Short answer: Bodrum is easiest to explore by car: the peninsula's villages are 10–25 minutes apart, and even the furthest bay is about half an hour from the town. Spend one day on the castle and ancient sites, the next on Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak on the west coast, and a third on the northern bays.
Bodrum is about 670 km from Istanbul by car, roughly 7 hours without traffic. For the route and stops, see driving from Istanbul to Muğla.
| From Bodrum town | Approx. distance | Approx. time (no traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Gümbet | 3 km | 6 min |
| Bitez | 6 km | 8 min |
| Torba | 7 km | 9 min |
| Ortakent | 9 km | 10 min |
| Yalıkavak | 18 km | 20 min |
| Göltürkbükü | 18 km | 21 min |
| Turgutreis | 20 km | 17 min |
| Gümüşlük | 23 km | 25 min |
Times are without traffic. In July and August, especially in the evening, traffic on the main road can double them.
The western tip of the peninsula is the favourite spot for sunset, and the three villages are close together: about 11 minutes from Turgutreis to Gümüşlük and about 14 minutes on to Yalıkavak. Gümüşlük is built on the ancient city of Myndos and is known for Rabbit Island, reached on foot through shallow water, and its seafront fish restaurants. Yalıkavak, with its marina and bazaar, is the livelier stop. Starting in Turgutreis in the afternoon and ending the evening in Gümüşlük makes an easy half-day plan by car.
From Yalıkavak it is about 12 minutes to Göltürkbükü. The north coast is known for calmer water and beaches with wooden piers. Coming back to town via Torba completes the loop. On the south coast, Gümbet, Bitez and Ortakent are the beach villages closest to town; Bitez bay is popular with windsurfers.
Otofilorent's pick-up points are in Istanbul: you collect the car at one of our 18 points and return it in Istanbul. On rentals of 3 days or more we deliver the car to your address in Istanbul free of charge. Mention your long-distance plan when booking; the terms of your rental are shown on the booking screen and in your contract. 24/7 roadside assistance is included, and 0850 305 00 45 is open around the clock.
Not strictly, but the villages and bays are spread out, so a car lets you see far more in a few days.
At least 3 days works well: one each for the town, the west coast and the northern bays.
About 23 km by car, roughly 25 minutes without traffic.
No. Otofilorent's pick-up and return points are in Istanbul; one-way rentals between cities are not available. On your way back you can return the car at any of our 18 points in Istanbul; on rentals of 3 days or more we also collect it from your address free of charge.
