One of the most welcoming and laid-back destinations on the Bodrum Peninsula, just after Bitez, Ortakent blends sea and nature in a tranquil setting. With its wide beaches, mandarin orchards, calm sea, and a strong sense of local life, Ortakent is a perfect summer getaway for those seeking peace and simplicity. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Ortakent, Bodrum, along with practical tips to help plan your trip.
Ortakent at a Glance: What to Expect?
Ortakent (also known as Yahşi) is located on the southern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, approximately 13 km from Bodrum city center.
Known for its warm sea, sandy beach, and fragrant mandarin gardens, Ortakent sits right at the crossroads of the Bodrum region, making it one of the area’s most conveniently located and popular beach resorts.
Offering the feel of a traditional village and the ease of a coastal town, Ortakent appeals to those who want to enjoy local life and a relaxing beach holiday. It used to be two separate villages—Yahşi and Ortakent—before merging into one township in 1999.
Ortakent is especially famous for having one of the widest and flattest beaches in Bodrum. Lined with seaside cafes and restaurants, it offers the ideal setting to spend long, enjoyable hours by the water. The inland areas, dotted with mandarin trees, provide a calm and scenic atmosphere for those who enjoy being close to nature.
Ortakent’te Tatilin Avantajları ve Dezavantajları
Avantajları:
Geniş ve sığ plajlar: Çocuklu aileler ve rahat yüzme sevenler için ideal bir sahil yapısı sunuyor.
Yerel atmosfer: Büyük otellerden ziyade küçük işletmeler ve yerel hayat ön planda.
Su sporları imkanları: Sahilde su kayağı, jet ski, banana boat gibi çeşitli aktiviteler yapılabiliyor.
Bodrum Merkez’e yakınlık: Şehir merkezine araçla 15 dakikada ulaşılabiliyor.
Sakinlik ve doğallık: Kalabalık merkezlere kıyasla çok daha huzurlu bir tatil ortamı sunuyor.
Dezavantajları:
Gece hayatı sınırlı: Hareketli gece eğlencesi isteyenler için Ortakent fazla sessiz kalabilir.
Alışveriş seçenekleri az: Büyük mağaza ve alışveriş merkezi seçenekleri için Bodrum Merkez’e gitmek gerekiyor.
Sezonda doluluk: Temmuz ve Ağustos aylarında plajlar oldukça yoğun olabiliyor.
Ortakent’e İlk Defa Gelecekler İçin Tavsiyeler
Denize yakın konaklama tercih edin: Ortakent’in geniş plajına birkaç adımda ulaşabileceğiniz bir otelde kalmak tatilinizi daha keyifli hale getirir.
Araç kiralamayı düşünün: Bodrum Merkez ve civardaki diğer koyları keşfetmek için araç kiralamak rahatlık sağlar.
Sabah saatlerinde denize girin: Sabahları deniz çok daha sakin ve temiz olur; ayrıca plaj kalabalıklaşmadan yüzmenin keyfini çıkarabilirsiniz.
Mandalina zamanı gelin: Eğer Ekim-Kasım aylarında gelirseniz Ortakent’in mandalina kokulu sokaklarını keşfetmek harika bir deneyim olur.
Yerel restoranları deneyin: Plaj boyunca yer alan küçük restoranlarda taze balık ve Ege mutfağının nefis mezeleri tatmanızı öneririm.
Su sporlarını deneyimleyin: Jet ski, banana veya su kayağı gibi aktivitelerle tatilinize hareket katabilirsiniz.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Ortakent, Bodrum
Pros:
Wide and shallow beaches: Perfect for families with children and those who prefer calm waters.
Authentic local vibe: Instead of massive resorts, small businesses and local life take the spotlight.
Water sports available: Enjoy jet skiing, banana boat rides, and water skiing right along the coast.
Close to Bodrum Center: Only about a 15-minute drive to reach Bodrum city center.
Peaceful and natural: Offers a much more relaxed environment compared to busier resorts.
Cons:
Limited nightlife: Those looking for a party scene may find Ortakent too quiet in the evenings.
Fewer shopping options: For big-name stores or malls, you’ll need to head to Bodrum town center.
High-season crowding: In July and August, the beaches can get fairly busy.
Our Best First-Time Tips for Visiting Ortakent
Stay near the beach: Choose a hotel just steps from Ortakent Beach to enjoy easy access and beautiful views.
Rent a car: To explore nearby bays and attractions like Bodrum Castle, having a car is a major convenience.
Swim in the morning: The sea is calmest and clearest in the early hours, plus it’s less crowded.
Visit during mandarin season: If you come in October or November, stroll the mandarin-scented streets and enjoy a quieter side of Ortakent.
Dine at local restaurants: Try fresh seafood and Aegean meze at small seaside eateries.
Try water sports: Add some adventure to your trip with jet skiing, banana boating, or water skiing.
Top Things to Do & See in Ortakent
Ortakent offers a mix of beach relaxation and light exploration in a peaceful setting:
Ortakent Beach: One of the longest and flattest beaches in Bodrum, ideal for lounging, swimming, and sunbathing.
Yahşi Beach: Located in the Yahşi area of Ortakent, known for its crystal-clear shallow waters, especially popular with families.
Walk through mandarin orchards: Take a stroll through the inner parts of the village to enjoy the fragrance of citrus trees.
Water sports centers: Available all along the coast for fun activities like jet ski, water skiing, and more.
Visit Bodrum Center: Just a 15-minute drive away, you can explore Bodrum Castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the vibrant marina.
Ortakent beach, the Coves, Water Sports
Ortakent coast is the second longest one after Bitez coast. It has a long beautiful beach where also variety of water sports available. Ortakent is also popular for windsurfing lovers.
Ortakent is famous for its beautiful beaches. The blue flagged Yahsi Beach and Camel Beach are the two most famous beaches in Ortakent. Here you can take diving and windsurfing lessons.
The nearby Yahsi bay, with its clean sea and sandy beach, is another good alternative for sea lovers.
Ortakent Bay Video Tour
Bodrum Aqua Park
The Bodrum Aqua Park is one of the most popular and the biggest water parks on the Bodrum Peninsula. It is located in Ortakent. Once known as Dedeman Water Park, now it serves with its new operators, new managers, and new team since 2018 with a brand new name and quality of service.
It covers an area of 35,000 square meters, and has started to provide the best service to its guests with its superior quality many water slide systems, activities, restaurants and more. Bodrum Aqua Park is open every day between 10:00 and 17:00.
Fun Town Yahsi Park
The Fun Town Park is one of the most popular theme parks on the Bodrum Peninsula. It is located in Ortakent. You’ll find great attractions at the park from horse riding and children’s playgrounds to go-karts, paintball, table tennis, racing fields and sports fields.
Address: Hortme Str. No:9, Ortakent, Bodrum
Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village
Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village is a culture and art center in Ortakent, famous for its great art galleries, antique shops, event areas, boutiques and handmade souvenir shops.
Address: Yakaköy Çilek Str. No.46/2, Ortakent, Bodrum
Boat Trips
Boat trips along the stunning coastline of the Bodrum peninsula coasts is one of the best things to do in Bodrum. Bodrum coasts are very rich in color with jagged rocks and bright trees, as well as contrasted against the clear, turquoise sea. You’ll definitely experience the beautiful coasts by visiting the various bays by boat.
The tour guides will tell you where you can safely jump into the crystal clear waters to swim and snorkel. You’ll come across plenty of fish and other marine life, and when back on board, you’ll dry off while enjoying the sun. Continue reading…
Sightseeing
You can also have a day out to see the popular sights and historical sites on the Bodrum peninsula, including the Bodrum Windmills on the hills between Gumbet and central Bodrum, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the Myndos Gate and an ancient Amphitheater in central Bodrum, and the ruins of Pedasa.
Daily Tours & Excursions
For the ones who will not want to spend their Ortakent holidays on a routine day out at their hotels, than attending to daily tours and excursions is one of the best options to experience and enjoy the stunning landscapes and natural beauties, crystal clear turquoise sea, historical sites, and charms of the Bodrum peninsula.
Variety of all inclusive daily boat trips, cycling, 4×4 Off-road Safari, Quad & Buggy Safari, scuba diving, day trips to Ephesus, Pamukkale and Dalyan are the top selling and the most popular excursions and daily tours from Bodrum. Continue reading…
Shopping in Ortakent – What to Buy
Ortakent doesn’t have large shopping malls but offers charming local shops selling unique handmade and natural products:
Handmade Jewelry: You can find sea-themed accessories and stone-crafted jewelry at small boutiques and stalls.
Local Products: Olive oil, lavender sachets, and handmade soaps are among the most popular organic gift items.
Mandarin-Themed Goods: Mandarin jam, Turkish delight, and dried mandarin peels are unique to Ortakent.
Beach Accessories: Stylish pareos, sun hats, and beach bags are widely available near the beach.
Tip: For larger shopping options, head to Bodrum Center or Midtown Shopping Mall.
Where to Eat in Ortakent – What to Try
The culinary scene in Ortakent is simple yet flavorful, reflecting the charm of a seaside town. Fresh, local ingredients are at the core:
Fresh Fish and Seafood: Try the catch of the day and locally prepared seafood dishes at seaside restaurants.
Aegean Meze: Staples like stuffed zucchini flowers, samphire, and olive oil artichokes are must-tries.
Homestyle Meals: Local diners serve traditional Turkish stews, olive oil dishes, and seasonal salads at great value.
Breakfast Cafes: Start your day with an organic Turkish breakfast at coastal cafes offering serpme kahvaltı.
Desserts: During summer, enjoy fruit-based ice creams and light Turkish desserts.
Recommended Places to Eat:
Yarbasan Restaurant: Famous for its serpme breakfast and fresh, all-natural ingredients. A relaxing setting perfect for families or groups.
Ortakent Simitçisi: A must-visit bakery known for crispy simits, pastries, and freshly baked bread—great for pastry lovers.
Ortakent Nightlife
Ortakent’s nightlife is relaxed and peaceful. Instead of wild parties, evenings focus on seaside enjoyment:
Seafront Bars and Cafes: Enjoy a cocktail with soft music, listening to the sound of the sea.
Live Music Venues: During summer, some beachside restaurants and cafes offer acoustic live music performances.
Evening Walks: Take a leisurely stroll by the sea, ideal for quiet conversations under the stars.
Bodrum Center Alternative: If you’re looking for more action, Bodrum’s nightlife—including bars and nightclubs—is just 15 minutes away.
Where to Stay in Ortakent?
Ortakent offers a warm and nature-integrated atmosphere with a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget:
Boutique Hotels: Small, seafront boutique Ortakent hotels are perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful holiday.
Apart Hotels: Families can enjoy self-catering apartments that are both affordable and comfortable.
Guesthouses: For a cozy and homely stay, guesthouses near the beach are ideal.
Luxury Hotels: Along Ortakent’s beach, you’ll find 4- and 5-star hotels with large private beaches, pools, and on-site restaurants.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit during peak summer months (especially July and August), booking early increases your chances of securing a beachfront hotel.
Key Statistics
7% of tourists choose to stay in Ortakent.
62% of hotels are family-friendly.
Summer occupancy rate: 80%
Average price range: €100–170 per night
Best For: Families, couples, and those who love long walks on the beach.
Things to Know Before Your Trip to Ortakent
Ortakent offers a cooler and more refreshing climate compared to other parts of Bodrum, making it a great summer retreat. Here are some tips to help you plan:
Climate & Weather
Ortakent has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Swimming season runs from late May to early October.
Average summer temperatures can exceed 30°C, with warm and comfortable sea temperatures.
Travel Tips
Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong sun exposure.
Mornings offer calmer seas and quieter beaches – perfect for swimming.
Bring comfortable shoes or sandals for afternoon seaside walks.
Many beachside restaurants fill up in summer – make dinner reservations in advance to avoid waiting.
Consider renting a car to easily reach nearby Yahşi Beach and other scenic Bodrum coves.
How to Get to Ortakent – Transportation Guide
Ortakent is located about 13 km from Bodrum city center and 47 km from Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV). From Bodrum Milas Airport, HAVAŞ shuttle buses operate regular services via Güvercinlik, Torba Road, and Bodrum Bus Station (Otogar) in both directions.
Travel time from the airport to Bodrum city center by HAVAŞ shuttle is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. From Bodrum center, there are minibuses (dolmuş) to Ortakent, taking around 15 minutes.
From Bodrum Airport to Ortakent
The journey by car takes around 45–50 minutes.
Take a HAVAŞ shuttle to Bodrum Bus Station, then transfer to the Ortakent dolmuş.
Alternatively, you can opt for a private transfer or car rental for direct access to Ortakent.
From Bodrum City Center to Ortakent
Regular Ortakent dolmuş services operate from Bodrum Bus Station, with a travel time of 15–20 minutes.
You can also reach Ortakent comfortably via the D330 highway by private car.
Google Map
FAQs
Where is Ortakent located in Bodrum?
Ortakent is situated on the southwestern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, about 10 km from Bodrum center.
What’s the easiest way to get to Ortakent?
Take a dolmuş from Bodrum Bus Station (15–20 minutes) or drive. From the airport, a transfer or rental car is the fastest option.
What is the sea like in Ortakent?
The sea in Ortakent is clear, shallow, and calm – ideal for families with children and those who enjoy relaxed swimming.
Who is Ortakent ideal for?
Ortakent is perfect for couples, families, and travelers looking to experience the natural side of Bodrum in a peaceful setting.
What activities can you do in Ortakent?
Swimming, water sports, walking through mandarin orchards, and visiting historical sites in Bodrum are among the top activities.
Are there shopping opportunities in Ortakent?
Yes, you’ll find local boutiques, beach shops, and handmade crafts. For larger shopping malls, head to Bodrum center.
What is the nightlife like in Ortakent?
Ortakent offers a quiet nightlife, with beach cafés and bars playing soft music. For more action, Bodrum city center is nearby.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Ortakent?
Yes, there are many family-oriented hotels, apart accommodations, and resorts with children’s activities.
When is the best time to visit Ortakent?
The best time for an Ortakent holiday is June to September, when the sea and weather are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Are there luxury hotels in Ortakent?
Yes, Ortakent offers luxury beachfront hotels, resorts, and boutique hotels for a more exclusive holiday experience.
