Gulluk - Natural beauty and charm

The Gulf of Gulluk, and harbour of the same name, lie north of the Bodrum peninsula on the Aegean. The mythological Dolphin Boy is said to have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik (Iassos) South of Gulluk,Varvil ancient Bargilya, sits at the end of a deep narrow inlet surrounded by olive covered hillsides. ‘Gulluk, in Turkish, means “place of roses” and that probably gives more than a good first impression and introduction to this beautiful location on the Aegean Sea. Local Turkish people have long relished this charming little resort on the Aegean coast for its lovely quaint harbour and delightful beaches.

It’s also a working fishing village so each evening you can buy your fish fresh from the boats, stopping after for a drink at one of the bars in the harbour before strolling home. Add all this charm to beautiful surroundings, low cost of living, year round warm climate and friendly local people and it’s easy to see why more and more people are being drawn to settle here from across Europe. Gulluk is set in a protected bay on the Aegean coast and enjoys glorious, romantic sunsets. Surrounded by forests, olive, almond and orange plantations, the Bay of Gulluk is full of small-unspoilt bays, coves and beaches. The natural rugged terrain and wetlands of the Gulluk and Tuzla Lake region make it particularly attractive to migrating wildfowl as well as to many indigenous species of animals such as wild-bore, turtles, tortoises etc.

Many ask why Gulluk has only become known in very recent times. Gulluk is enjoying a renaissance brought about by the relocation of the port area in the centre of the town. The old port has moved to a new site several kilometres away and this has cleared the way for tourism to flourish in the town and surrounding area. The plans for Gulluk are very exciting and tourism experts have already referred to it as the future “Portofino of Turkey”. High praise indeed and thus the perfect holiday location for those seeking quiet and peaceful surroundings.

Gulluk enjoys the enviable position of being in a quiet and peaceful location but it is by no means remote. Of its many plus points, one is Gulluk’s location and accessibility. The international airport at Bodrum Milas is a mere 15 minutes drive away, with the vibrant town of Bodrum just 30 minutes to the south.

Reasons to choose Gulluk

• Reason One: The life is so peaceful here; you won’t miss the stresses you’ve left behind.
• Reason Two: The wonderful climate means you won’t get those winter blues.
• Reason Three: It’s in a great location, not far from bustling Bodrum on the beautiful Aegean Sea and close to sites like ancient Lasos, best reached by boat from Gulluk
• Reason Four: The pretty bay has a lovely sandy beach and the clearest of clear water, the perfect place to cool down on a hot day
• Reason Five: Masa has the expertise and local knowledge built up over 25 years, to help you find just the right property to suit your lifestyle and your budget.

Bargains galore
With such a low cost of living, there’s nothing to stop you buying some treats at the Thursday market in Gulluk or in the designer shops or bazaars in nearby Bodrum. And afterwards enjoy a meal at one of Gulluk’s fish restaurants or dance the night long at a nightclub in Bodrum.

Things to do, in and around Gulluk:

• Take the helm or hire a skipper to sail around the many bays along this stretch of coast and take your fishing gear to see what you might catch
• Take a picnic and binoculars for spotting the varied birdlife at Tuzla Lake or along the River Degirmenderesi
• Learn to sail, windsurf or scuba dive in Gulluk’s pretty bay
• Go to Torba and stop for dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the pretty little harbour there
• Spend an hour surfing the net at the internet café, next to the dolphin statue in Gulluk

The renaissance of Gulluk is already under way and even with all the exciting plans for the town, you can be assured that Gulluk will always retain its special charm and above all, its quiet and peaceful character.

• The recently opened Migros supermarket (equivalent to Tesco in the UK) is located just 10 minutes walk from the apartments (or a 2 minute drive).
• Excursions and trips can be booked at one of the booking offices in Gulluk centre.  You will also find a number of Banks, Shops and Internet Cafes located here
• The town of Güllük is surrounded by hills covered with olive, fig and citrus trees overlooking Güllük Bay and is ideal for enjoying romantic evening walks whilst watching the sun set over the bay.

Quick Fact: Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World stood on Turkey’s Aegean coast: The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, and The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Bodrum.

Quick Tip: When you order Turkish coffee, let the waiter know how much sugar you want in it: sade (no sugar), az sekerli (little sugar), orta (medium sugar) or sekerli (lot of sugar) and remember, never drink the dregs. 

Inland from Gulluk is Milas, ancient Mylasa, known for its beautiful carpets, a century old tradition which continues today. The weavers rarely mind a visitor watching them at work. Plenty of old Turkish houses with carved timbers and latticed windows provide examples of the vernacular architectural style. Gumuskesen, a monumental tomb, thought to be a small copy of the famous Halicarnassus Mausoleum, stands in the west of the city.

The ancients built Labranda, a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, high in the mountains. Today tourists have rediscovered this mountain retreat and escape to its exhilarating air and breathtaking scenery.