Bitez Holidays

Bitez may almost be a suburb of Bodrum Town these days, but it has a very different feel from its boisterous neighbour. Traditional white-washed houses dotted among the tasteful modern hotels, and wooden rowing boats bobbing in the bay, give away the town’s fishing village past. There’s a laid-back vibe here, with most people visiting to laze on the sandy beach or stroll around the cool citrus groves that unfold around the town.

Bitez beach curves around the bay in a kilometre-long crescent of sand and smooth shingle. It’s more sheltered than some spots on the Aegean, with shallow, paddle-friendly waters and a Blue Flag to its name. There’s no charge for sunloungers or parasols and, if you get here early enough, you might even find a free hammock to kick back in.

Bodrum Town, a 10-minute drive east of Bitez, is one of the most popular beach resorts on the Aegean. But it’s also a must-visit for history lovers. Not only is it the site of one of the Wonders of the Ancient World – the now-destroyed Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – but it’s also home to the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, inside St Peter’s Castle on the waterfront. Here you can see ancient treasures recovered from sunken ships, and 2 reconstructed shipwrecks – one dating from the Bronze Age.