Bafa Lake is at the south-east of the Great Menderes (Büyük Menderes) Delta, 25 km far away from the Söke District, and east of the ancient city of Miletus,  now known as Milas. Probably one of the  largest unspoilt lakes in Turkey, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Beşparmak (Latmos) Mountains. Bafa Lake used to be a part of the Aegean Sea, and  has become a lake as result of geomorphologic changes of the Great Menderes Delta.. The maximum depth of the Bafa Lake reaches 25 meters in some parts, with the main water source coming from water floods of the Great Menderes (Büyük Menderes) River, and underground waters flowing from the mountains.

The plant cover around the lake mainly consists of Tamarisks, Pine trees, and Olive groves. Bafa Lake has it`s own ecosystem type characteristics which provides a winter haven for many bird species, some of which are very rare.

The largest population of bird species in Bafa Lake which is a Natural Park include the Pelican, Dwarf Cormorant and the Sea Eagle. Over 300,00 different bird species can be found in this very special location, a list of some of the species can be found below.

There are over 700 kinds of plankton in the Lake, and a huge variety of water plants which has attracted a wealth of fish species to live in the lake.

Bafa Lake also has cultural and historical value; Heraclia`s ancient city is within the borders of the Lake, at the south west foot of Beşparmak Mountains. Historical buildings here include the Athena Temple, an Agora, Council Building, Public Bath, Theatre, Nymphaion (fountain building), and Endymion Temple.

In order to protect this historical and natural area, the 12,281 hectares gained of Natural Park status in 1994.

Facilities:

• a visitor centre
• a camping area
• places for daily use and picnic
• walking and trekking footpaths
• bird watching stations will be available.

LATMOS – HERAKLEIA: Latmos or Herakleia, the original name of the town in history, was a town built on a harbour on the skirts of Mount Latmos which is 1375 m high. The economy of Herakleia depended on agriculture, fishing and sea commerce. The collapse of the city was brought upon by the River Meander which caused the connection of the bay and the sea to break off: The natural structure, the appearance and the skirt of the mountain which the city was settled on, show why there were so many legends born.

A Love Story
The moon goddess SELENE put her darling ENDYMON into sleep and came over one night and made love to him. Mount Latmos didn’t lose its mysterious and holy character even in the Byzantine period.

Lake Bafa, “Bafa Gölü” in Turkish, East of the ancient city of Miletus, is one of the largest coastal lakes in Turkey, set against the magnificent backdrop of Beşparmak (Latmos) Mountains. The bouldering opportunities around Bafa are spread on a very large area of approximately 1000 square kilometres. So far only a minimum part is opened, and also in the near future it doesn’t seem that the big potential will be fully exploited. All blocks are in a natural and cultural protected area: behave accordingly! If blocks are on private properties, ask in advance authorization to the owners, do not damage olive trees and fields, and close after you gates that you found closed. People of the place are usually very kind. In general even if language barriers stand in the way, friendliness and respect help

Boat tours. There are four small islands on Bafa lake, their names are Kapıkırı, İkizce, Menet and Kahvesar. Also there are ruins of a monastry on one of these islands: “Yediler Monastry”. Watch Selene’s light at night in Bafa and think the love of Selene and Endymion.

Güllük, is a small harbor town with own municipality within the district of Milas, situated north of Bodrum in Muğla Province of Turkey. It is a small Turkish town and growing holiday destination, with the town being pleasantly developed with a range of tourist amenities. The Town centre is typically Turkish, with a wide range of restaurants being dotted along the waterfront. A yachting marina is being developed, as are a number of beaches. For some time Gulluk has been a popular stopover for tourists sailing the Blue Cruise tour and also has an important port for lighter freight ships. Güllük is also an important center of construction for gulet boats, coming second only to Bodrum.

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Just 10 minutes drive from Bodrum International Airport, Gulluk is an excellent location for a great holiday all year round with its long hot summers and mild pleasant winters. Long weekends are not out of the question, with the budget airlines, short flying times and proximity to the airport, a winter getaway is a must. The choice in apartments and villas is endless, Low prices make inexpensive self-catering holidays a reality.

Gulluk has a picturesque bay, which also offers views over the historical site of Iassos; an ancient city founded by Greek colonists. In Turkey, Gulluk is famously known as 'a fisherman's paradise', and as such the village has some fantastic fish restaurants. The lovely promenade provides a great place to have a wander or sit and enjoy the sunset. As Gulluk is west-facing it offers some stunning sunsets for you to enjoy.

An 18-hole golf course is just 15 minutes drive from the village, and with Gulluk offering many sailing and watersports facilities, there's something for everyone is this stunning village. A new marina is currently being built in Gulluk which will offer an upmarket area with new shops, bars and restaurants and is being labelled as the new Monte Carlo so will be quite exclusive. There is a couple of large supermarkets in the town for the everyday essentials.

Golf is not the only activity available locally with boat trips going from the bay daily for sightseeing or fishing, water sports and cultural trips to ancient sites such Iassos and Halikarnassus means that there is something for everyone. Bodrum is just 25 minutes drive away and this is a much larger town and a vibrant tourist resort.

Part of Gulluk's irresistible charm is the way traditional culture sits comfortably alongside contemporary life. You can while the time with the locals in the village tea house before walking 5 minutes along the seafront to the cocktails, hammocks and dance music of the beach club. It simply has something for everyone.

Please just ask us for details on local activities, places to go as we are keen to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible.

Bodrum Golf & Leisure introduces several new and exciting self-catering holiday apartments, villas and resorts offering superb facilities and top class facilities to rent throughout the year. If you are looking to rent an apartment or villa in Bodrum then Bodrum Golf & Leisure has the perfect solution for you.

Choose from town or resort accommodation, self-catering, B&B, half and full board hotels, whatever the choice you are only a few minutes from beaches, bars, restaurants and leisure areas and a short drive from Vita Park Golf Resort, the regions first and only major 18-hole golf course and of course Bodrum Town itself.

Need Cheap Flights?

Whatever your choice, Bodrum Golf & Leisure is here to help you. We can help with organising your accommodation, transfers and car hire - even welcome packs. Our database of properties grows weekly and we are committed to providing you with the best choice for your budget and needs. If you don't see anything that catches your eye just give us a quick call on 0044 (0)117 230 2966 or use the contact form to the right to make contact.

If you have a rental property in Bodrum that you wish to market then please complete the application form or register with us today. Bodrum Golf & Leisure is the only 100% Bodrum focused rental portal offering owners and clients undiluted rentals and information on the Bodrum peninsula.

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