Do you want to escape civilisation? Then come to Bozburun. A secluded seaside village sitting amidst stocky forested mountainsides, sheltered white-sand coves and fields bursting with lavender and thyme, Bozburun is the quintessential seaside retreat. A favourite of yachtsmen, the village has remained untouched by mass tourism, owing to the popularity of nearby Marmaris, a resort town, allowing it to retain a charming authenticity. Whether you're exploring nearby hidden coves by boat, hiking up Asar Hill to the ancient city of Larymna, or basking in the unbridled sunshine at one of her beaches, you will fall head-over-heels for this picturesque, unspoilt village. The best places to stay in Bozburun tend to be small and charming; ideal for a quintessentially Turkish experience.
Bozburun is rooted in the sea. The picturesque fishing village is renowned for its boatbuilding, particularly of "gulet" boats, that are constructed in the small-scale shipyards and workshops that line the shoreline. Fresh fish is brought in daily by local fishermen and in the early hours, by the shore, you can watch them haul their catch-of-the-day down the harbour to local restaurants. The atmosphere is laid-back and utterly tranquil. From their gardens, locals grow their own vegetables and keep chickens, and in many ways Bozburun as a whole gives off the impression that the 21st hasn't arrived.
Perched atop Asar Hill nearby lies the ancient walled city of Larymna. Walking there takes around 45 minutes, and the journey itself makes for a wonderful, albeit fascinating afternoon excursion. It is one of several ancient cities that pepper the local area, including Tafllica and Phoinix, which are well worth the visit. The beaches that stretch along the shore are long, golden and narrow - ideal for lounging lazily in the sun - but the real gems are hidden from sight, lying in sheltered coves nearby, and can only be reached by boat. Take the time out to book a boat ride to a nearby cove and spend the day exploring it, free from the noisesome crowds of tourists!
What not to miss
- Sunbathe on one of the lovely beaches.
- Hire a boat and explore the nearby sheltered coves and islets.
- Eat freshly-caught, locally-sourced fish at one of her many seafood restaurants.
- Hike up Asar Hill and explore the ancient city of Larymna.
Bozburun lies where time stands still: it is the perfect place to get-away-from-it-all. Check out our collection of the best places to stay in Bozburun to stat planning your trip.