Gumusluk is a small fishing village 22 km from Bodrum by road. During this 20-minute journey, you pass through the charming villages of Bodrum such as Derekoy, Islamhaneleri, Yahsi and Ortakent. However, this road may take longer than you expect because many restaurants, cafes, antique shops, organic markets and interesting souvenir shops await you in these villages.
However, our topic is Gumusluk, we will introduce other towns in the region in another article. Gumusluk is a town to the west of Bodrum, famous for its natural, historical and cultural riches. It is also one of the most beautiful bays of Bodrum. One reason for this beauty is that the area has remained calm, protected from urbanization. The second reason is the existence of Tavsan Island, which rises as a hill in the middle of the bay. This extraordinary geographical feature adds a distinct natural beauty to the bay.
A fishing village with a silvery sea
Except for the holiday season, the permanent population of Gumusluk consists of approximately 4000 people. The number of fishermen is very low at the moment, but it is still a small, quiet, clean and unurbanized town. Numerous cafes, bistros and restaurants on the beachfront offer their visitors the classic views and hospitality of the Aegean.
Since Gumusluk is a sheltered bay, the sea is ideal for swimming. Smooth and immaculate. It shines like silver under the Aegean sun. However, these sparkles are not the source of the name Gumusluk. The reason for this name is the belief that there was a silver mine in this region in ancient times. Silverwork in the region was also advanced in its time, and silver coins found in archaeological excavations support this belief.
Sunken city: Myndos
The silver coins found belong to the ancient city of Myndos. The town of Gumusluk was founded on this city.
Myndos is a city that came under the rule of the Dorians, then the Persians and Carians after the Leleges. The ruins of the city of Myndos remained under the sea as a result of earthquakes. For this reason, Myndos is also called the "Sunken City".
An island full of rabbits: Tavsan Island
We said that the most extraordinary feature of Gumusluk is that it has an island in the middle of the bay, very close to the land (300 meters on foot). Known as Tavsan Island (also known as Asar Island), this island has indeed been inhabited by many rabbits over the years. All rabbits were collected for the excavations carried out in 2009 on the island, which is an archeopark, and left to another island. When the excavations were completed in 2013, the rabbits were released back to the island.
Ancient structures such as churches, temples, tombs and houses were unearthed during excavations on the island, whose history dates back 2,500 years. The island is also the starting point of the legendary King's Road. Rumor has it that King Mausolos built this road to watch the sunset with his lover. You remember King Mausolos from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the 7 wonders of the world.
The most beautiful feature of Tavsan Island is that you can reach the island by walking from Gumusluk. The ancient stone road built by King Mausolos is still evident, and you even walk on it from time to time. The ruins of the ancient harbor can also be seen underwater while walking.
Gumusluk and Tavsan Island are one of Bodrum's hidden paradises. It will be an adventure you will never forget to visit this bay especially by boat, to go ashore in the evening to sip a cold drink, to watch the sunset hand in hand like King Mausolos did by walking with your lover along the royal road, and then to return to the boat by swimming from the island if you wish. To add such a taste to your Gumusluk trip, it is enough to take a look at the boats that yatkiralama.com offers at the most affordable prices.