Salih Island, one of the lesser-known treasures of Bodrum, has a total size of 5.67 km2. The closest settlement to the island on the mainland is the town of Güvercinlik on the Muğla-Bodrum highway. Exploring this island, where the sea, history and nature meet, by yacht is simply a privilege.
Salih Island is mentioned as Karyanda in historical sources. The geographer Strabo speaks of Karyanda as a port city and island between the coastal cities of Vargylia and Myndos. The city of Karyanda, on the island facing Guvercinlik Bay, in the Gulf of Gulluk, north of Halicarnassus, that is, the Bodrum Peninsula, became the dominant city of the peninsula around 500 BC. At that time, Karyanda was also a member of the Delos Alliance. The Alliance of Delos is known as a political and military alliance of about 150 ancient Greek city-states in the 5th century BC.
It is not known for what reason later on, the Karyandans are said to have moved their city to Golkoy (Golturkbuku). Unfortunately, there is no significant artifact or structure that has survived from the city of Karyanda, neither on Salih Island nor in Golkoy. But there are very pleasant walking paths on the outskirts of the island and it is possible to see various ruins on these roads.
This is a lush island
The highest peak of Salih Island is 138 meters. The hills of the island, 95% of which are covered with trees, are pine forests and its skirts are olive groves. There is a settlement on the island. There is also a large mansion on this island, which provides its own electricity. The mansion and the 32-decare land it is in were sold to Murat Demirel, the nephew of former president Suleyman Demirel, for 7.2 million dollars in the 1990s, then Demirel's assets were transferred to the SDIF, and the SDIF offered the mansion for sale again. Today, various bays of the island are sold piecemeal and are planned to be opened to tourism. It may soon be possible to see large-scale touristic facilities on Salih Island. Therefore, hurry to see Salih Island while it is still untouched.
Natural life of special species
Although Salih Island is a large island, it has managed to keep itself away from civilization until today. In this way, the island is still a sheltered place for special species. For example, the foothills of the island are home to the Papaver Argemone plant, which grows in only three places in the world. In addition to this rare plant, which is a kind of weasel, a snake species called Ottoman Viper (Latin name Vipera Xanthina) lives on the island. It also uses the coastline overlooking the Ikiz Islands as a nesting and breeding ground for Mediterranean Seals (Latin Monachus Monachus).
The island offshore is also very suitable for fishing
An interesting aspect of the island is that there are fish farms in some of its bays. The reason for choosing these farms here is that the sea is suitable for fish habitat. In our introductory article describing the Ikiz Islands, about 1 km to the south of Salih Island, we explained how productive the region is in terms of fishing. Therefore, you can also realize your hobby of fishing during your trip to Salih Island. We are sure that you will experience a good hunt.
Explore Salih Island from yacht
There are many beauties on the shores of Salih Island that will give you unforgettable moments. Chartering a yacht is the best option to see this unique island of Bodrum. In this way, you can swim in the beautiful bays of the island that combines blue and green, each of which is more beautiful than the other, you can do water sports, discover the hidden treasures in the depths of the Aegean with snorkeling, sunbathe freely on the deck of your yacht, dance, taste delicious delicacies and enjoy the moment you live.