Ortakent-Yahsi

West of Bitez, about 12 km far from Bodrum, Ortakent-Yahsi is situated at the longest beach of the region. In comparison with other places on the peninsula here the water is a little chillier, but it is so clean that it was tagged with the "Blue Flag".

Ortakent, county town as well, is situated a little further up the hills on the other side of the mainstreet. In this old part of the town the traditional way of life is still practiced. A green valley, overgrown with shady gardens of lemon trees, slopes down to Ortakent-Yahsi beach.

Along the coastline high standard hotels, harmoniously matching with the landscape, were built in the last few years. For every request and budged a suitable will be found.

Only 1 km north of Ortakent archaeological excavations took place. Some pottery, ceramic and bronze pieces were found. Some of it are exhibited in the Bodrum-Underwater-Museum now. Settlements in this area during the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman epochs have already been known before.

In the present-day district Çakmali, formerly "Müsgebi", a temple to Apollo was supposed to be, which was converted into a Christian church and became an diocesan town in the Byzantine era. The bishop was named Episkopi. It is believed that the name "Müsgebi" is the common parlance of his name.

Along the coastline you will find old two storied Greek houses, called "Arpranga", which are protected as historic monuments. Their location usually opens a most impressive view. Especially in the fesh air of an early morning or a tepid evening a gorgeous walk along the miles and miles of sandy beach is recommended.