Turkey- Yalikavak - Part one
My boyfriend and I have just recently taken a trip to Yalikavak, Turkey and what an absolutely lovely place it is. I was reluctant to write this post as I don't want to attract too many tourists to this spot as it would spoil it if the tourist crowd ever got to discover it but I just couldn't resist telling everyone what a wonderful place it is.
Only 18km from Bodrum, this town has such a relaxing vibe to it, almost a Greek feel to it which isn't surprising as KOs is only a 25 minute boat ride away. Consisting of four main streets, windmills, a beach front, a marina and a harbour this was the perfect location for a week of relaxation.
After flying into Bodrum, it took us an hour to reach our idyllic villa. I say idyllic, which is was when we arrived, but getting to it was one of the most random journeys I have ever taken consisting of sandy roads and a road that our poor little car struggled to get up as it was so steep, But with all steep climbs you get a wonderful view, so the journey was really worth it knowing we would wake up to this every morning.
After a day of chilling out around our pool we ventured into Yalikavak for a meal, Yalikavak has so many nice taverners its impossible to choose one, but we decided on Cardalki purely as it was overlooking the harbour. We drank and ate the night away on red wine and Turkish Mezze- a perfect first night!
The next day we checked out Palmarina Marina located in Yalikavak. It has just been recently purchased by the youngest billionaire in Turkey, Mubariz Mansimov, who has spent $20million rebranding and renaming it.
The marina is home to some lovely resturants and bars, in particular Tango. Tango is set overlooking the marina and is great for pre dinner drinks as it has such a chilled out vibe to it.
The marina kind of reminds me of what Monoco would have been like 30 years ago before all the tourists and celebrities arrived; a chilled out, exclusive place with young millionaires mooring in for a few days while they tour the coast line-ahhh if only that we're me!
There is more to this marina then gazing at the million pound yachts, and the stunningly beutiful people ,it has a large amphitheatre which hosts musical events and as well as moonlight cinema nights ever Wednesday night.
I can imagine when I return in a few years time( hopefully sooner) this will be the place to be and I can't wait to see how it will have transformed from the sleepy exclusive marina it is now.
Since I have returned I have found out that on 15th June 2012
Rihanna is supposed to be opening the marina, and if this is true, I suspect she will be performing at the amphitheatre, if only I had of visited 3 weeks later!
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The sun setting over the Aegean Sea from our terrace...
Yalikavak at night.....
Yalikavak's main street...
View overlooking the harbour from Cardlaki Restaurant
Having a drink at Tango by the marina...
