions. Labranda, close to Milas, is a site of the worship of Zeus. Ancient people must have chosen this spot in the high mountains as the closest place to Zeus, the God of the skies. These exhilarating, high peaks are now rediscovered for an escape and offer fascinating scenery. Driving laws in Turkey The law in Turkey states that driving should take place on the right of the road and that right of way always belongs to traffic coming from the right. In reality however you will see this law flouted often when driving in Turkey so you just have to observe and get a feel for what’s acceptable. The speed limit for driving in Turkey is 90 km/h on the highways and 50km/h in towns although once again these limits are often ignored and people driving in Turkey tend to go as fast as they can. Driving permit in Turkey If you intend to rent a car be sure to take your full driving licence from your home country. The car rental agency in Turkey will want to see it and so will the police if you are stopped. Provided you have your full driving licence there shouldn’t be any need to obtain an international driving permit although if you want one you can always apply at your countries automobile club.