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Those seeking a laid-back villa holiday on the Bodrum Peninsula should try a villa in Ortakent, a town filled with citrus groves, lush gardens and boasting a great sandy beach. Translating to ‘middle village’, Ortakent is a town of two halves – the inland town with its business district and the resort-like beach area, where many of our villas are close to.
Things to do in Ortakent
A villa holiday in Ortakent is perfect for families, large groups of friends, couples, you name it, being a casual and laid-back area but also close to the action of Bodrum and Gumbet. Explore at your leisure on foot thanks to the great location of our villas, be it checking out the town and business district or wandering down to Yahsi Beach to sunbathe, swim and dine in its waterfront eateries. Adrenaline-seeking travellers will also love the opportunities for watersports on the beach.
On Wednesdays, there’s a great market in Ortakent selling local produce and wares, and the 17th-century Mustafa Pasha Watch Tower is worth a look. Hire a car to explore further afield, with Bitez, Bodrum and Gumbet all just a short drive away – top sights being the ruins of Halicarnassus, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the city’s colourful bazaar. Families will love the Dedeman Aqua Park which is just one kilometre away from our villas in Ortakent.
Despite its chilled-out atmosphere, there’s lots going on in Ortakent, including great restaurants and bars – so you won’t have to travel far. Yahsi Beach is the star of the town, with its golden sands, warm Aegean waters and lots of facilities like umbrellas and lounge chairs, but there’s also the sands of Camel Beach. Venture further afield to explore vibrant Bodrum city, the bohemian coastal town of Bitez and the ruins of the ancient city of Halicarnassus.
History and culture in Ortakent
The Bodrum Peninsula is steeped in history, being so close to the Greek Islands, and the landscape is dotted with ancient ruins, archaeological sites and abandoned settlements. There are numerous historical sites you can visit from your Ortakent villa, the most famous being in Bodrum city just a 20-minute drive away. In Bodrum, history lovers can soak up the Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights of St John, the nearby ruins of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with its underwater artefacts and treasures from shipwrecks.
Closer to your villa in Ortakent there’s the Dibeklih Culture and Art Village, an art gallery, shopping and dining complex with seasonal exhibitions and cultural events. The windmills of Yalikavak are located just a 30-minute drive from Ortakent – a group of centuries-old stone windmills perched high above the bay.
Family holidays in Ortakent
For a fantastic family day out from your Ortakent family villa, a trip to the Dedeman Aqua Park is a must, which is possible to reach on foot (depending on the heat) or by car. The waterpark has a huge pool, plenty of twisting, hairpin slides and is surrounded by lush greenery – so there are plenty of shaded spots to relax while the kids let rip.
Alternatively, there’s the clean, safe and sandy Yahsi Beach with coveted Blue Flag status, which draws in families thanks to its great facilities, umbrellas, lounge chairs and cafes. For a relaxing family day, try one of our family villas in Ortakent with a private pool, which will give you the freedom to do as little or as much as you want.
Adventurous activities in Ortakent
Ortakent’s location is primed for thrill-seekers, and it’s easy to turn your Ortakent villa holiday into an adventurous one. Both Yahsi Beach and Camel Beach offer some fantastic opportunities for watersports with Yahsi’s Sun Watersports on the beach allowing you to windsurf, wakeboard, waterskiing, doughnutting and jet skiing. On the Blue Flagged beach, you can also take windsurfing and diving lessons.
If you fancy something on land, head to Bodrum to rent a quad bike for an off-road adrenaline-filled tour of the peninsula, or book onto one of the many Jeep safaris on offer. Those who fancy a challenge can hike the trail from Ortakent to Yalikavak through lush vegetation, mountains, citrus orchards and local villages.
Romance in Ortakent
Sitting on the sparkling Aegean coast, Ortakent is a very romantic destination, with sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and lots of charming waterfront restaurants and bars. A great way to spend a couples’ villa holiday is by visiting the nearby Dibeklih Culture and Art Village – a charming dining and shopping complex with stone buildings, lots of seasonal art and culture events and a romantic courtyard restaurant. Couples can also take a cooking class together with Ortakent’s Erenler Sofrasi Day Cooking Classes, where they will be guided through a local market before learning the art of traditional Turkish dishes. Just think of the meals you'll have back at home!
Why book your villa holiday with us?
EXPERTISE
Having worked within the villa industry collectively for over 50 years, there isn’t a Mediterranean holiday location we haven’t visited. From couples retreats to large, family properties - our carefully curated collections offer something for everyone. Villa holidays are our passion - let us help you find your perfect destination.
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