Aspat Bay

In our previous articles, we wrote that Akyarlar is one of the most popular resorts of Bodrum, whose star has shined in recent years, and we introduced this region in detail. As Aspat, on the other hand, is home to one of the most beautiful bays of Akyarlar and an interesting past, we wanted to open a special parenthesis for it.

A bay of enchanting beauty

Aspat Bay, which is between Karaincir Bay in the west and Bagla Bay in the east, stands out with its well-preserved nature. The reason why its nature has remained intact until today is that it is a first-degree protected area. As a quiet cove, Aspat offers beautiful views to its visitors with its trees on the beach and the pointed mountain rising to the east of the cove and provides an unforgettable day. As the bay is closed to the winds, Aspat is one of the favorite places of yacht travelers and blue cruise guests. That's why the sea is smooth and clear, so that while swimming, one feels rested, let alone getting tired.

Due to the spring waters pouring into the sea, the sea is also cool, which is an important reason for coming to Aspat, especially in July - August.

The spring water, known as the Aspat River, has made Aspat a frequent destination for sailors in history. In the past, sailors used to stop by this bay all the time, fill their fresh water tanks from here, and set out like that. In fact, Evliya Celebi wrote this feature of Aspat in his travel book.

Today, Aspat Azmagi has been transformed into a port and hotel by a private company. However, since the coastline is protected, the bay has managed to preserve its beauty. Since there is an entrance fee to the beach, the beach is also quiet.

Where does the name Aspat come from?

Aspat is also an important town in terms of history. Termera, one of the largest cities of the Leleges, which is among the first civilizations of the Bodrum region, is very close to Aspat. Aspat Bay was already the port of this ancient city. Since the Leleges are a very old civilization, not much has remained from Termera until today.

It is said that the name Aspat comes from the Greek word Aspartos. Aspartos means arid, not irrigated. However, as Aspat is a wetland, this theory is somewhat weak. The second theory about the origin of this name is that it comes from the castle on the summit of Aspat Mountain.

Spatia means very sharp in Greek. Aspat Castle was also established at the highest point of the mountain, at the highest point. Unfortunately, not much remains of this castle today. In fact, when the region passed into the hands of the Turkish lords, another castle was built on the ruined castle, and this castle was named Cifit Castle.

The oldest written document in which the name Aspat is mentioned is the book of the famous Turkish sailor Piri Reis. Evliya Celebi also noted Aspat Castle as "a small castle under the dominance of Hinge, on a steep rock, made by a skilled master.

Don't forget to climb Aspat Mountain

The summit of Aspat Mountain is 500 meters high. The course is steep and quite challenging, especially for those with no previous climbing experience. But when you get to the top, you can be sure that the view you will see through the ruins of the castle will add an unforgettable memory to your holiday. You can start the climb from the narrow path on the side of the bay. However, it is also said that it is an easier track by Kalekent, which is the opposite direction. It takes about 2 hours to reach the summit.

Are you ready to follow the route of an immortal love?

We are sure you have heard the song of Cokertme. This heart-wrenching folk song with its story takes place right in Aspat and its surroundings.

“This is not Aspat, my Halil.
Aman Bitez Mansion,
It set fire to my heart,
Stringy bullet wound”

Be sure to visit Aspat to listen to this folk song, which tells a love story in Bodrum in the early 1900s.

You can follow the route of the immortal love experienced by Halil Efe and the dark-eyed Gulsum from Aspat to Bitez with the boat you can rent from yatkiralama.com.