Vira's Restaurant Bar Otel

Ortakent Yahşi Beaches, Eating Out, Nightlife, Shopping,  Local information

"Ortakent means 'middle town', and that's just where you'll find this small beach resort – in the middle of the south coast of the Bodrum peninsular, making it an excellent base for exploring the area. When you want to stay put, roll out your beach mat on the lengthy, sandy beach."

Meaning 'middle town', the small, inland village of Ortakent lies in the centre of the Bodrum Peninsula and is one of the region's oldest settlements. Crowning the village is the Mustafa Pasa, one of 13 original tower houses in the area. Built during the 17th-cenuty to defend the village, it boasts steadfast metre-thick walls and canon posts. A strip of green, fertile valleys, lush oases and neat market gardens separate Ortakent's beach from the village itself. Here you'll find lush citrus groves and sweet smelling orchards heavy with ripening figs, plump olives and zesty mandarins. 

Beaches

From Ortakent village, head down to the coast and stretch out on the golden sands of Ortakent Yalisi. Fanned by cooling sea breezes, this long, wide beach effectively runs into Yashi Yali, a 2km stretch of sandy shoreline bordered by restaurants and snack bars.

Eating out

Home to a good number of cafes and restaurants, eating out in Ortakent Vira's Restaurant is a real pleasure. Why not sample some of the local cuisine? From plates of tempting kebabs to mouth-watering meatballs called 'kofte', you'll be spoiled for choice.

Nightlife

Most evenings in Ortakent are spent enjoying a good meal out over a bottle of wine. If you fancy a night out on the town, head to neighbouring Gumbet or Bodrum where you'll find some of the most sophisticated nightlife in Turkey.

Shopping

While there are a handful of shops in Ortakent village, for a day of real retail therapy head to Bodrum, further along the coast. Immediately behind the resort's imposing Medieval castle lies the pedestrianised bazaar - a tangle of narrow backstreets alive with market traders selling leather ware, jewellery and much, much more.

Local information

Take a trip out to Bodrum's centrepiece, the Castle of St Peter. Set on a rocky promontory, the fortress was built by the Knights of St John in the 1400's and splits Bodrum harbour in two. Boasting towers, dungeons and courtyards, it makes for a fascinating day out. Head to the old chapel to see the salvaged hull of a 7th-century Byzantine ship, whose remains were found just off Yassiada.