Located in the southwest of Bodrum, this town has been one of the most popular corners of Bodrum in recent years. Akyarlar, with its friendly people, cute streets, beautiful coves and historical ruins, a must see.
The ancient name of Akyarlar is Arhialla. Arhialla means white, radiant. It can be said that its current name also carries the meaning of its old name.
Akyarlar, a fishing village located approximately 20 km from the town center, today hosts magnificent beaches, stylish restaurants, and tourists who love to explore and enjoy life. Moreover, fishing is still done in the town. The region, where the Greeks lived predominantly, still bears traces of the Greek culture and civilization.
The most obvious traces of this civilization are the Greek houses, which immediately reveal themselves with their architecture. You can come across these cute houses in many streets of the town. We are sure you will take lots of selfies to share on social media in front of these houses.
The history of Akyarlar is based on the Leleges
If you are interested in history and wondering who lived in the region first, let's say: Leleges. There is very little information about the Leleges, also known as the lost civilization of the Aegean. Because their civilization dates back to ancient times. After the Leleges, the Carian civilization begins in the region.
The most important legacy of the Leleges that has survived to the present day is their building techniques. Traces of the buildings they built without using lime and mortar can still be found in many parts of the Bodrum peninsula.
According to the historian Herodotus, the Leleges discovered 3 things, and these discoveries were passed on to the Greeks:
1-The crest placed on the warhead
2- Engraving marks on the shield
3-Making a handle to hold the shield.
Until that time, the shield was not held by the handle, it was taken over the left shoulder with a strap that was passed around the neck and used that way.
Lelegs founded 8 cities on the peninsula, one of these cities is Termera, which is next to Akyarlar. The ruins of the city are on Asarlik Hill, 1 km above the Mandira Village. The city of Termera is like other Lelegian cities and its ruins are almost nonexistent. The citadel at the top was completely destroyed, while some of the lower walls are still standing. Therefore, it is more pleasant to visit the ruins from the sea. The people of the city, on the other hand, had to leave their place of residence under the pressure of King Mausolos, who had one of the 7 wonders of the world built.
Mausolos forced the people of Termera to come to Halicarnassus in order to unite the cities in Bodrum and establish the huge city of his dreams. Thus, the people of Leleg disappeared over time, like the city of Termera, where they lived.
After the Leleges, the Carians, Megarians, Romans, Byzantines, Rhodes knights and finally the Ottomans established dominance in the region.
Besides Termera Ancient City, Cifit Island and Aspat Castle should definitely be seen. You can find a detailed article on the subject in our article on Aspat Bay.
Kos Island is right in front of you
Akyarlar is located across Kos Island. Even watching the opposite shores and natural beauties from the seaside is a joy in itself.
Surfers here
Akyarlar is also the most important surf center of Bodrum. This is because the region is open to Aegean breezes. It has many facilities and schools for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Both amateurs who want to take trial lessons and professionals who want to enjoy the wind can spend pleasant days in Akyarlar.
Small Aquarium Cove
It is one of the coves where the sea is clearest. Even 20 meters below the sea can be seen clearly.
Spending time in the afternoon in this bay, especially watching the sun set over Kos Island, is magnificent.
Karaincir Bay, which we have examined in detail in our previous articles, is one of the must-see bays in Akyarlar. Kargi Island, another paradise in Akyarlar, is ideal for underwater sports.
In summary, you can easily reach Akyarlar from the center of Bodrum, swim in the bays that are almost within walking distance, rent a yacht from yatkiralama.com at the most affordable prices and explore Akyarlar as well as other paradise bays in the vicinity.