Outside the bustling metropolitan city of Bodrum there are a whole host of small villages, secluded bays and hidden gems to discover.

Things to do and see within walking distance of the villa are covered on the Gundogan page but if you are feeling more adventurous it is easy to hire a car for a day or a week and explore further afield or even to visit the main towns by the regular dolmus service.

Only a short car ride or dolmus journey from the Olive Villa, lies Yalicavak. A traditional fishing village, Yalicavak has the fabulous seafood restaurants you would expect along the front and a wide promenade leading out of the main town along the sandy beach. Along the front traditional windmills have been preserved and these nestle alongside it's huge modern marina.

The marina in Yalicavak is a beautiful construction designed to house Turkey's growing yacht and gulet tourism. The marina includes landscaped gardens, an exclusive shopping area and an open air ampitheatre which holds live shows and concerts in the summer months. Yalicavak is a bustling village that has maintained its Turkish roots as it has embraced modern development. With it's unspoilt beaches and countryside and it's increased accessibility, expect Yalicavak to become an ever more popular holiday destination in years to come.

On the other side of Kucukbuk, again only a short car or dolmus ride lies Turkbuku. Another fabulous town build around the sea. Turkbuku has many shops, restaurants and cafes jutting out over the sea and nestled in the dramatic hills, it makes a fantastic (if a little demanding) walk from the Olive Villa.

Moving further afield, is the beautiful bay of Gumusluk about half an hour from the Olive Villa. This pretty fishing village is reportedly where Brutus hid from Caesar many years ago. In the centre of the bay, lies Rabbit Island, a small isle with a great view out across the sea to Greece. Bring a snorkel and swim off the island to view the ruined villa and mosiacs just below the surface. As this is still an active fishing village the seafood is fantastic. The bati restaurant is a personal favourite - a perfect place to while away the afternoon playing backgammon and drinking tea under the fig tree. If your nice to Gurtan, he may even grant you a wish on his wishing tree.

45 minutes from the Kucukbuk by car is Bitez beach, a popular seaside resort with a golden sandy beach and abundance of watersports and fantastic windsurfing - see windsurfing&activities for more information. There are a whole raft of restaurants and cafes along the seafront with a few real gems tucked away off the main walk way. Behind Bitez beach lies its fabulous mandarin and olive groves which are worth exploring either by foot or by bike. You can follow the shaded tracks and river bed up past abandoned wells and churches to the old town of Bitez with it's local shops, mosque and market.

The next bay along, Ortakent is a great open bay with a very short mainly Turkish tourist season. Less crowded in the peak season than Bitez or Bodrum, the wide promenade of Ortakent Yashi makes a pleasant morning or evening stroll. In the top corner of Ortakent bay sits Camel beach accessible by car or by Boat. This is a very pretty beach with yes you guessed it - Camels. Camel rides are only about 5 minutes long but this is a great beach for kids with golden sand, shallow swimming areas and the joys of jetskis, ringos and banana rides!

For more information about other activities to do on the pennisula including horseriding, waterparks, windsurfing, kitesurfing, Boat trips and ancient historical sites see our Activities page...