Yalıkavak Marina: Luxury and Lifestyle in Bodrum

Yalıkavak Marina is one of Europe's major yacht harbors, built to take some of the largest private vessels afloat, and the shore side has grown to match. Stone buildings that nod to traditional Turkish architecture house flagship stores from international luxury brands, Turkish jewelry and fashion designers, and galleries showing contemporary Turkish and international art. The restaurants are the other draw: Mezra Yalıkavak holds a star in the MICHELIN Guide Türkiye, and other Yalıkavak restaurants are listed in the guide too. You do not need a yacht to visit. The waterfront walks are open to everyone, and the sunsets over the Aegean cost nothing. Dress reasonably well, book restaurants ahead, and expect premium prices on almost everything. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and summer evenings are when the marina is at its liveliest.

What to expect

• Superyachts and a modern marina village.
• Designer shops and restaurants around the harbour.
• Yalıkavak village: the old village centre and seafront with cafés and fish restaurants.

Tips

• Visit at sunset for a stroll and dinner.
• Prices are high in the marina; the village has simpler options.
• Getting there: dolmuş and taxis from Bodrum, about 30 minutes.

What’s nearby

Continue to Gümüşlük for sunset, or to the beach clubs of Türkbükü.

Photo: CeeGee, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons